I have to admit that I'm continually amazed at the ability to use Augmented Reality to guide team members through essential procedures in a full 3D spatial context or the ability to instantly collaborate in virtual meetings with colleagues anywhere in the world. 

There is little doubt that visual communication technologies are disrupting business as we know it and changing how we do things in real-time.

Before the 500% growth over the past two years, the remote work trend was already well underway. And over the next two years, it's estimated that over 40 million North Americans will be joining the party. 

Like other revolutions involving emerging tech, it isn't just that something exists that will ensure its success. Instead, we accomplish business success with new technologies through smart navigation of unique strengths and weaknesses they bring to the table.

A few years ago, I spent much more time with my clients face to face. Navigating two-way, three-way, or more-way conversations always felt easy and natural. The most interesting/innovative ideas often emerged from that spontaneous side convo. That same spontaneity could also accelerate building rapport and trust.

However, it is far more challenging for attendees to participate equally in virtual meetings. If more than one person is speaking, it's tougher to follow. This built-in need for structure in virtual meetings can weaken our natural human energies leading to a sense of less-than-authentic interactions. So go ahead and layer in poor video and audio quality. Or worse, no video and poor audio quality. Every meeting, all day, every day. What effect does this have on our capacity to connect with others in a virtual meeting environment?

Check out this demonstration to see some of these impacts in action.

During my tenure at Scope AR, I've had front-row tickets to enterprise AR and remote work revolutions. With over 4000 hours in virtual meetings, I've observed the good, the bad, and the ugly. As a result, I 100% believe a high-quality remote video presence is essential for business success today, and I know I'm not the only one. 

According to Zoom, 67% of sales professionals report that closing deals with their video feed turned on during their sales call is crucial. I agree. From my experience, I know you instantly create a sense of authority and lay the groundwork for connection when your audience can hear and see you clearly in virtual meetings. Bottom line, I believe it empowers you to amplify the skills, expertise, and messages you bring to your circle of influence on the web.  

I'm curious, what do you think? What else can we do to build trust and connection in a world of ever-increasing virtual experiences?