[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The workplace has undergone huge amounts of change over the last 20 years or so, largely due to the leaps in developments in technology. With the evolution of the digital age gone are the days of working 9-5 stuck behind a desk in the office (although clearly for some roles it’s still very much the order of the day). Technology has created vast opportunities for flexibility and mobility, and for many, the workplace has adapted to embrace these changes. With smartphones, laptops and tablets running alongside more sophisticated communication methods that operate at far greater speeds due to developments in broadband and the like, comes the ability to work from different locations, including at home. With application compatibility of many devices and digital workspaces, video and conference calling, the working world can truly operate in a mobile and flexible way where location has become inconsequential.
Even when it comes to traditional meetings with people having to travel across the globe to meet up in person, the ability to skype, video or conference call has meant that physically moving around has been replaced by communicating through technology, which helps businesses reduce costs and the time spent by employees travelling around. It’s a far more collaborative approach to working meaning people can interact regularly simply at the touch of a button.
Yet the consequence of using technology in this way can mean it’s much more difficult to keep a proper record of who said what and when – trying to keep up with the train of conversation while frantically scribbling down notes, and then trying to read the scribbles afterwards can be equally as challenging! The very fact that the participants aren’t face to face means it’s easy to be distracted with anything that’s happening in their real environment, and attempts to keep up with what’s being said can mean important information is missed or even entirely misheard.
This is where recording and transcribing conference or video calls can be invaluable, making the call itself much more effective for everyone who participated – and anyone else who wasn’t involved but for whom the information would be useful.
This brings us to the first of our top 5 reasons why you should record and transcribe your calls:
- Convenience Being able to simply dial in to a conference call to be part of a meeting is the ultimate in convenience. Anyone can join in, wherever they are, as long as they have the right equipment and access to the right technology. And there’s generally no limit to the number of people who can participate.
- Wider reach Recording your conference call can mean that anyone who wasn’t able to participate can still benefit from the call. Without recording the call, anyone who wasn’t able to attend will need to be briefed by someone who did – taking even more time out of their working day. By recording and transcribing the call the potential audience becomes far greater, meaning it can be useful to a much larger number of people. Not only that, but the transcription can be reached at any time, making it convenient to anyone wishing to access it no matter where they are based.
- Creating exceptional training notes Providing a written log of the content of a call means that you have a permanent record of it, which can be drawn upon whenever required. This is particularly important if the call is related to staff training as the information can be used and re-used for training in the future. This is also useful from a customer service perspective, providing excellent examples or scenarios to improve customer service that can be shared around the business.
- Top notch records When a call is properly recorded and transcribed you get the best possible notes from the call, notes that are entirely accurate and a true representation of what happened during the call. Not only is accuracy improved but it allows those attending to focus entirely on the discussion and participate fully, without having to make notes themselves. This means people can be much more engaged, which also makes the call much more effective.
- Increased value With so many businesses being squeezed in the current economic climate, getting the very best value out of what employees do, and when, is key. By recording a conference call you’re increasing its value. Not only are you saving money and time by avoiding the need for staff to travel to meet up, you’re helping the call become more useful over time too because it can be used again and again. You’ll received a much greater return from the call.
Here at FSTL we have the technology to record your conference call or video meeting to produce a written transcript in a timely manner. This can then be circulated or used as a basis to write minutes or bullet points which can be shared. It means your business gets an accurate record of who said what and any action points that need to be followed up. If you’d like to record your next conference call us on 01737 852 225 or email fiona@fionashipley.com.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]