Video conferencing systems have been around for decades, but advances in technology have made video conferencing a more convenient, more economically viable solution for businesses. Even better news? It's only going to get better in the future.

Standing in the shadows of history’s Great Minds-- Gandhi, Shakespeare, Hitchcock and more-- is a humbling and inspiring experience. Thinking about how much they’ve achieved makes us reflect on how to make the most of what we have to offer. In the spirit of the Great Minds, both past and present, here are some tips on how to cultivate a Great Mind of your own:

Whether it means walking down the hall or flying across the country, travel has long been the only solution for face-to-face collaboration. These days, however, cost and time constraints mean more businesses are looking for alternatives to travel that still result in a personal connection. AT&T and Blue Jeans Network recently announced a partnership that helps businesses close the gap when business travel is out of the question.