2 minute read
THE RISE OF VIDEO CONFERENCING
THE RISE OF
VIDEO CONFERENCING
Get ready. Zoom is here to stay.
Video conferencing is well designed for the printing industry where speed and turnaround are critical for many print projects. With video meetings, printers can improve the design and proofing process and share screens with decision makers. Printers can train customers how to prepare files correctly and walk them through the proper ways to create PDF files, correct bleed issues, overcome font issues and resolution. Printers can offer real-time help in mail list management and personalization. Sales calls can be more productive, since the salesperson can share samples and better explain the benefits of the company’s quality and service.
Just as every person in the print shop communicating with customers must have an email address, they will also need video conferencing capabilities. It will require an investment in hardware, software and internet bandwidth. Each workstation will need: ● Fast Computer. For video conferencing, your computer should have a minimum of 2GB RAM with a quad-core processor. If your computer isn’t fast enough, your audio and video quality will be poor. Printers will also need the extra computer power to run other software programs when sharing a screen with the listener. ● Better Webcam. Many laptops and desktops now come with built-in cameras, but you may have to purchase a better camera to capture subtleties in facial expressions and body language. Video improves the communication process. Webcam costs under $100. ● Headset with Microphone. Many computers and laptops come equipped with built-in speakers and microphones, but most experts recommend you purchase a personal headset with a microphone. Headphones and a microphone block out background sounds, keep you from disturbing others and Read More…
avoid distracting feedback Find article at loops. You can a buy a good PrintingNews. headset with microphone for com/21151116 less than $50. ● Internet Connection. Invest in a quality internet connection that can handle all of the bandwidth that may be used during the call. A weak connection will result in audio and visual lags that can impact the quality of the call. If Wi-Fi is still giving you trouble, use an ethernet cable for a direct connection to cut down on any potential speed issues or sudden dropouts. Printers need to have enough bandwidth available to handle more than one video conference at a time while still moving large digital files. Your local internet provider can help you determine your internet requirements. ● Video Conferencing Software/App. Don’t go cheap. There are a variety of different software and apps available to host meetings. Two popular software used by businesses are Zoom or Gotomeeting. com. You’ll want to use the paid versions of the programs to have more capabilities during the call. The programs will provide the other listeners with a free link to connect.
Video conferencing is becoming the business communication of choice because it engages the participants. Face-to-face conversations build trust, particularly since all parties can see the non-verbal cues. Problem-solving is better done face-to-face. If you want to move to the next sales level and reach larger companies, make the investment now so you are the technology leader in your market and the printer people want to do business with today. ●
John Giles is a consultant for the printing industry who works with Tom Crouser and CPrint International to help printers prosper. Contact John at (954) 224-1942, john@cprint.com, or johng247@aol.com.