Limitations to Online Meetings
Virtual meetings and online learning have enriched the working world, but some drawbacks exist.
Technical Difficulties
Virtual meetings are vulnerable to WiFi outages, computer crashes and differences in access. If a client doesn’t have WiFi or enough cell data, it’s harder for them to meet.
Fewer Non-Verbal Cues
Part of working with clients is understanding what they don’t say — or, more accurately, what they say with their bodies. Even with cameras, video calls don’t let you see if the client is defensively crossing their legs under the desk or tapping their foot in boredom.
Less Personal Connection
In a recent Harvard Business Review survey, 79% of business leaders said in-person meetings are better for team bonding. Face-to-face meetings also strengthen the connection between you and your client.
However, setting an online meeting helps you learn about your client’s limitations and access which ultimately helps you choose the right education option for them.
Benefits of Meeting Online
Even when you can meet in person, online options are valuable. Here’s why your clients might prefer them — and why they might help you reach your goals of getting people into jobs. Through our experience at MedCerts, even as an online school, we’ve found that offering multiple touchpoints of communication is most beneficial – whether that’s through text messages, phone calls or online meetings.
Convenience
Check-ins are essential for keeping your clients engaged, but they often have a lot on their plates. They might be working one or more jobs, often while juggling the demands of a household.
In-person meetings put an extra load on those schedules. Clients have to set aside time for the meeting and however long it takes to get there and back. Then, there’s the difficulty of arranging child or elder care and ensuring dinner gets on the table.
Online meetings are easier to manage. Clients can attend from anywhere, even their kitchen while they cook dinner.
Accessibility
In-person meetings can be out of reach for people who lack transportation or have disabilities that limit their mobility. Offering to meet online acknowledges those barriers and meets clients where they are. Those accommodations are valuable to people struggling to get on their feet.
While there are some barriers to internet access, those barriers are smaller than ever. More than 96% of Americans own smartphones, and 94% of households own at least one computer. Those numbers have increased in the past decade, making online meetings increasingly accessible.
Education and Career Preparation
Today’s career changers need to be comfortable working and learning virtually. Modern eLearning has made it possible to receive training in high-demand fields like healthcare and information technology (IT). Many of these programs are beginner-friendly.
The primary requirement is basic digital literacy, which online meetings help you provide as a counselor.
Talking About Online Meetings’ Pros and Cons
Meeting in person occasionally is valuable, but developing digital meeting skills is also important for your clients. Discuss their needs, preferences and career goals to tailor the conversation. These conversations make excellent segues into discussing online learning opportunities and career trends.
