Once relegated to the world of science fiction, virtual teams and virtual working environments are now a viable way of doing business. Knowinnovation is accustomed to working virtually, as we are sprawled across two continents and more than occasionally traveling to others. We’ve put together an efficient and layered system: We share files using Google Docs and DropBox, we coordinate our schedules with Google Calendar, we share links in Yammer and file them in Delicious. We have small conferences on Skype, and full team meetings in the 3D Teleplace. We’ve also worked with clients to facilitate virtual meetings using Adobe Connect.

KI uses mechanisms like a customized Ning networking site for each program that we run, climate-setting and training videos, plus we have our own on-line platform for group problem solving. KI is running an entire innovation training program on-line, with a UK university, using all of our virtual tools and we also ran a 4-day program during which 100 people interacted virtually with the 120 people who were live at the event.

We’re watching closely to stay current what’s emerging in the field of virtual work and learning environments and putting that to use so our clients can involve the maximum number of people while minimizing the time, travel and carbon costs.