Regular face-to-face meetings can be time-consuming, over-crowded and, when they’re poorly planned, just downright unproductive. Unfortunately, such poor planning has become a staple feature of many in-person meetings, with hosts often struggling to coordinate schedules, book adequate meeting spaces and set clear agendas.

Through an online conference call, however, businesses can eradicate many of these damaging factors, instead allowing team members to collaborate through the simple click of a button. Instead of wasting time waiting for late arrivals or dealing with the common distractions which plague traditional meetings, modern web conferencing ensures meeting sessions become much more efficient and productive.

However, these platforms can only become truly effective if all attendees follow the accepted protocol and etiquette. If you aren’t aware of the rules (or just fail to acknowledge them), then conference calls can quickly become just as distracting and unproductive as those inefficient face-to-face sessions. So, what are the conferencing rules you need to know?

Join on Time

Since you don’t have to worry about any lengthy travel times or traffic delays, there really is no excuse for being late to a conference call. In fact, most web conferencing platforms will now send you reminders as to the time and date of an upcoming call, so you can’t even claim to have forgotten about the session.

By turning up late, there’s a high probability that you’re not only delaying the start of the call, but also frustrating many of your co-workers. After all, forcing them to sit around and wait for you is a monumental waste of their time; even though you might be having a particularly busy day, you need to remember that your colleagues are likely just as pressed for time as you are.

In fact, it’s always a good idea to turn up a few minutes before the scheduled time. This ensures you aren’t scuppered by any last-minute technological hiccups, while also giving you a chance to speak with other early-arrivals and properly introduce yourself. Since a recent study from LoopUp (a leading conferencing provider) showed that 63% of calls are delayed by problems with conferencing tools, showing up early should be considered a top priority.

Make Sure You’re Prepared

Of course, being on time is simply the minimum requirement of good conferencing behaviour. In addition to your timely arrival, you also need to make sure you’ve read through the agenda beforehand so you can join the meeting fully prepared. There’s simply nothing more frustrating than the sound of a colleague frantically rifling through papers for information, so you should always be properly organised for an important conference call.

When you aren’t prepared for the discussion and try to think on your feet, the conference call will soon become incredibly unproductive; since you won’t have the information required to help the team come to any informed decisions.

Minimise Background Noise

For many conference callers, distracting background noise is undoubtedly their biggest frustration. The rustling of papers or murmur of a busy coffee shop can quickly drown out the voice of the person trying to speak, leaving attendees straining their ears to figure out exactly what’s being said. When there’s a large number of people involved in the call, the multiple sources of background noise can reach almost deafening levels; inevitably leading to damaging miscommunications and inefficient sessions.

Fortunately, web conferencing platforms allow you to mute yourself when you’re not talking, meaning that you can prevent any background noise coming from your end. When everyone on the call successfully follows this practise, then attendees can enjoy crystal clear audio and perfectly understand how the meeting is progressing. However, you also need to make sure you remember to unmute yourself when it’s your turn to speak!

By following these simple behavioural tips, you can ensure that conference calls become much more productive and ultimately avoid wasting any time.

With remote working on the rise both as a full-time option and an occasional change of pace for those who benefit from flexible working, it brings along a whole new set of challenges for both employers and employees.

One of these new challenges is the issue of cyber security. If you are a remote worker yourself, or someone who employs remote staff as part of your workforce, here are some useful cyber security tips.

Invest in Training

Remote workers can often be forgotten about when it comes to train. However, when it comes to cybersecurity, they can be the most vulnerable ones in your organisation. This means that cyber security training is not only recommended for remote workers but should be seen as essential. With so many cyber treats target emails and third party sites used by employees, it is vital that both your central employees and those working remotely are properly trained on how to spot any suspicious activity and common traps set by cybercriminals.

Keep Communication Secure

Whether you are a remote worker yourself, or someone who employs remote working staff, emails are probably the most common way that you will be communicating with the rest of the team, as well as any clients you may have contact with. As such, you’ll want to do everything to ensure that this channel of communication is secure, and that important files are safeguarded by the use of encryption software.

You can ensure that your emails, and any attached files, are secure either by invest in encryption software or by using a virtual disk drive. By using a virtual disk drive as a server, you can be sure that any company communication and files are safe as long as the drive remains locked. Forward Secrecy (PFS), also known as Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) is another cybersecurity measure you should look to implement in order to keep your channels of communications secure between remote workers and the central office.  

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Virtual private networks are simply put a lifesaver when it comes to cybersecurity measure and the remote workforce. Like virtual disk drives, they allow for the secure transmission of company information. VPNs allow users to send and receive data securely, even across public networks. This offers remote workers an extra layer of protection on everything from data they transmit to web sessions and even personal information – or, in this case, sensitive company information.

Be Wary of Using Unsecured Connections or Public Wi-Fi

One of the perks of being a remote working is the freedom to spend your working day anywhere with an internet connection. This does, however, mean that remote workers are often using public Wi-Fi and unsecured connections, which is a major red flag from a cybersecurity point of view. The use of these networks leaves devices vulnerable, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. As a remote worker, you should only ever use secure connections or request that your employer sets up a VPN for you to use. As an employer, you should set out a clear remote working policy. Within this policy, you should offer guidance on the safe and responsible ways in which remote workers should access company networks and highlight the fact that using public Wi-Fi should always be seen as a last resort.  

Make Two-Factor Authentification (2FA) Standard

The use of two-factor authentification (2FA) is quickly becoming standard practice in most workplaces so it makes sense to implement its use for remote workers too. When using 2FA, employees must first enter their password as they usually would in order to access the company system or any work-related accounts.

Individuals should already be familiar with this process as companies like Paypal and Microsoft have already introduced 2FA for the use of the customers. By introducing an additional security step – which most people will already be familiar with – you can greatly reduce cybersecurity problems.

The “Fascinating China” Events of 72nd Cannes Film Festival is successfully concluded on May 15 and 16 by local time at Cannes, a beautiful town in South France. During the two days, distinguished guests and film and television practitioners from all over the world are attracted to various kinds of activities feeling for the uniqueness of “Fascinating China” during the period of the festival.

The 72nd Cannes Film Festival “Fascinating China” is jointly sponsored by Cannes International Film Festival Film Market, French National Film Commission, French National Film Center, China Xinhua Net and China Film Foundation, and undertaken by Huayi Brothers and Wu Tianming Youth Film Special Foundation, including a series of events such as “Young Film Makers Training Plan”, “Overseas Presentation of Chinese Film Industry”, “China’s Most Beautiful Shooting Location Presenting and Recommending” and “China VR Film Immersive Interaction Experiencing Exhibition”.

Wang Zhonglei (first from left), Co-founder, Vice Chairman and CEO of Huayi Brothers, and Kun Ling (first from right), Chinese actress, are presenting the prizes for the Meritorious Winners.

As one of the highlights of “Fascinating China” Events, the promotion and the award ceremony of “Young Film Makers Training Plan” are held on May 15, which is divided into two competition units, “Short Film Works” and ”Film Script”. Since its startup, more than 800 pieces of works are collected, including feature films, action films, documentaries and other types, with eventually 32 works standing out. Among them, Inheritor, narrating the heritage of traditional Chinese operas, has won the Best Award for Short Films by Young Film Makers; and the screenwriter Lin Weiran of the feature film Great Ideal People has won the Best Award for Young Screen Writers. The Round Table Forum on “Gathering and Promoting Growth of Young Film Makers” is also held on the same day. Film makers from China and France fully exchange by sharing their film ideas, educational experience and the general situation of young film makers in both countries.

The representative from the Tourism Administration Bureau of Cannes, France (first from the left), Michel Chevillon, (Fourth from the left), Vice Chairman of the Bureau of Industry and Commerce in Cote d’Azur and Chairman of Hotel Federation, Adeline CHAUVEAU (third from the right), officer in charge of movie and television projects from French Embassy to China, and the representatives from the cities awarded for “China’s most beautiful shooting location” are taking the group picture.

On May 16 (local time), an event is held at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival to recommend China’s most beautiful shooting locations on the theme of “Fascinating China”. In this event, on the list of China’s most beautiful locations are Huanghai National Forest Park in Dongtai of Jiangsu, Long Stretch of Azaleas in Bijie of Guilin, Siming District in Xiamen of Fujian, and Li Autonomous County in Lingshui of Hainan. After the wonderful live presentation, film makers from all over the world sing high praises for the scenery and vigor of China’s most beautiful shooting locations and express great interest in going to China for shooting and producing film and television works.

Audiences from all over the world are experiencing VR films.

It is worth mentioning that, as an essential part of “Fascinating China” Events, the booths for “Overseas Presentation of Chinese Film Industry”, “ China’s Most Beautiful Shooting Location Presenting and Recommending” and “China VR Film Immersive Interaction Experiencing Exhibition”, jointly launched by XinhuaNet and Cannes Film Market, are displayed during the festival. the booth for “Overseas Presentation of Chinese Film Industry” is designed to unfold the vigorous development and comprehensive strength of Chinese film industry to the whole world. More than 20 representative Chinese film works, such as The Eight Hundred and Skyfire, are introduced on the scene. As the representatives of Damei China (Chinese version of Wild China), the four places of Huanghai National Forest Park in Dongtai of Jiangsu, Long Stretch of Azaleas in Bijie of Guilin, Siming District in Xiamen of Fujian, and Li Autonomous County in Lingshui of Hainan have their own publicity films screened repeatedly at the booth for “China’s Most Beautiful Shooting Location Presenting and Recommending”, attracting many foreign film makers to stop for a look. “China VR Film Immersive Interaction Experiencing Exhibition” brings the audience two VR films with Chinese characteristics, namely Flying over RiversideSceneatQingmingFestival and Hui-style Architecture. By combining traditional culture and technology , both films intensify the understanding of overseas audience about Chinese culture, add the appeal of Chinese traditional culture to the public and make Chinese traditional culture “move up and go out”.

The rate at which customers are shopping online is skyrocketing by the day. This means that it is now doubly important for brick-and-mortar retailers to enhance the levels of customer experience in-store. A lot of things are being discussed in the global retail arena to achieve this. Ranging from AI to AR and everything in between, there is no denying that the scope and opportunity for in-store enhancement is truly immense.

Although there is a lot that can be done, retailers must keep in mind what it is exactly that their customers want. Wowing customers when they enter the retail store is one thing, making them feel invaded is something completely different. As recent findings clearly suggest, there is a difference between-

Being COOL and Being CREEPY

Amidst all the premium talks of the modern-day customers’ innate love for technology and automation, there is a certain line that retailers must not cross. Customers don’t mind embracing technology if it makes their shopping journey convenient, or provides them a one of a kind in-store experience. The problem starts when technology gets too invasive.

For instance, customer data enables retailers to curate customised offerings for each customer. What customers worry about is data privacy and security. Similarly, there is no denying the marvels that artificial intelligence empowered chat-bots are. However when it comes to customer service, a lot of people can have that connect only with a human being. Besides, the whole idea of computer programmed bots emulating humans might just seem creepy to them as well. It’s not about how good a certain technology is. It’s about what percentage of people can wilfully adapt and be comfortable with that technology that matters.

The following chart clearly identifies what customers treat as cool and creepy when it comes to retail technology.

Considering the above chart as a fair indication of what people generally are comfortable with, let’s look at a few areas in retail technology that are certainly having an impact on the in-store experience for customers.

Robots & Drones

Customer service is one thing that can help brands and retailers score high brownie points in their quest to attain customer loyalty. Robots in retail certainly have the capability to wow customers in store, at the same time be un-invasive. Generally robots have been known to optimise business processes along the supply chain by improving productivity in distribution warehouses. But now they have their work cut even inside retail stores. From the basic meeting and greeting customers to keeping a track of stock inventory, the use cases of robots is pretty extensive. Robots can now also be used in store to detect hazards like spills and spoilage.

That’s not all. Retailers are also looking to install drones in store that can keep a track of misplaced product on shelves and stock inventory. The whole idea is to ensure that the human personnel inside the store are always at the beck and call of customers. Customers don’t appreciate if they don’t get proper assistance in stores. Human personnel available at all times, coupled by the expert assistance of drones and robots will mean that customers are always engaged. The overall in-store experience of customers can be elevated as a result.

AR & VR

Augmented and Virtual Reality is making all the right sounds across the globe as digital marketers look to leverage its power to fulfill their branding and marketing ambitions. Most of us are aware of how we can just put on a pair of VR headsets and enjoy a walk at the Great Wall of China, all from the comfort of our living rooms. When it comes to retail, much of the same is possible. People can now simply wear their headsets to scroll through online stock and get an idea of how the model or mannequin would look in a particular dress. When it comes to furniture shopping and interiors, VR and AR can truly elevate customer experience to a whole new level. Through AR, people can now get an idea of how certain furniture would look at their home, whether it would fit properly in the available space, how different colors would look against the wall, etc. through their mobile phones. Brands like Ikea and Macy’s have already started extensive adoption of the technology.

So where does it leave physical retail stores. On one hand in-store retailers are planning to flood stores with robots to increase customer engagement. On the other, technologies such as AR and VR are further re-instating the fact that going to a physical store can be done without. It is quite the predicament for sure. Well, physical retailers have no choice but to adopt AR and VR in-store as well. The first thing that comes to mind is smart mirrors. Although they are not entirely new to the equation, the voice assistant upgrades are sure to make it more engaging. Smart mirrors allow customers to virtually try out apparels before deciding the one to purchase. Based on what customers are wearing, these mirrors can also recommend alternatives to customers. Apart from mirrors, retailers can also augment the store ambience by installing digital shelves that will display digital product description and demo videos. Despite the surge in online shopping technology, as long as retailers keep the store up to the latest digital standards and lay enough emphasis on retail graphics, people will keep hitting the doors.

Cashier-less check out

One of the biggest reasons people generally get frustrated inside a retail store is when they realize they need to queue up. People don’t have the time for a long wait at the check-out counter and after online, there is no good reason why they should. Retailers must understand that long check-outs can convince people to not bother going to the store. They absolutely need to devise faster check-out mechanisms, especially now that everyone’s emulating Amazon Go; at least the check-out bit.

Cashier-less check outs would mean that people would have to digitally make their payment within an app, or through a finger print device, or even through one of the kiosks. Faster check-outs mean faster shopping. Time is at a premium and customer convenience is the key. Automated, cashier-less check outs is definitely the future.

Takeaway

In-store customer experience is one thing that every brand and retailer are aiming to enhance to remain a force to reckon with against their online counterparts. It’s not just about implementing any technology to boost marketing endeavours, but properly understanding which the ones that their customers want are. Talking about the road ahead, there is no doubt that technology will continue to make in-roads in every industry including retail. Retailers must leverage the power of technology to stay at a competitive advantage. However, a proper analysis on their customers and their expectations will only make it easier for them to adopt or implement a particular technology in their marketing strategy.