The other day I was chatting with Lee Epstein, one of the Oozil gurus, about some of the incredible tools Oozil will be providing for its members: cloud applications, large memory allocation, a super-high-tech email and IM system, and a virtual portfolio, among other features. One of the tools that stood out to me was the mention of “video conferencing.” As a longtime writer, I’m always giddy about anything that can improve my work options (which translates into more money.)

I’ve grown accustomed to needing little more than a laptop, a printer, and an Internet connection, though. What could someone like me, or any other creative person, do with video conferencing? I’ve done some sleuthing, and now I can’t wait to use it. These are just some of the things you can do:

1) Brainstorm in real time. The biggest downside to email is the time lag. Even though we’ve come to think of it as instant, it’s far from it. A brainstorming session thrives on spontaneity, and one idea generating another before there is time to pause. With video conferencing, brainstorming can work like it’s meant to, with a quick, free exchange of ideas.

2) Collaborate. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the magic that can happen when creative masterminds collaborate the right way . Video conferencing makes it possible for great minds from anywhere in the world to come together on one project, regardless of their other commitments and without the travel expense.

3) Be crystal clear. Frequent message board and email users are all familiar with the perception of “tone.” It’s easy for someone reading your message to misunderstand your intention, simply because they can’t read your emotions correctly. With video conferencing, clients or collaborators will know when you have a sense of urgency, or you’ll know when they seem confused. If there’s a sense of excitement about a project, that will be communicated too, and the result will be infectious.

4) Share documents. Sure, you could always use a fax machine, but that’s like using stone age equipment when you’re working on a collaborative creative project. For example, with video conferencing, let’ s say you’re working on a logo design, and your client /partner doesn’t like the style. You could actually re-sketch it on the spot and display it for instant feedback, without waiting for the clunky fax to do its work. We’re talking about mere seconds.

5) Learn. Need a tutorial on how to use a new high-tech piece of equipment? Wish you had someone to show you a certain art technique? You don’t need to attend a class or even leave your house. Video conferencing can be used as a way for one person to share their know-how with anyone, and they can actually demonstrate their expertise right in front of you.

Are you sold yet? I am. Video conferencing is yet one more way the world is getting smaller, and the best of minds from all over the world can meet together. Who knows what the result will be? I can’t wait to find out.

by Elizabeth Kelly

Do you have any experience with video conferencing? How has it changed the way you work? Or, how do you plan to use it once Oozil puts the tools in your hands?

Tags: collaboration, creativity, technology, tools, video conferencing

This entry was posted on Monday, June 22nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm and is filed under Oozil Tools. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response