WHY VIDEO MEETINGS?

It is vital that from the outset you understand why you want Video, who will use it, how they will use it and how Video Meetings will become part of your wider communications strategy. For example, are you seeking to cut your travel costs? Improve your internal and external communications? Improve your business efficiency? Reduce the overall levels of stress and exposure to risk?

At this stage it is also important to consider who would take responsibility for promoting and managing Videoconferencing within your organisation and how you would change your work practices in order to achieve a swift Return on Investment.

WHICH SYSTEM?

There is now a bewildering array of different equipment, much of which will not be relevant to your specific requirements. Do you want desktop? Roll about or static room systems; boardroom or lecture theatre systems; or mobile? How will your selection work together seamlessly and reliably?

HOW MUCH?

We can provide a full sales service, as well as tendering and contract services. We know the market inside out. We recognise fair prices and we know the dodgy deals! We will always be price competitive securing the best systems at the very best price and on the best terms.

LOCATION?

It is vital to select the correct location for your Videoconferencing systems. They should not be regarded as exclusive, so do not make the mistake of putting them in the boardroom! They should be away from noisy areas but also accessible to all. VMC's installations are of broadcast quality. Video Meetings should be non-technical with the focus upon the meeting itself, not the technology.

INTEGRATION?

It is important that Videoconferencing becomes part of your overall communications strategy. We will assist you in linking to other Video applications such as desktop and mobile; integrate with web and audio conferencing; migrate or converge data, voice and video on to one IP platform and provide you with access to our UK and global Video Meeting Room network.

DIFFICULT TO USE?

Our simple, yet enormously effective familiarisation and training sessions allied to our unique Video Implementation Programme and Video Acceleration Programme ensure that usage reaches high level and you enjoy a swift Return on Investment.

SUPPORT?

We work with not just your IT personnel but also users to ensure the smooth operation of the systems and we maintain an on-going dialogue so that you are kept fully informed of new technical developments.

EASY TO MANAGE?

We will assist you to establish a simple system for scheduling, reservations (billing where appropriate), call launching, tracking and resolving issues. We will ensure the smooth running of your meetings and provide the support of our experienced Video Help Desk professionals.

VIDEO CHAMPIONS?

It is incredible how often Videoconferencing is acquired with little or no thought being given to actually encouraging its use and incentivising the users. We identify Video Champions within your organisation with whom we work to ensure the widest possible Video usage. We supply collateral that extols the business benefits and encourages individuals to change their travel and work practices. It is vital that you engage the support of every sector of your organisation, particularly those associated with HR, finance, travel and administrative issues. The introduction of corporate policies and management directives will further guarantee the swift Return on Investment.

A LONG TERM SUCCESS?

VMC's clients who continually infuse their Video users with incentives, competitions and prizes, anti-travel perks and regular Video sessions all report enthusiastic adoption of Videoconferencing. The secret is Refresh! Refresh! Refresh!

GETTING IT WRONG

VMC MD, David Rose - "I estimate that more than 30% of our Client Services resource is now committed to resolving the all too familiar issues":-

People still purchase equipment which is inappropriate for their needs. Regrettably for the whole image of Videoconferencing, some resellers just sell what they have in the storeroom.

Badly installed systems produce poor sound and pictures, and destroy the entire meeting experience.

A lack of even rudimentary training results in 'technophobia' and people simply don't use the systems.

If the business benefits are not communicated at the outset, individuals see no reason to use the systems, let alone promote the adoption of Videoconferencing throughout the organisation.

People have to be encouraged to change their work practices. Not dramatically, but positively and consistently so costs are cut, performance improved and lifestyles enhanced.

'Video Fear' is also either under-estimated or totally ignored. Users have to be assisted to overcome any discomfort about apparently 'being on television'.

Video should be a great experience. Frankly it ought to excite and motivate users and not create resistance, fear or apathy.

Remember just one poor Videoconferencing experience destroys user confidence and confirms the prejudices of the Video sceptics.

"Freedom of choice without influencing behaviour will lead people to choose not to change what they currently do".

"Video conferencing is the only insurance policy against corporate and personal risk that is guaranteed as a by product to reduce costs and increase productivity.