The importance of analog meetings in a digital world
Meeting in a Digital World
As today's companies strive to become more digital, the importance and significance of analog meetings between people also increases. Being able to build a network and create connections is very important for individuals, but also for businesses.
But what is the actual difference between digital and analog meetings? Is it possible to get away with only having digital meetings, and how important are physical meetings really?
Phone meeting – Can be conducted anywhere since people usually carry their phones everywhere.
Video call via for example FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype or other internet-based communication – Is possible both over computer and phone.
Screen sharing via for example TeamViewer – Primarily takes place with the help of a computer, in some cases combined with a phone.
Video conference with professional equipment – Usually includes a projector or a screen, as well as good speakers and a microphone
If you want to hold a meeting in an undisturbed place, but lack good equipment for a digital meeting, this can become a dilemma. However, it can certainly be solved by booking an external conference room that provides both good equipment and a good location. Therefore, holding digital meetings has both advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits of digital meetings:
If the participants are geographically dispersed, digital meetings are both an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to gather.
As long as you have an internet connection, you can be anywhere and still hold the meeting.
Since participants do not need to travel to a specific location, it can in some cases be easier to adjust time-wise.
Disadvantages of digital meetings:
Digital meetings create a greater risk of misunderstanding and often end up with everyone talking over each other.
The technology can often be unreliable and malfunction, which can include poor connection, weak audio quality, or missing the right adapters and cables.
With digital means, it can be difficult to visualize or effectively solve problems.
Some technical competence may be necessary.
The Difference Between Digital and Analog Meetings
As mentioned, more companies strive to digitize their operations, but the need for analog meetings does not seem to decrease for that reason. This may be because analog meetings are more time-efficient for solving problems when everyone is in the same location.
Tools for phone meetings, video calls, and screen sharing can certainly solve many problems, but many people find that the most effective meetings happen when participants are gathered and present to work together in a physical space.
According to studies, it is estimated that about 80 percent of all newly hatched product ideas come from employees' informal networks. Certainly, informal networks can also be digital, but many times they emerge through physical meetings between people. This may be because physical meetings tend to be more effective, as knowledge sharing and communication usually happen faster.
The advantages of analog meetings:
Analog meetings involve a number of advantages. Meeting and networking with one another is, after all, something that comes naturally to humans.
But there are a few points that weigh extra heavily and make physical meetings continue to be important – even in the digital world:
Meeting in person can enhance efficiency and problem-solving.
It is easier to access physical materials and documents.
By being able to see and interpret each other's body language and facial expression, you can more easily avoid misunderstandings.
Analog meetings between people have a significant impact on motivation, energy, and mood.
Analog meetings tend to flow more smoothly as it becomes clearer if someone is not keeping up or who is supposed to speak.
You can properly conclude the meeting, without sudden interruptions due to poor connectivity or technology.
No one has exact answers on what the future of the conference and meeting market looks like. However, it is clear that analog meetings cannot be completely replaced with digital means and other technical equipment, but will continue to play an important role in both small and large organizations. Regardless of what type of meeting you choose, there are good conditions to organize an effective and successful meeting based on your goals and purpose.