Technological Communication Implementation

by IBBA Field Service Representative Kyle Dykes

In today’s world we find ourselves busier than ever. There is always work to be done and new business to be conducted. In many situations, we find business people, no matter the industry, are operating in multiple locations with employees and resources scattered abroad. This has all been accomplished with the use of modern communication technologies, which have continued to improve and become more reliable with time. Cell phones prove to be the most basic and common form of communication. With annual releases of new-and-improved models come features that make business tasks more efficient and convenient. FaceTime, for example, has made it possible to get a visual of a situation in almost any location. This is just one of the many tools we have to effectively communicate and keep things operating smoothly.

It’s best if you have the chance to hold meetings or communicate with coworkers, partners or employees in person. However, this is not always possible, especially if you do business in multiple states or locations. This is where the use of the tools I mentioned earlier come into play. Video conferencing and communication have virtually changed the game when it comes to holding important meetings. It makes it possible to have multiple participants from multiple locations join in on an important conversation and not only listen, but also receive visual instruction or education on the topic at hand. This may be old news to some. This article is not only meant to inform you about what this technology can do for you, but to additionally expose you to some of the different options and software that is available.

Today a majority of companies that have satellite offices around the country communicate through typical phone calls, emails, and instant messages. These are great for basic communication however the lack of the face to face interaction among companies has a rather large potential for misunderstanding between employees, managers, and employers. This issue can easily be solved with video conferencing within your business.

In addition to resolving misunderstandings from standard methods of coordination, video conferencing can change the way you spend your money. Online video conferences reduce the need to have employees travel to a meeting site. This ultimately reduces travel expenses while still allowing the company to maintain relations with remote parties to keep the team on the right track. This technology also offers an opportunity to save money through utilizing employees working remotely from home or abroad. Distance employment saves your company office space, as well as money spent on recruiting and training. With the use of this technology comes the ability to hire talented staff members no matter the location. For example, a small business that relies on the expertise and customer service that critical staff members supply can still maintain connection with employees and ensure their tasks are on track without summoning them to your business headquarters or making a trip to hold a meeting with them. This can be applied to cattlemen around the country. Many of you have multiple ranches scattered throughout the United States, and even in other countries. Being able to click a button and start a live, face-to-face conversation with a ranch manager or a new hired ranch hand to discuss weekly or monthly expectations is extremely convenient and effective.

This method of communication will not only make your life and travel easier from a business standpoint. It can be used continually in the form of reminders and training purposes because meetings can be recorded. The documentation can be saved for future reference and shared with employees who were not present.

All in all, there are many tools to help you work smarter. As producers in a fast-paced, growing industry with tight margins and deadlines, it is in our best interest to utilize all options that promote efficiency. Some of the different companies that offer some of the better conference call software include, but are not limited to: Google Hangouts, Adobe Connect, Skype for Business, Cisco WebEx, Citrix GoToMeeting, and Fuze. These are affordable and should prove helpful to you and your business. Implementing this technology will promote order and allow for expansion.

The staff, board members, and committee members of International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) plan to utilize this technology on a regular basis. Look forward to announcements and invitations to webinars and video conferences on educational topics and new advancements within the Brangus breed, as well as the cattle industry in general. We strongly encourage you to take part in these opportunities to learn and grow and share your ideas with us. Don’t hesitate to contact the IBBA office at any time with questions and concerns or stop by and visit us if you are in the area.