In the last post we talked about our history as a company - a family-owned business that started small and had grown considerably - and in many ways - over the years. While we had begun as a community business we had, through the use of the technology available to us, begun to reach out to clients around the world. We were hesitant about the whole prospect; any small business experiences growing pains at some time or another. But we were soon privy to the success that could come to us through our ability to remain open minded and flexible and staying on the cutting-edge of technology served us well, even if we sometimes struggle to do so.

Web conferencing is one technology that we are happy to explore further in the new year. We had begun using web conference as a matter of necessity. A client that we were working with in another country used it frequently and asked us to begin having web conference meetings so that everyone involved in their account could access the same information at the same time. It went so well that we decided that this was one of the pieces of technology that we wanted to use more frequently with all of our clients going forward.

We have put together a plan of attack, so to speak, for the year to come and it includes a much more extensive use of web conference. Not only will we use web conferencing for maintaining communication with our clients and managing projects, we will be using web conference to help us reach out to potential new clients and pitch our business. This would be a great way to further our new business efforts and give prospects a better understanding of our company and what we can offer. We were looking forward to a new and successful year.

Popularity: 59% [?]

As another year prepares to draw to a close, our company has begun looking at ways in which to expand our horizons and gain more business through better contact with potential clients. We had started as a family company many generations ago, doing business - as was traditional at the time - with clients that were in our small corner of the world. Today, however, the modern world of business has grown to all corners of the globe; advanced communications allowing us to effectively service clients thousands of miles away as well as we do the businesses down the street. We had taken advantage of what was available to us and were already working with people in other areas of the country. During some times we were literally being pulled into the modern world kicking and screaming but we had always done what we needed to do in order to stay viable and successful. Now it was time to seriously consider infusing web conference into our daily business dealings.

Web conferencing was actually introduced to us through one of our newer clients. We had taken on a client that was in another part of the world and we did all that we could - from the beginning - to keep everyone in the loop and effectively service our client, regardless of logistical challenges. While we would ordinarily conduct meetings in person or through regular conference calls, there were many physical pieces to the projects we were working on with this client and we needed technology that better met our needs. This client, who frequently used web conference in their business, introduced us to this amazing technology. We began conducting all of our client meetings through web conferencing - and even video conference when it was warranted. Based on the success of this relationship, we were ready to take web conferencing to the next level in our own business. More in the next post…

Popularity: 56% [?]

In the last post we talked about the fact that so few companies are using the technology available to them to improve their business communications. Web conferencing, most specifically, can have an enormous impact on a business in terms of cost-effectiveness, message deliver and the ability to offer convenience combined with personal service. Previously, we discussed some of the benefits of a web conference for those that actually run the conference; benefits that include the ability to address your audience all at once, demonstrate concepts, control your message and address questions immediately.

Of course, there are also benefits to those who attend a web conference, which makes them appealing and certainly worth their time.

Web conferencing is a huge convenience. If you have a vendor - or a prospective vendor - that wants to talk about a particular project or pitch a product or service, they may ask to meet in person - something that takes time and may require travel. Web conferencing eliminates travel and makes the meeting as simple as logging onto the conference and entering the passcode you were given by those who invited you.

A web conference gives you the ability to see concepts first-hand. Obviously the benefit of a face to face meeting is that you can see physical examples right in front of you. The fact that all of our work is on our computers, however, means that a traditional meeting is no longer necessary. Those running a web conference simply give attendees the ability to see their screen so that materials can be shared easily.

Combines intimacy and convenience. It may seem as though you sacrifice a personal relationship when you meet online but that doesn’t have to be the case. The way in which web conferencing works allows hosts and attendees to access the same information so that they can discuss it within this online forum. It’s the best of both worlds.

Popularity: 55% [?]

There are times in business where it’s necessary to think outside of the box. Yes, the expression is overused but it’s still relevant. It means that it’s crucial to think creatively every once in a while and create unique ways to achieve your goals. Anything can be accomplished, any goal can be reached; it’s just a matter of finding the right road.

When it comes to communication - business communications, more specifically - there are many tried and true methods. Most of us are accustomed to speaking with clients or vendors in person to communicate our message and accomplish a particular goal - meeting to pitch a product or service, manage a project, outline objectives and more. Or, should a face to face meeting not be workable, we speak to people on the phone - or, in more recent years, by email. In fact, more people email than do anything else - it’s a quick and efficient way to deliver a message and elicit answers to questions. Does email really work in the long run though? And are we using the technology that is now available to us in the most efficient way possible? In most cases, no; because not everyone has caught on to web conferencing and how much of a positive impact it can have on improving communication and fostering healthy business relationships.

Web conferencing combines all the benefits of modern technology with the personal contact of face to face meetings that are the traditional norm. Setting up and running a web conference is easy, convenient and provides a host of benefits across the board - both for the company running the conference as well as those participating in it.

Benefits for those Running a Web Conference:
You can gather all relevant parties in one online location at the same time - giving you the ability to streamline your efforts. You can answer questions all at once, demonstrate products to your audience at the same time and better manage your time.

Control how your information is disseminated. A web conference is completely customized to meet your particular needs so that you can control how it looks, what information is delivered and how.

You can immediately address questions. If someone asks a question about what they see on the computer screen in front of them, you can immediately address it.

More in the next post…

Popularity: 55% [?]