Virtual Meetings have become a necessity for professionals to continue business interaction during the global pandemic. But what many of us thought would be a temporary solution is actually turning out to be the new norm for conducting work and events. Even once we’ve moved past the coronavirus pandemic, events are expected to have more virtual components and online interactive experiences. Remote meetings will continue to allow for workers to work from home and freelancers to provide their services online.
There are many factors as to why we will maintain our virtual norms once life returns to normal. Here are 3 reasons why we predict virtual meetings and events are here to stay for the long haul.
1. Convenience and Ease
One notable strength of conducting events and meetings virtually is that you are not limited by geographical location. This allows for global reach and therefore you can connect with anyone at any time. While this option was also available prior to the pandemic, we now know that virtual meetings can be just as effective as in-person meetings in maintaining relationships and establishing new clientele.
For those who are conducting a virtual business model, all it takes is a couple of clicks to set up a meeting in real-time, whereas before you’d have to determine the time, location, and then commute back and forth. On Symposium, we streamline this process further by including scheduling, video chat, and payment all-in-one, where you can easily set up your availability in seconds.
2. Speed and Efficiency
Another benefit of virtual meetings is the ability to get straight to the point. Often the travel time and farther commutes established a need for longer, more drawn-out meetings to make sure all bases are covered and nothing is missed. When meetings are virtual, there aren’t any limitations on rearranging a follow-up meeting if some items were missed. This allows for participants to be more efficient and direct when conducting the meetings.
Another strength is the versatility it allows for service providers, meeting organizers, and event planners. Events taking place virtually allow organizers to rearrange and adjust start times more effectively. For those who conduct their businesses online, you can offer a variety of options from a quick consultation to a longer, more personalized session with your clients. For example, on Symposium, creators can sell a quick 15-minute virtual consultation or host an entire 3-hour SymCast with fans. The virtual model bypasses limitations and provides new alternatives.
3. People prefer the virtual model
At the end of the day, if the people like it, there’s no stopping it. Multiple surveys have shown that not only do a majority of people prefer remote work, they’d even be willing to take a pay cut to work from home permanently! Furthermore, senior marketers have said that future events will be a mix of in-person and virtual components, as many people will be wary to attend in-person events for a long time. The virtual option allows for global participation and creates an environment for those who can’t attend in person for logistical or practical reasons.
One thing we can’t overlook is how the virtual model has expanded new career opportunities for freelancers, small businesses, and gig workers. The rise of online teaching has shown to be a lucrative side hustle, with Research and Markets reporting that the online tutoring market has massively accelerated since the COVID-19 outbreak. People are turning more to freelancing as a result of the job market being at a standstill and many experts predict that this could be the new norm of work in our society.
With all that said, there are still many things to figure out when it comes to how the virtual model will be integrated in the upcoming months once we’re back to normal. Certain shortcomings like dropped calls, eye contact, lagging audio, and security will have to be addressed if we are to continue to leverage the best of the virtual world. But as long as the virtual model is thriving, it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Check out last week’s blog post here: https://symposium.us/4-useful-tips-for-your-first-virtual-lesson/
