Tools used in business communication: SMS, Teleconferencing, Video Conferencing

SMS

Faced with the rise in instant messaging applications, SMS has been under major scrutiny from customers suggesting that IM’s have killed the need for SMS messaging. With customer arguments concluding that SMS messaging is an outdated form of communication, the questions still remain then – why is SMS messaging thriving as a channel for business communication and when would SMS be the better choice when faced with the opportunity of communicating via any one of the other Instant Messaging applications.

SMS messaging was first used in December in 1992 and has since become one of the most widely used features on any mobile phone. According to recent experience sampling conducted by the Pew Research Centre based in Washington DC, text messaging is the most widely used smartphone feature, even amongst younger smartphone users.

While SMS may not be able to compete with the low cost of applications like WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat and Snapchat, SMS still has the upper hand on many fronts. Where IM’s offer low cost communication, the higher cost of SMS communication reduces spam as the sender actually has to pay to send a message. Where IM’s promise personal communication, SMS promises to remain versatile for both personal and business communications. Even though IM’s promise instant response, they come coupled with limitations that SMS evades. For example, in order to communicate effectively via an Instant Messaging app, the people you wish to communicate with also need to have the app downloaded onto their device which excludes basic feature phone users. Where SMS platforms offer managing and sending to large global databases, IM’s require that the necessary contacts be saved to your personal device. Where IM’s promise social networking opportunities, SMS promises to remain a trusted communication tool for both person to person and application to person messaging. With the myriad of applications available across various smartphone devices, SMS still remains integral to communication in the twenty-first century and can be used for versatile and creative communications.

Here are some examples of when SMS messaging is the better choice for electronic business communications:

1. SMS is a universal communication tool and can be delivered to any mobile phone.
2. SMS communications can be sent to rural areas or areas with poor internet connection.
3. SMS offers reliable and targeted communications.
4. SMS is short and sweet and offers concise and clear communications with consumers and colleagues. By using responsive bulk SMS messaging platforms you can steer clear of the inundation of replies and messages that are synonymous with IM group chats and save the recipients from receiving replies and responses from all other group members.
5. SMS allows for consumer communication and interaction via SMS Shortcodes or Incoming Long Numbers.
6. SMS API’s can be incorporated into system processes to offer automated application to person communication.

Teleconferencing

Teleconferencing among multiple participants in two or more locations is a strategic communication tool deployed by many companies with multiple locations and dispersed employees. Business cyclical shifts and economic downturns tend to see a rise in the use of teleconferencing facilities. Used judiciously and strategically, teleconferencing can enhance organizational productivity, engage employees at all levels and reduce travel budgets.

Reduces Travel

One of the most-apparent benefits of teleconferencing is reduced travel. Businesses with multiple offices and federal governmental agencies with state offices can hold discussions, share critical information and conduct other meetings with employees through teleconferencing.

Saves Time

Teleconferencing frees up time for company executives to finish tasks and execute assigned roles in their own locations or home bases. Time saved from reduced travel can be used more productively.

Streamlines Costs

During economic downturns, teleconferencing sees a resurgence in popularity as an effective communication and interaction tool. Companies report significant savings in travel and human resource budgets.

Enhances Productivity

Teleconferencing allows dispersed employees to communicate with coworkers at headquarters, conduct long-distance meetings and strategic discussions, and share grievances and other human resource issues. Better employee engagement, understanding of roles and effective use of time lead to enhanced productivity.

Short-Notice Scheduling

Teleconferencing systems and toll-free, dial-in access facilities make it possible for companies to schedule short-notice or ad-hoc employee teleconferencing meetings or discussions.

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing helps to break barriers of distance among businesses. Down below we list the importance of video conferencing in business:

1. Reach out to several people at the same time
   
   Video conferencing allows you to conduct meetings with several people at the same time. You can talk and chat with people from different parts of the world at the ease of your residence or office. Business owners can connect with clients and employees and hold discussions. Strategic planning and meetings which require several members to be present can be carried out with ease. You get the option of talking to multiple people at the same time and carry out your business strategies with ease. Thus projects get completed faster and deals get finalized within a short period of time.
2. Save time and money on your travel
   It saves time and money related to business travel. Business owners connect with people by video conference for routine meetings, negotiating deals, interviewing candidates, etc. Thus a lot of money gets saved from the cost of traveling to different locations. This is greatly beneficial for a company as they start getting more returns. Thus video conferencing plays a key role in reduced costs of running the business.
3. Bind all your workers through one software
   Your business may have mobile workers who are scattered throughout different locations. You can bind them all through video conferencing from their mobile phones. It also allows you to check the whereabouts and the activities of the employees. Thus you can keep a watch on all your workers at whatever location they might be in. This leads to better management and ensures all your employees are on track.
4. Increase in productivity
   You get an increase in productivity among teams. Video conferencing enables participants to stay more focused and alert on the topic of discussion. Thus projects get completed much faster. Productivity also increases and your employees feel more in sync with each other. ezTalks has features like HD video and audio, free screen sharing. It helps you have an effective conference with all managerial tools at hand.
5. A better way to interact and connect with people
   Video conferencing helps to improve communication and re-establish relationships. During a video conference you get to see the body language and facial expressions of the participants. This leads to a more effective and faster collaboration. It helps to make the employees feel that they are close to the home office also. It helps employees to gain trust in their employers and betters understanding among them also.
6. Aiding telecommunication
   Video conferencing also helps telecommunication. It helps to provide a visual display to your normal audio call. If employees have flexible work timings then video conferencing can be a good way to curb a lack of interaction among employees.
7. Other benefits
   You can also organize your conferences and meetings independent of time. You can also talk to several people in a day which would not have been possible by simply traveling to all the locations. You also get improved team work capabilities and better results from group projects. Video conferencing also allows you to tweak the conference with features like digital whiteboards, arrangement and scheduling of conferences and chatting on text also.