Virtual Reality is, in no small way, the future of business. What was once a skeptical consumer market has flourished into a robust technological haven of innovation and interest. As the industry becomes more affordable and technology more advanced, participation has grown exponentially. The potential market size has more than tripled in the last few years and that is largely due to the influx of business involvement within the space.

The possibilities of VR are seemingly boundless. The imaginations of consumers and developers alike are the only limitations to what VR can do. In this new age that is fast approaching, it will be important to stay ahead of the game or, at the very least, keep up. Here are ways to keep your business at the forefront of the technological revolution:

1. Consumer Impact

The impact of VR on the consumer is immense and lasting; the kind of impact that could keep a business in the mind of a potential customer for a long time. One of the most difficult things for a business to do is create meaningful and impactful marketing but, VR can do this for businesses of all sizes.

When Coca-Cola created the virtual Santa's sleigh ride it put the imagery of Coke and Christmas in the minds and hearts of children. When Marriott hotels introduced the Teleporter app which let people go to exotic destinations all over the world it opened up a new realm of possibility for those who can't afford a trip to Hawaii.

The VR apps for business are always trying new ways to provoke responses out of potential customers. These marketing devices are effective and meaningful to the consumer in a way that traditional marketing fails to accomplish. An impactful business is a lasting one.

2. Product Design

Virtual Reality has a unique advantage over traditional businesses in its ability to take a design and conceptualize it in real time. Imagine being able to come up with a high-level abstract design and then creating a 3D version of it in a virtual work environment. This eliminates the need and cost of physical product testing, replacing it with minimal software development.

Expenses saved aren't the only benefit either. A business could hold an entire meeting in the virtual space and test the product for everyone to see. This means more employee involvement without the cost and time sink of physical product testing.

3. Training and Management

As companies move into the future and developers begin to freelance, the idea of a traditional office space seems outdated and outmoded. With Virtual Reality applications, entire offices can meet in digital meeting rooms across the globe. This eliminates the need for physical space and the monetary cost that comes with it. It also has advantages over video chatting as individuals can conceptualize ideas for others virtually.

The imperative of managing physically can now be accomplished digitally. This especially helpful for small business as it reduces the total obligations a company has each month. When it comes to training the effect is obvious. Through VR one could ostensibly go to work without ever leaving their house. VR can provide the entire office experience while reducing the cost of the employee and the owner. It connects people in a deeper way than a phone call is capable of and is endlessly important to all businesses. 

4. Digital Stores

The move away from physical offices also leads to a shift from physical storefronts to digital ones. Imagine having an entire store with a phenomenal facade in the most grandiose style you can imagine. Inside there could be any number of things not possible physically. This would provide a memorable shopping experience for the consumer as well as a lasting memory of your business.

VR developers are constantly pushing the envelope so experiences like these can become reality. What about those with a physical store already? In VR you could give customers a tour of your existing store and let them shop around in a sensory way that provides the feeling your company seeks to convey. The ability to create an entire shopping experience digitally has the business world buzzing.

Conclusion

Virtual Reality and business are creating a unique bond that will bridge the gap between inanimae businesses and customer experiences. For business owners of any size, VR provides a whole new world of opportunity; a special way to connect with customers and each other. With ubiquitous VR on the horizon there has been no better time to integrate it with your business than now.

About the Author: Tania Brooks is a business journalist with a focus on emerging technologies and emerging markets. She used to work as an overseas operations coordinator for Unilever. You may contact her on Twitter.