Different Options for Virtual Meetings
There are so many different options for virtual meetings nowadays. During this time of staying at home and social isolation, these could be the way you can connect with those you can’t see in person.
Quote of the day: “Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” Mother Teresa
When I asked my husband to help write this post about the options for virtual meetings, his knowledge from past business experiences listed business solutions such as GoToMeeting and Cisco Webex. These are paid suites which I will not discuss. Instead, I will list a few free solutions for group virtual meetings with some facts about each.
Why would you want to know or use these options? Right now this is the perfect way to have “happy hour” with friends. And it’s not hard, even for those of you who do not consider yourself “tech savvy.” Although don’t get discouraged if there is a blip when you are setting these up. Just remember, the best instructions can be found just by googling, “how do I….”
Zoom Virtual Meetings
Zoom is a platform for video conferencing that you can use for business but also for personal connection. There is an app for the phone or tablet. Or you can go to zoom on your computer and join a meeting.
There are many levels, but the basic free level should be perfect for getting together with your friends that you haven’t been able to get together with lately. As one of the administrators of our Facebook group, the Forever Fierce Revolution, we use Zoom calls for our biweekly meetings. I admit that this is the one I’m most familiar with lately.
Facts:
1-Each meeting can have up to 100 people join with a maximum time of 40 minutes.
2-Unlimited number of “meetings” under 40 minutes
3-Easy to join. You don’t need a zoom account to join in. The host will send you a meeting number which you use to join either on your phone, pad or computer. You only need a zoom account to host a meeting.
4-You can call in even with a traditional land line. Obviously you won’t see the people, but you can still talk to everyone.
FaceTime
FaceTime is only for Apple products. So if you and your friends all have iPhones, iPads or Mac computers, you can video chat this way.
Facts:
1-You can chat with up to 32 people
2-You can start the chat from an iMessage thread.
This group calling feature can be used by android and Apple products together. You have to download the app from your app store.
Facts:
1– You can speak with up to 4 people.
2-You can be on a one-on-one call and then add in another participant.
3-This is a favorite with people overseas due to it’s free since it works on WiFi.
Skype
This is an app that works for video chats. It can be used for both phones and computers.
Facts:
1-It’s free for computer to computer. However, to incorporate a cell phone or landline you need to pay a subscription fee.
2-It works with up to 50 people.
Social Media
Truthfully, this one might be the easiest if you are on either IG or the FB platform. It’s already set up and all you have to do is click one button. You can video chat with people right in the Instagram app and in Facebook Messaging which is nice if you already have these apps in place.
Facts for IG:
1-It works with up to 6 people who you’ve Direct Messaged ( DMed ) with in the past.
2-It’s easy. Go to the Direct Messaging area (see my tutorial on Instagram under “now what” if you need help with this). Then click the video icon in the top right corner.
Facts for FB Messenger:
1-You can chat with up to 50 people, but only 6 will show in the video.
2-It’s just as easy by clicking the video icon in the top right corner.
Now that you know about these options, go try them out and say hi to your friends. If you have more detailed questions on how to use them, I’m happy to help or you can always ask “Uncle Google.”
I consider these great ways to keep up your social life during these quarantined times. Sure, there’s always a phone call, letter, email or text, but virtual meetings have the advantage of seeing your friends and family in the “flesh”. Along with the fact that it’s a good reason to get dressed, LOL!
Photo credit: Rob Filogomo
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