The New Age of Communication
Chris Beer
Founder, CEO & MD at George & Matilda Eyecare | Business Transformationalist | Retail Specialist | Independents Champion
Zoom - has it changed our lives for good or is it just a fad?
Having been in retail and business now for over 36 years, it had always been my firm belief that face-to-face meetings were best, and I would personally go out of my way to ensure meetings were conducted in this manner.
However, over the last 6 months, I’ve grown very comfortable using Zoom and with the reality of travel some time away, I can really see from a personal perspective my preference changing for good.
Over time, I believe we have collectively built upon our skills so that the subtleties of face-to-face communication are no longer lost over other channels. With that said, I really think we need to question the days of jumping on a plane for a couple of interstate meetings – not for the reason of cost, but simply for productivity and the effective and efficient use of time.
In the past, I would say 90% of my meetings were face-to-face and 10% were conference calls. Going forward, I cannot see myself doing anything other than the total reverse of this.
What are your thoughts on this topic?
Finance Executive
4 年Very insightful. Thank you
Clinica Baviera - Chief Operations Officer Northern Europe
4 年I love it
Manager at Vos
4 年Definitely has got more people engaged and efficiency will reign. Travel from one side of the city to the other or from state to state will be seen as inefficient and inconvenient for that 1 hours meeting that will yield the same result or direction as a video conference. As an operation with offices and workshops in two states, video chat has emerged as good as popping into my colleagues office next door. Site and handover inspections being able to be live from the supervisor to the project team will potentially save thousands on a project. We are using it in very creative ways and that will be developed further as we move forward.
Semi-retired
4 年I’d suggest it depends on the purpose and/or the content of the meeting. I agree, having had no choice but to use Zoom, FT, GoTo, or MS Teams these last few months, I’ve got used to engaging with clients via a computer screen. However, I think we need to recognise there is still value in face to face interaction, especially when there’s a need to create or maintain a relationship.
Family Preservation Program Case Manager
4 年I agree and have been saying this for the last couple of years, even before Corona virus. 90% video conferencing 10% face to face.