Professional Development: The Future of Growth in the AV Industry
Three years post-pandemic, nearly half of the world’s professional population is working remotely in some capacity. This number is only projected to increase, with an estimate that by 2025 nearly 40 million Amercians will be working remotely. With such rapid and dramatic changes to the workforce, old ways of collaboration have to adapt quickly. This means that professionals in the AV and IT industry need to have an extensive understanding of the ever-changing landscape of online communication and collaboration.
With such a dynamic hybrid landscape, there is no longer a choice when it comes to investing in online training for integrators. Consistent training is imperative when prioritizing the health and well-being of business, integrators and resellers alike and ensuring AV professionals are up to date on the ever-evolving technologies in the hybrid workspace.
What’s Next for Professional Development Across the AV Landscape?
The AV landscape has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past five years, and it continues to evolve at a rapid pace driven by technological advancements that reshape how we interact with information and communicate with one another.
Across video conferencing, digital signage, unified communications and more, the constant influx of new software and hardware tools ensure that integrators and AV professionals almost constantly need to learn about new products, systems, and tools to ensure they provide clients and end-users with the most apt and up-to-date technology possible.
The professionals that make up the AV landscape play a pivotal role in connecting disparate technologies and solutions to create seamless, efficient systems. Traditionally, their success relied on physical interactions, on-site training, and face-to-face meetings. However, the global pandemic accelerated the shift towards a hybrid world, emphasizing the need for a new approach to training and collaboration.
Training has long been viewed as an optional expense in many businesses. However, the requirements of hybrid work have rewritten the rules. Training is no longer a mere checkbox; it has become a crucial practice for organizations to maintain in order to remain competitive. The benefits are endless and become increasingly compelling as new innovations hit the market, busy sales seasons continue to put pressure on teams, and hybrid work remains a steadfast trend.
The Newest Competitive Edge: Using Online Training to Your Advantage
Technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and integration partners must keep pace with these changes to remain competitive. Accessible virtual training allows them to update their skill sets, stay informed about emerging trends, and be ready to integrate the latest innovations for their customers. It’s not just about staying relevant, it’s about leading the way in technological advancements for the good of their business and end-users.
Providing online courses that develop professional skills ensures that employees are well-versed in the most efficient methods and tools available – enhancing efficiency and productivity. This, in turn, translates into streamlined processes, reduced errors, and faster project completion times, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and profitability.
Additionally, the global pandemic exposed the vulnerability of businesses that were unprepared for sudden disruptions. Continued education can help integration partners build resilience by fostering a culture of adaptability. When teams are well-trained, they can pivot quickly in response to unforeseen challenges, ensuring business continuity even in the face of adversity.
Customers have come to demand seamless and secure integrations that enable quick adoption of remote or hybrid work. Integrators can leverage online training courses to help deliver on this expectation, while also enhancing trust. Customers are more likely to choose partners who invest in their own expertise and can demonstrate a commitment to providing top-notch solutions.
Online training is not just effective; it’s also cost-efficient. It eliminates the need for extensive travel, physical training facilities, and printed materials. AV businesses can scale their training programs easily, reaching a wider audience without significantly increasing costs.
At ClearOne we have prioritized training and have invested in free live webinars for our global integration partners. Via ClearOne University, we have seen first-hand how the benefits of accessible, relevant industry training impact AV businesses and professional development.
As the AV landscape rapidly adapts to the demands of remote and hybrid work, manufacturers and industry professionals must embrace continuous training to keep pace with evolving technologies and meet the expectations of clients and end-users. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, AV professionals are not only equipped to meet current challenges of end-users but are also well-positioned to shape the future of this dynamic field.