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Webinars: Cost-effective, Convenient Communications
During the past decade, Webinars have moved to the forefront of business communications, replacing a variety of traditional activities such as face-to-face meetings, traditional seminars and live training sessions. According to Wainhouse Research, the number of Webinars has grown more than 11 percent each year. The group also expects the demand for related service to rise at a compound growth rate of 5 percent with annual spending on Webinars reaching $4.5 billion by 2010.
Webinar Wisdom
Many companies use these Web-based seminars as a venue for a marketing event, training class or any other kind of meeting that can be hosted via the Internet. Attendees simply log into a dedicated Web site and dial into a phone bridge to attend the session. The presenter uses a Web console to deliver a visual presentation at the same time they provide their presentation over the phone.
Webinars offer a great deal of interaction through special online conferencing software and telecommunications systems that connect presenters with audience members. These events can include real-time audience polls, live Q&A sessions and product or technology demonstrations.
Benefits of Webinars
Webinars, also referred to as e-seminars, offer significant benefits to companies, including:
- Increased attendance rates. Webinars prove convenient, allowing participants to view sessions without ever leaving their homes or offices. This often results in greater attendance.
- Reduced costs. Many companies use Webinars to host sales calls. This approach enables sales representatives to present to potential clients from any location without the time and expense associated with traveling.
- Improved interaction. Webinars allow attendees to interact with hosts as the event is taking place. Most Webinar technologies include live chat, instant file sharing and other facilities to enable real-time communication and collaboration.
- Repeatability. Companies can easily record Webinars and make them available for playback, allowing those who missed the session to download and view them at their convenience.
- Enhanced image. Webinars can positively impact a company's reputation. In a survey conducted by PC Magazine, executives claim that vendors who host conferences via the Web are perceived as innovative and technologically advanced, respectful of customer schedules and budgets, and focused on productivity.
Disadvantages of Webinars
However, there are some drawbacks to hosting a Webinar, such as:
- A remote audience member can get distracted by a phone call or a knock at the door, diverting their attention away from the presentation.
- Not everyone learns best from the Webinar format.
- Many prospects and clients still prefer the personal interaction of face-to-face live interactions.
Maximizing a Webinar
With so many companies holding Webinars, how can you maximize the success of your online events? Consider these tips:
- Know the audience, and structure the event accordingly.
- Refine content, making sure it's relevant and informative. Like seminars, the Webinar is attended by choice, so it must deliver value.
- Line up high-profile guest speakers who will help attract a larger audience.
- Promote the event for several days ahead of time, and send frequent reminders to those who have registered.
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