Virtual Engagements v/s In person Engagements in B2B engagements

Since February 20 The Virtual modes Like Video and Audio meeting has added immense value B2B engagement ecosystem.

Various B2B product verticals like Education, Software & Technology ( SaaS, CpaaS) have benefited immensely from the medium.

The Education vertical has tried to fulfill the gap in personal touch of teachers with students. The schools, online teaching have added immense value to the student and teachers interactions. In schools and online teaching the teachers are continuing to have the reputation of stern and discipline image. As the Intelligence features embedded in Video conference has given them the edge of reporting as earlier. The new interaction feel may not be near to the class room but the reporting and analysis feature is helping them the class room feel. I think this is only vertical which have accepted the new normal.

But Even in Education and Online medium, Teachers are still to go very far to accept the new normal in contrary the Students have accepted the new normal.

Software and Technology vertical ( SaaS, CpaaS, CC ) tried best to adopt to the new engagement medium. The usage and support of product got good response via new medium. The value in usage and Revenue of existing product got good response and propelled the growth. As in Software vertical ( SaaS, CpaaS) the product features shelf line is short and hence the new product roll out and new initiatives are yet to adapt to the new Video engagements.

This has added more wait time for new product features. The best part is that the existing software development has developed a longer calendar for new features and are waiting for the new in person engagements to present to the B2B companies.

Manufacturing and hardware product B2B engagements– This vertical has hit the hardest and to the push the existing revenue and new initiatives. Any hardware and all manufacturing are part of the vertical ( Automobiles,Handsets, TV,s, Construction, Discoms and all manufacturing ) are part of this vertical. The servicing of the existing, Repeat demands and sales and new product development has taken a back seat. This is only vertical where the New Engagements medium Video Conferencing and Audio Conferencing has added very less value.

The companies are in process of realizing the value addition of in person meetings and the traction has started back but with cautions and of course strict SOP guidelines.

Intra city in person engagements has come back and intercity engagements is gaining traction.

Yes, Video and Audio conference are workable ways to retain the revenue on existing product line the new initiatives and product revenue is yet to adapt to video engagements.

And most important the short frame engagements media ( As some of my friends nickname to video conferencing) the body language, personal persuasion expression and eye contacts are missing and impacting the revenue and future products.