In a post covid-19 economy, entrepreneurs have a newfound appreciation for online learning, business tools and community: Virtual Reality is the ultimate platform for all three. For business coaches specifically, Virtual Reality will soon become an essential medium. Here’s why:
- Business coaches can use Virtual Reality spaces to connect with their audience from a distance without sacrificing authenticity.
- The immersive quality of VR may also improve engagement and learning outcomes from students or mentees, as it minimizes external distractions and provides a sense of physical proximity among participants.
- The flexibility of this medium allows coaches to customize their offerings and utilize the virtual space in a variety of ways. For example, they can attract a global audience by speaking at conferences, trade shows and summits, offer business coaching to small groups, or attend business networking events all from the comfort of home.
Virtual Reality tools for business coaching
3D Event Spaces
The easiest way to use VR for business coaching is for the educator or coach to build or utilize a three-dimensional venue for attendees to congregate and interact. The level of interaction between presenter and attendees is entirely up to the producer. The uses are plenty, and tools like CONINVR in Altspace will give you the platform and marketing materials to grow your audience.
Here are several ways you can get involved right away
- Grab the microphone at the next VR business networking event (hosted by coninvr)
- Get a booth and advertise your services at the next VR Trade Show
- Host your own event or conference using CONINVR’S customizable venue
- Reach out to the team at CONINVR to join our growing community of business educators and speak at an upcoming event
As virtual reality becomes more mainstream, business coaches should get familiar with the technology, develop proper skills, and purchase equipment. Coaches can also help new users get accustomed to the VR environment and explain how to access their content in 2D, since not all audience members will have cutting edge VR headsets at first.
Mixed Reality Office Spaces
For small group classes or one on one sessions, business coaches can utilize mixed reality office spaces as an alternative to 2D video conferencing. Facebook Horizon recently launched a tool called Workrooms, which provides immersive meeting experiences in an office-like setting and allows participants the option of joining in 2D.
- Connect your computer to your virtual office and work or meet in this VR setting.
- Present slide shows and info graphs or images on a large board and utilize pen tools to write, note and mark up your display, in full view of your audience.
- Have one on one or a full class of attendees from a simple to use interface much like zoom.
- Invite others to take part of your class room with a simple link, no app download needed for your audience.
This is a great organizational tool for coaches to prepare presentations and courses. Using a 3d environment increases efficiency by allowing the user to physically interact with digital elements and visualize them in a whole new way.
VR Business Networking Community
VR is a great environment for business coaching, but it’s also an ideal place for preparation and community building. Business networking in VR brings coaches, business people, and educators together in an environment that encourages discussion, collaboration and referrals.
VR networking also exposes attendees to an ever growing pool of like minded individuals from around the world, increasing efficiency and opportunity for everyone!
Final thoughts: Why VR for business coaching and education?
In our post-covid world, people are relying on video calls more than ever to feel socially connected. The widespread usage of platforms like Zoom and Facetime reveals an unrelenting demand for digital connection opportunities. While 2D platforms can only accommodate a certain number of guests, VR opens the door to unlimited participants and offers a sense of physical engagement that other platforms cannot.
Virtual Reality has only begun its inevitable and drastic rise in accessibility and popularity. Even so, certain businesses will integrate and adapt to VR more readily than others. The immediate value of VR for business coaching depends on the individual goals and audience of each business coach. However, the early adapters will undoubtedly see long term benefits of establishing a professional presence in this undersaturated landscape.