Stephanie's Conferencing Blog

We live in an increasingly Web 2.0 world where business progresses in creative new ways online. People turn to the Net to get their needs met for news, banking, online meetings, live streaming, dating and social networking, to point out just a few. If you're not involved in web sales and online collaboration, you're still somewhere in Web 1.0 days or even pre Web, which feels a lot like prehistory to this member of Generation Y. The same can be said for getting involved in the podcasting phenomenon.

I spend virtually all of my work life engaged in online events, web presentations, technical support or some combination of the three. More of my free time than I care to admit is spent on blogging, YouTube, myspace.com, Linked-in or Facebook, or perusing through interesting articles on Wikipedia. When I'm not immersed in Web 2.0, I am caught up in a consuming love affair with my iPhone and its infinite downloading of music and video. I've recently discovered podcasts on topics across the board that I can easily sync on my iPhone and listen to anywhere at will. As the obsession unfolds, I join in the ongoing podcasting revolution that is taking everyone by storm.

"Podcast" is defined in Wikipedia as "a digital media file, or a related collection of such files, which is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers." You can actually turn your Infinite Conferencing mp3 files into high quality podcasts. Our clients have many sensational conferences with material that impacts its audiences on many levels. Next time you plan a conference, you can request an mp3 recording and easily turn it into a podcast that you may post on your website and list on multiple directories to reach an extensive list of subscribers. Infinite Conferencing also offers editing services if you need to make changes to your mp3 so that your recording is pristine.

After you receive your mp3 recording, the next step is to publish the mp3 file, which you can do by saving to your web server. If you don't have a web server, you'll just need to find a hosting site (a few include: Ourmedia.org, Audioblog.com or Liberated Syndication.) If you're not using one of the aforementioned hosting sites, you'll also want to create an RSS feed using a program such as FeedForAll that will link to your mp3 and contain the data that will identify your podcast in directories and display on listeners' mp3 players. Your last step will be to submit your podcast to the directories so you get found by subscribers (many of the hosting sites offer this service as well.) For an extensive list of podcast directories: click here.

If you have accumulated a large volume of digital media content, you may actually want to consider using our parent company, Onstream Media's Digital Media Services Platform for managed hosting to alleviate the reliance on your IT infrastructure for storage. Onstream Digital Media Services Platform facilitates the archiving and retrieval of hundreds of different file formats including video and audio, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat and Macromedia. Click here for a detailed overview:
http://onstreammedia.com/soldmspoverview.php.

Happy podcasting!!


Notes:

This site is a fantastic place to start learning more about podcasts and chock full of resources:
http://www.podcasting-tools.com/how-to-podcast.htm

CNET reviews podcasting each step of the way:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11293_7-6246557-1.html?tag=nav

Create RSS feeds for your podcasts here:
http://www.feedforall.com/podcasting-tutorial.htm

Wikipedia article on podcasting:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast

Labels: Advice, Audio Conferencing, Podcasts

Read more!

It's quite clear that conferencing services cut the cost of face-to-face meetings by saving you on time, travel, and venue expenses. But are you savvy to the many ways virtual conferencing can actually help you make money? This blog explores the real opportunities to "make cents/sense" or generate and facilitate sales through virtual conferencing.

Everyone wants a return on investment. Audio and web conferencing constitute a small investment that provides a dynamic platform to get your message across to your clients and prospects and see the results pay off. Infinite Conferencing products are designed for you to showcase your products, services, and ideas. The most popular feature is to desktop-publish a PowerPoint for you to knock 'em dead with your presentation prowess. You can also share live applications in real time to demonstrate actual software running on your computer and give guided web tours of new developments direct from your website.

You increase leads when you market your webinar, webcast or online presentation from your website or newsletter. Online sales events are an effective step so that interested prospects can learn more about you and vice versa. Launch your stellar ideas and new products using virtual conferencing and keep your pipeline full at each stage.

You can incorporate conferencing tools in your closing techniques by posting a hyperlink of your event recording in your follow up emails to your prospects. Through the use of flash technology, your recorded event will promote your brand and reach new target audiences on their own watch. You can further advance your brand with a customized login page, professional dial-in phone number, and post-conference survey tailored to your marketing goals.

You can also build relationships through virtual conferencing. As the New York Times best-selling author and sales-guru, Jeffrey Gitomer, says "All things being equal, people want to do business with their friends." Through virtual communications, gain the upper hand over your competitors by fostering friendships with your prospects and improving your chances of long-term business rather than just earning a quick "commission."

The following is a list of 12 top conferencing tools often used to generate and/or facilitate sales:

1. Sales presentations : You've got the virtual appointment. Now is the time to pitch to clients and prospects and dazzle them with professional PowerPoint presentations. Make a great first impression and close more sales.
2. Product demonstrations : Show and tell! Share new software and product developments live from your computer to your client's desktop.
3. Publicity events : Hold virtual PR events to generate an online buzz and build greater awareness around your business or organization.
4. Online meetings : Business doesn't end at 5pm. Meet 24/7 with your top contacts via phone and/or web.
5. Board meetings : With online board meetings, important votes don't have to be delayed and neither do profitable projects.
6. Market Research : Conduct valuable market research and interviews with the convenience of reservationless and operator assisted conference calls.
7. Investor meetings : Make your case for greater financial commitments from investors using phone and web meetings.
8. Franchisee events : Hold virtual events to get your franchisees and prospective franchisees on board with franchise goals!
9. Fundraising events : Raise funds for your non-profit by hosting a reputable expert/speaker to present on the topic of your service and charge admission for your publicized online event.
10. Teleseminars: If you have the expertise and relevant subject matter, people will pay to hear what you have to say. Have our operators compile a detailed participation report of your attendees for follow up and grow more opportunities.
11. Webinars: If you have expertise and valuable content, people will pay to see and hear what you have to say on our virtual platform. Use the Event Coordinator tool to track registrations in real time.
12. Webcasts: Never again let your high profile events go without the enhanced reach of a webcast. Our Event Management package will handle the evites, registration from A-Z, credit card processing, and reminder emails.

Notes:

Jeffrey Gitomer. Little Red Book of Selling: 12.5 Principles of Sales Greatness- How to Make Sales Forever. (pg. 81) http://www.gitomer.com/products/Books.html

Labels: Conferencing Advice, Sales

Read more!

Inc.com released its first-ever Inc 5,000 list this year. The comprehensive list of "the fastest growing privately held companies in America" represents "the elite- a mere sliver of the seven million or so companies in the U.S. that have employees". With the recognition that we are among the best in American business, Infinite Conferencing is proud to have made the cut.

Prestigious awards aside, it is common knowledge that a business is only as good as its people. I want to dedicate a moment to giving you a closer look at who we really are at Infinite Conferencing. A close-knit family, we are a hard-working bunch, comprised of talented, caring, tech savvy, ethical, creative folks.

We are a diverse, service-oriented office with a stronghold in the conferencing industry. We are led by team of fearless leaders that shape the vision and course of our business. (See our Management page for a peak at Infinite Conferencing's leadership.) Also, we now have a very cool parent company, Onstream Media, which guides us to even greater heights within the industry and beyond.

Other not so well-known facts about our company are that: we regularly enforce Bagel Mondays, celebrate employee birthdays every month, and organize social activities like Happy Hour and Family BBQs. Headed up by Dori Pace (our A/R coordinator), we participate in charity causes like Share Our Strength, Cancer Care Walk for Hope, and Toys for Tots. Our company culture promotes the personal development of each employee through Quarterly Themes and instills core values such as professionalism, care for others, and teamwork.

The Inc. 5,000 award is framed and displayed on our wall to remind ourselves and all visitors of our esteemed achievement. But I think it's important to note that our phenomenal growth results from the day-to-day contributions, the unseen efforts and constant commitment to our goals, which really make us part of "the elite." This has been a virtual pat-on-the-back for Infinite Conferencing, a company made out of team spirit.


Notes:

Inc. 5,000 Article "Introducing the Inc. 5,000" by Jim Melloan can be found at Inc. Online http://www.inc.com/inc5000/articles/20070801/inc-5000.html

Stephanie Morehead, Event Coordinator at Infinite Conferencing

Labels: About Us, News

Read more!

This entry consists of advice for web presentation success based on my experience with events at Infinite Conferencing, our best practices whitepaper, and the myriad of presentation resources I've consulted over the years. One thing that all presentation advice has in common is the emphasis on preparation. If you spend the time with your presentation before the actual presentation, you will avoid the pitfalls of winging it.

To begin your preparation, tap into your Infinite Conferencing resources. We are experts in all areas of virtual conferences. Use your Account Manager as a major source for consultation to develop your strategic conferencing plan. Make sure to schedule a product training with your Account Manager early in the game to become acquainted with the web conferencing platform.

Before your event day, perform the system check (located on the login page) to ensure the computer, from which you will be presenting, has optimized settings. Have your PowerPoint presentation ready and published on your account. To gauge your audience's understanding during the event, you will want to prepare focused polling questions that complement your presentation. Schedule a dry-run of your event with your Account Manager to rehearse the actual call format you will use. Also, don't forget to confirm date, time and access information with your Account Manager.

It's show-time! First, hit the start button and go live with your presentation 10-15 minutes before your actual start-time so that early birds are not turned away. At the start, introduce yourself and go over housekeeping items to clarify the format of the call before moving into the presentation.

A typical presentation format is comprised as follows:

•Introduction
•Housekeeping
•Agenda
•Conclusion
•Questions & Answers

Advice about technique: a simple organized approach is usually the best one. Develop an outline to rehearse your talk. One of the biggest mistakes that new presenters make is to recite or read every line of their note section. It's more important to put yourself into the presentation by drawing connections through the use of personal examples and stories. A personal touch is certain to make your time together interesting and memorable.

Keep in mind that the online presentation will not communicate body language cues the way it would face-to-face. You can compensate for this by using the interactive features of the technology. Encourage the audience to ask questions and make free use of hand-raising and text messaging tools.

If you've tapped into your resources and rehearsed ahead of time, the actual presentation will be a snap! A wealth of reference materials on presentation techniques and PowerPoint techniques is available on the web and beyond. I've found that the best presentations keep-it-simple with PowerPoint design that favors organization and substantial content. While no one wants to sit through a boring presentation, you don't want to go overboard with fluffy extras. Focus on the importance of your material and communicate your content with clarity.

Notes:

A few sites with a lot of presentation advice:

A downloadable resource guide featuring an extensive list on every topic regarding PowerPoint and presentations is available here:
http://connectingdots.typepad.com/ppt/

BNET features many free and pertinent business whitepapers including tips on public speaking and presentations:
http://www.bnet.com/

Regardless of how you feel about Bill Gates' bullet points, I think you will appreciate the less-is-more professional presentation design at Garr Reynolds' site:
http://www.presentationzen.com/


Stephanie Morehead, Event Coordinator at Infinite Conferencing

Labels: Advice, Online Presentations

Read more!

I recently advanced to the position of Event Coordinator at Infinite Conferencing. The promotion was due to the fact that I love all aspects of virtual events. My job is to ensure a successful event every time you plan one with us. I love taking a client's raw idea for an event and seeing that event to fruition each step of the way. It is because of this commitment that I'd like to breakdown the importance of virtual event management as my very first blog topic.

Not all virtual events are created equal. Just as in traditional event planning, high profile virtual events require a great deal of strategy as well as a qualified team and seamless coordination. If you have the vision and the valued content, you don't want to wing your next teleseminar, webinar, or webcast. Planning, marketing, registration, confirmations & reminders- all need to be carried out before your actual event.

Infinite Conferencing regularly manages large events from organizations of every industry including the History Channel, Yahoo and the American Civil Liberties Union. We've found that the one thing all virtual events have in common is strong event management planning. To launch virtual events into higher levels of online professionalism, we offer our Event Management Service package. (Click for brochure.)

The Event Management Service package takes the administrative work out of your hands and allows you to focus on the more important aspects of the event such as: marketing the event to your target audience, enlisting expert speakers and guests, and developing a stellar presentation. (Click here for our Virtual Event Planning whitepaper.) The process begins with a comprehensive consultation with your personal Event Coordinator. You bring the vision and we map out the logistical course that makes it happen.

After your initial consultation, the Event Coordinator will provide you with a customized checklist, precisely outlining each element of the event so that all parties are literally on the same page. We handle everything from creating a branded registration page with your envisioned schematic to sending out email invitation blasts to the audience list you provide. You may even opt to charge admission with our credit card processing to see a return on investment.

If you're like most of today's businesses, you've come a long way to build your web presence. Stay on track with the Event Management Service package. Possibility is infinite- Click here to contact your Sales Rep today.

Notes:

Virtual Event Management at Infinite Conferencing- http://www.infiniteconferencing.com/virtual-event-management.asp

Virtual Event Planning: Guide to Best Practices-
http://www.infiniteconferencing.com/PDF/Virtual-Event-Planning.pdf


Stephanie Morehead, Event Coordinator at Infinite Conferencing

Labels: Advice, Event Management

Read more!