Set Your Business Communication Up for Success with Reliable Software and Hardware
When starting a business or looking to maintain its momentum, you want to think about how your employees will communicate with one another as well as customers and clients.
Setting up your company with a reliable communication infrastructure that’s equipped with everything from video calling to messaging.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty details of how to build a strong infrastructure, let’s define a good communication infrastructure.
What is a communication infrastructure?
No business operates in a vacuum. Teams work on projects together to get things done. Every business uses communication tools, like a smart phone or messaging system, to stay connected with one another.
A good communication infrastructure allows your company to communicate with people inside and outside the company effortlessly. Features that you would want to include would be audio-only calling, video calling, chatting, file-sharing, screen-sharing and brainstorming tools. You’ll also want to be the platform you use supports the amount of space you need for attendance.
StartMeeting offers up to 1,000 participants on a single call, making it easy to host webinars or large conferences.
5 Key Concepts to Building Enterprise-Ready Communication for your Business
1. Get the Right Hardware
You’ll need a few items of hardware to broadcast your audio and video to recipients.
Having a computer or smart phone with a built-in webcam and microphone can be everything you need to get started. If you’re looking for a clearer video or audio experience, you may want to invest in a quality microphone and webcam for your conference rooms.
2. Invest in Scalable Products
As your company grows, you’ll look to buy more equipment and product licensing to support your increasing number of employees. Go with equipment that’s reliable and software that can expand with your business.
Not only will you save on growing expenses as your business requires more robust conferencing tools, you’ll futureproof your company’s communication.
3. Pick a Strong Messaging Software
Using a platform that offers chat allows members of your team to share ideas without being invasive. Text messaging is usually reserved for close friends and family, so a platform with a built-in messaging system becomes a perfect medium for keeping in contact with other colleagues at your organization.
When choosing a messaging software, make sure it supports things like file sharing and group chatting. Being able to transfer data and invite more than one person to a chat streamlines many communication processes that would otherwise cause hiccups in productivity.
4. Choose a Powerful Calling Software
You’ll want software that’s easy to use and well-priced. This might sound obvious, but consider the potential downsides of a complicated software, like the resistance from stakeholders, or the additional resources spent on training and support.
On the other hand, an easy-to-use software can be quickly adapted and integrated into an entire business without much friction.
Likewise, choosing a software that’s well-priced can also protect you from an inflating bill when your business begins to scale. As you’re required to purchase more licensing for products, the cost of your telecommunications bill can expand. $19.95 might not seem so bad when your company employs three people; however, at 500 employees, paying for each license can quickly add up. Keep your costs low by going with a package that includes unlimited licensing, StartMeeting’s enterprise and education packages.
5. Set a Dedicated Conferencing Space
As your business scales, you may look to expand to multiple locations. Dedicating a conference room at your head quarters and your second location will make it easier for teams to divulge information and share updates.
In this room, set up all video recording equipment, including a web cam, microphone and corporate telephone with a clear and loud speaker. The phone can be used to dial into conferencing lines that allow VoIP and local phone line access.
Setting aside a dedicated space ensures that your equipment doesn’t move much between engagements, so it’s always set up and ready to go. Additionally, since the room itself is just for meetings, you can ensure that the webcam is always pointed towards an appropriate background – in the event that it powers on unexpectedly, you can proceed with confidence.
As you build or restructure your communication framework, keep these tips in mind. With our advice, you’ll future proof your communication and make it easy for your team to stay connected no matter if they’re working remotely, in the office or away from your headquarters.
