Back a few years ago, you'd need a 3 day course to learn about conference call setup. Today, it's easy. Most of these services are automated where you don't need to even hold on the line for 10 minutes. It can often be done via the internet.
Originally the conference call was limited to businesses paying exorbitant fees to the telcos. For business, it still made sense economically because the costs were less than the travel costs involved in bringing the people together. Additionally, significant time savings are involved, both in terms of travel time and in being able to communicate fairly rapidly to an extended group.
Telcos then extended their market by providing conference calling services to home consumers for an added fee. For some, it made sense to be able to bring a family or group with common interests together easily, usually to plan some physical event.
With the expansion of the internet, and in particular, the increasing availability and decreasing pricing for high speed internet access, conference calling has expanded far beyond its original uses.
For business, it remains a vital tool and has, actually, become far more useful as prices fall and the ease of use increases. Real time audio/video conferencing is already in use (and in some organizations has been for quite some time). As the cost of bandwidth decreases and the technology underlying audio-video transmission over networks improves, true real-time video conferencing will increase dramatically.
From: http://www.conferencecallogy.com/Conference-Calling-Evolved.html
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Web and video conference call security:
In addition to the same security features as in an audio conference call be sure that your Web and video conferences have the following conference call security features in place:
*End-to-end encryption of the data link. Most use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and 128-bit AES encryption to protect your data stream from snoopers.
*Secure control over desktop sharing when sharing your keyboard and mouse during collaboration.
By using the security features built into most conference call solutions and practicing some basic security precautions you can keep your meetings and vital data safe from competitors and hackers.
From: http://www.conferencecallogy.com/Conference-Call-Security.html
In addition to the same security features as in an audio conference call be sure that your Web and video conferences have the following conference call security features in place:
*End-to-end encryption of the data link. Most use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and 128-bit AES encryption to protect your data stream from snoopers.
*Secure control over desktop sharing when sharing your keyboard and mouse during collaboration.
By using the security features built into most conference call solutions and practicing some basic security precautions you can keep your meetings and vital data safe from competitors and hackers.
From: http://www.conferencecallogy.com/Conference-Call-Security.html
Audio conference call security:
*Use the passcode assigned to your conference call at the time the reservation is made. This will prevent callers without the proper passcode from being admitted to the call.
*Protect the passcode and any other account information associated with the call. This means limiting who receives the information. Also get in the habit of shredding any documents that contain this information.
*Be sure to enable entry and exits tones to notify you when a participant joins or leaves the call.
*Require that participants identify themselves when joining the conference call and also take roll before commencing the conference.
*Lock the conference call so no one else can join it once begun.
*Disconnect all lines to the call at the end of the call to make certain there aren’t any side discussions after the conference has ended.
*Get in the habit of changing the call-in numbers and passcodes on a regular basis
From: http://www.conferencecallogy.com/Conference-Call-Security.html
*Use the passcode assigned to your conference call at the time the reservation is made. This will prevent callers without the proper passcode from being admitted to the call.
*Protect the passcode and any other account information associated with the call. This means limiting who receives the information. Also get in the habit of shredding any documents that contain this information.
*Be sure to enable entry and exits tones to notify you when a participant joins or leaves the call.
*Require that participants identify themselves when joining the conference call and also take roll before commencing the conference.
*Lock the conference call so no one else can join it once begun.
*Disconnect all lines to the call at the end of the call to make certain there aren’t any side discussions after the conference has ended.
*Get in the habit of changing the call-in numbers and passcodes on a regular basis
From: http://www.conferencecallogy.com/Conference-Call-Security.html
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
If you are going to be making a lot of conference calls, the best idea is going to be for you to purchase a conference call speaker phone. This will allow you to make or join in on conference calls quickly and easily. You can even find a video telephone conference call selection out there, and out of all the available options, here are a few of the top picks.
Polycom SoundStation 2W 2.4GHz Wireless Conference Phone
This is by far one of the very best conference call speaker phone models. The perfect conference call speaker phone for all your conference calling needs, and is available for under $700.
This conference call speaker phone is cordless so you never have to worry about wires or cables coming loose or tripping over them. With this phone you have the freedom to conference anywhere team collaboration is important, even in rooms where there are no phone lines. An affordable, superior quality conference calling phone, you can purchase this phone through retailers such as Tiger Direct.
With voice quality to the award winning SoundStation, proven 2.4 GHz wireless technology, added security of voice encryption, and up to 24 hours talk time, just to name a few of the many features of this phone, it should definitely be one of the top contenders on your list.
It is actually known as being the first phone that combines cell phone convenience and Polycom voice quality, and the standard headset cable provided will allow you to instantly connect your cell phone to the conference phone when you need to. Because the call is dialed through the cellular network, there is no need for an analog phone line.
From: http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-a-Conference-Call-Speaker-Phone&id=2007003
Polycom SoundStation 2W 2.4GHz Wireless Conference Phone
This is by far one of the very best conference call speaker phone models. The perfect conference call speaker phone for all your conference calling needs, and is available for under $700.
This conference call speaker phone is cordless so you never have to worry about wires or cables coming loose or tripping over them. With this phone you have the freedom to conference anywhere team collaboration is important, even in rooms where there are no phone lines. An affordable, superior quality conference calling phone, you can purchase this phone through retailers such as Tiger Direct.
With voice quality to the award winning SoundStation, proven 2.4 GHz wireless technology, added security of voice encryption, and up to 24 hours talk time, just to name a few of the many features of this phone, it should definitely be one of the top contenders on your list.
It is actually known as being the first phone that combines cell phone convenience and Polycom voice quality, and the standard headset cable provided will allow you to instantly connect your cell phone to the conference phone when you need to. Because the call is dialed through the cellular network, there is no need for an analog phone line.
From: http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-a-Conference-Call-Speaker-Phone&id=2007003
Web conference call is in its infancy and many people are not aware of its multifarious application. Initially, web conference call was used as an audio conference call and was limited to presentation calls. Live video conferencing became possible with the arrival of broadband. The right amalgamation of several features of Internet, computers and software has transformed web conference call to the level of face-to-face meeting.
The greatest advantage that web conference calling has over offline conference calls is that it gives real time interaction with several people. When implemented properly it is just like having a discussion in your conference hall. Unlike most offline conference calls, in web conference call the people engaged in conversation can share and exchange ideas by illustrating it on the whiteboard. This becomes very handy in cases where only drawings can clearly explain the idea. Since this is done in real time with the support of audio, the effect it has is far reaching and cannot be matched by offline conference calls.
Web conference calling is an ideal conference call service for business as it gives the opportunity to discuss issues and put them to vote and fix the issue on hand. This means that by sitting in your office in Manhattan through the conference call you can talk with your subordinates in any part of the world and discuss the business plans. There is no limit to the number of people who can take part in the digital web conference. Offline conference call has the limitation of number and when there are more than three locations it throws up several difficulties. The number of location is never a problem in web conference calling.
Conference call through web has certain limitations like web cam positioning. It also requires high amount of concentration from the participants. Most of the limitations associated with web conference call can be easily solved. Several business establishments now prefer web conference call over offline conference call as it saves money, time and energy.
From: http://article.abc-directory.com/article/960
The greatest advantage that web conference calling has over offline conference calls is that it gives real time interaction with several people. When implemented properly it is just like having a discussion in your conference hall. Unlike most offline conference calls, in web conference call the people engaged in conversation can share and exchange ideas by illustrating it on the whiteboard. This becomes very handy in cases where only drawings can clearly explain the idea. Since this is done in real time with the support of audio, the effect it has is far reaching and cannot be matched by offline conference calls.
Web conference calling is an ideal conference call service for business as it gives the opportunity to discuss issues and put them to vote and fix the issue on hand. This means that by sitting in your office in Manhattan through the conference call you can talk with your subordinates in any part of the world and discuss the business plans. There is no limit to the number of people who can take part in the digital web conference. Offline conference call has the limitation of number and when there are more than three locations it throws up several difficulties. The number of location is never a problem in web conference calling.
Conference call through web has certain limitations like web cam positioning. It also requires high amount of concentration from the participants. Most of the limitations associated with web conference call can be easily solved. Several business establishments now prefer web conference call over offline conference call as it saves money, time and energy.
From: http://article.abc-directory.com/article/960
Indeed, rising fuel prices, combined with the weak economic outlook has caused an important change in consumer behavior during the first half of 2008. Consumer use of coupons has stopped declining and is now rising.
A good way to observe this change is to look at the electronic side of coupon distribution. According to Hitwise stats cited by the NYT, visits to coupon related websites are up one third over the same period in 2007.
Some coupon website are little more than sham-fronts for affiliate marketing programs. Many of the links are broken or the coupon codes expired; search navigability is limited.
But other sites, such as CouponCabin, CouponMountain, CouponMom.com and others, offer fresh content: daily updated deals for both on-line retailers and brick-and-mortar merchants. Users can search by type of store or product category.
Marketing analysts have come up with a variety of theories to explain why coupon usage is finally rising after a decade of decline. Interestingly enough, rising inflation is only part of the story.
Some market watchers believe that brand loyalty drops in times of economic malaise because consumers prioritize other considerations. So the use of a coupon encourages brand-switching.
Others believe that the use of coupons is not a behavior entirely motivated by economic considerations. According to market research specialist Peter Meyers, also cited by the NYT Magazine, traditional coupon clippers pride themselves on being prudent and responsible in how they conduct affairs for their household.
To the extent that the prevalence of electronic coupon sites have reduced the time and hassle associated with searching for coupons, Meyers theory makes a lot of sense. Use of coupons becomes an empowering behavior that reinforces norms of common-sense, discipline and financial responsibility.
Interestingly enough, the upsurge in coupon usage has been accompanied by similar trends this year in the use of other free services. For example, free telephone directory assistance telephone services have seen a large spike in usage.
As with coupons, free conference calling services have also seen an increase in usage as users change their behavior. Like coupons and telephone directory assistance, free teleconferencing services represent a way to save money. Once the domain of just businesses, consumers are now embracing such conference calling services to facilitate group calls for family and personal reasons.
The one common theme through all of this is that saving money never quite seems to go out of style. That is especially true now with the difficult economic circumstances confronting the vast majority of families.
From: http://www.articlesbase.com/free-articles/free-coupons-come-back-acalling-504436.html
A good way to observe this change is to look at the electronic side of coupon distribution. According to Hitwise stats cited by the NYT, visits to coupon related websites are up one third over the same period in 2007.
Some coupon website are little more than sham-fronts for affiliate marketing programs. Many of the links are broken or the coupon codes expired; search navigability is limited.
But other sites, such as CouponCabin, CouponMountain, CouponMom.com and others, offer fresh content: daily updated deals for both on-line retailers and brick-and-mortar merchants. Users can search by type of store or product category.
Marketing analysts have come up with a variety of theories to explain why coupon usage is finally rising after a decade of decline. Interestingly enough, rising inflation is only part of the story.
Some market watchers believe that brand loyalty drops in times of economic malaise because consumers prioritize other considerations. So the use of a coupon encourages brand-switching.
Others believe that the use of coupons is not a behavior entirely motivated by economic considerations. According to market research specialist Peter Meyers, also cited by the NYT Magazine, traditional coupon clippers pride themselves on being prudent and responsible in how they conduct affairs for their household.
To the extent that the prevalence of electronic coupon sites have reduced the time and hassle associated with searching for coupons, Meyers theory makes a lot of sense. Use of coupons becomes an empowering behavior that reinforces norms of common-sense, discipline and financial responsibility.
Interestingly enough, the upsurge in coupon usage has been accompanied by similar trends this year in the use of other free services. For example, free telephone directory assistance telephone services have seen a large spike in usage.
As with coupons, free conference calling services have also seen an increase in usage as users change their behavior. Like coupons and telephone directory assistance, free teleconferencing services represent a way to save money. Once the domain of just businesses, consumers are now embracing such conference calling services to facilitate group calls for family and personal reasons.
The one common theme through all of this is that saving money never quite seems to go out of style. That is especially true now with the difficult economic circumstances confronting the vast majority of families.
From: http://www.articlesbase.com/free-articles/free-coupons-come-back-acalling-504436.html
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Video conferencing microphone inputs from the camera and audio input from the microphone can be converted into the digital data. Software is used to compress the data so that it can travel more quickly via ISDN lines, broadband Internet or WiFi. When the data reaches its destination, it gets decompressed to be viewed on a computer monitor or television screen and heard through speakers. Acoustic echo cancellation software is used to remove sound interference. It eliminates delays so that sound and visuals are in equal order.
Desktop video conferencing effectively guards the military's global telecommunications network. This helps the troops to connect themselves with the current war situations and built up their morale for military need. Military readiness means troops are focused and ready for duty at all times.
The defense service must hire one of the best product provider to install these video conferencing solutions. It will help the military service people to guard the nation with hazel free defense service and less efforts.
From: https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/750793?articleid=750793
Desktop video conferencing effectively guards the military's global telecommunications network. This helps the troops to connect themselves with the current war situations and built up their morale for military need. Military readiness means troops are focused and ready for duty at all times.
The defense service must hire one of the best product provider to install these video conferencing solutions. It will help the military service people to guard the nation with hazel free defense service and less efforts.
From: https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/750793?articleid=750793
Operational desktop video conferencing technology is now revolutionizing collaboration. Thus, use of this collaborative technology as a part of a military research initiative, tends to support operational requirements process of the countries.
Desktop video conferencing helps military men to transmit meeting details which are considered as top secret and confidential documents for military personnel. By means of multi point video, voice, and data communication, the technology enables the collaborators to access necessary human resources at any time.
The video and audio signals are sent across hard-wired, fiber-optic connections to and from each conference site, over encoded military satellite systems, or a combination of both. Troops are connected to the system from headquarters, the battlefield or nearby military bases. Over time, commanders recognized the need to let soldiers use that technology to connect with the required military general. Thus, a desk top video conferencing is safe, unique and enriched with high technical support.
From: https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/750793?articleid=750793
Desktop video conferencing helps military men to transmit meeting details which are considered as top secret and confidential documents for military personnel. By means of multi point video, voice, and data communication, the technology enables the collaborators to access necessary human resources at any time.
The video and audio signals are sent across hard-wired, fiber-optic connections to and from each conference site, over encoded military satellite systems, or a combination of both. Troops are connected to the system from headquarters, the battlefield or nearby military bases. Over time, commanders recognized the need to let soldiers use that technology to connect with the required military general. Thus, a desk top video conferencing is safe, unique and enriched with high technical support.
From: https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/750793?articleid=750793
Conference call systems has become a routine part of day-to-day business life. The conferencing usage has resulted in lower travel costs, improved business efficiency and higher employee's productivity. Therefore, due to its rich and economic features, various corporations have been outsourcing this service for their office network and other business activities.
There are many latest technologies in the market which helps in the fast means of conferencing. In this series, Polycom video conferencing emerged as lowering the extra expenditure as well as saving time of the business enterprises. It facilitated the business delegates to conduct their internal and overseas business meets while sitting in any part of the world. Thus, it has vastly helped the companies to excel over the business activities.
Through video conferencing equipment, emerging businessmen can share their business presentations easily with the existing big enterprises. It does not even require their physical presence. Thus, in a way, it helps in promoting the young business mind to enhance and learn new market strategies.
From:https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/791973?articleid=791973
There are many latest technologies in the market which helps in the fast means of conferencing. In this series, Polycom video conferencing emerged as lowering the extra expenditure as well as saving time of the business enterprises. It facilitated the business delegates to conduct their internal and overseas business meets while sitting in any part of the world. Thus, it has vastly helped the companies to excel over the business activities.
Through video conferencing equipment, emerging businessmen can share their business presentations easily with the existing big enterprises. It does not even require their physical presence. Thus, in a way, it helps in promoting the young business mind to enhance and learn new market strategies.
From:https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/791973?articleid=791973
Friday, March 20, 2009
When you host an audio conference call, web conference, or video conference, you are engaging in an interactive dialogue with your participants. This reveals a weak point: if you conduct the best webinar in the world, but without any participants, do you make a sound? Finding participants for your webinars is sometimes easy. They could be employees for the quarterly meeting, or your core customers for the big annual product update. Sometimes it’s hard to get an audience, like a webinar for potential customers. It’s when you have a list of leads and a superb webinar to show them that you need to be a bit creative, or at least unique enough to get people to become participants. Here are some suggestions to use emails, registration pages, and eBooks to increase your webinar attendance. 1. In your email invitations, realize that Bold, ALL CAPS, and other visual devices have rendered most invitees jaded, and will encourage them to send your email to the junk folder. Try a more simplistic approach. Tell them they have been invited to a webinar, what it’s about, and how they can join. Ironically, a short, plain email will grab more attention because it’s the opposite of what people normally receive. 2. Strive to encourage participant participation, even in the first email invitation. Announce that there are a few choices for the scope of the webinar and that it will be decided by the participants. Allow them to reply and cast their vote by bolding one of the choices in your list. You can also let them know about a poll on the registration page. 3. Whether you let them decide what the purpose of the webinar is or not, let your potential participants give their input. What are they interested in? What thoughts do your products, company, or guest speaker conjure in their minds? Ask for their suggestions to be delivered by replying to the email, or let them know there will be a place to comment on the registration page. 4. Nothing interests a person more than an answer to their own question. Tell people that you want their questions. Direct them to a place on the registration page to put questions, and that their questions will be answered in the webinar. Make sure to include a specific time for these questions in your public and private agendas and schedules. 5. Give them something to grab their attention. For example, do you have an eBook – or can write one in time for the webinar? Put in your email that after registration for the conference, they can download your eBook “for free.” Or why not give it to them outright? Attach your eBook with the email invitation. The eBook can be about the same things you’ll be discussing in your webinar, or simply about the industry. People are bombarded by advertising everywhere they go. Even in their homes, if it’s not on the products they buy or the TV, it jumps at them through the internet and email. A nice, austere, genuine invitation email might be a soothing sight for their very sore eyes, separating you from everyone else
From: https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/753490?articleid=753490
From: https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/753490?articleid=753490
In this demanding business world, regular communication plays a vital role in expanding the trade network. The advanced means of communication like Conference Call Systems, widely helps in the global enhancement of the business. Desktop conferencing is one of the latest advanced technology which is used by the business organization of almost all the sizes .
Desktop video conferencing allows the real time conversation between business delegates, business partners, customers and clients who are located in different corners of the world. It facilitates business personnels to share the secret documents, blue prints, market strategies and sales analysis report of the company. It helps the head office of a big business firm to monitor the working of all the employees of various branches. Thus, in a way, it leads the highest business authority to have personalized research assistance with the help of high speed Internet connections.
There are two types of desktop conferencing system commonly used by the firms. These includes Audio and Video conferencing equipment. Audio desktop conferencing requires the computer which should have a sound card and a microphone. For video desktop conferencing, a mini-camera is the additional requirement. These together make the conversation to be as smooth as natural interaction. Thus, this conferencing system together offer the company or association, a wide range of virtual conferencing solutions.
Now-a-days, the organizations are broadly using wireless phone headsets to accelerate the smooth trade interactions. These phones are attached to the desktop conferencing equipments with the help of blue tooth. Hence, it facilitates the business enterprises to continue the hassle free trade conversations while working on the system.
Desktop video conferencing system offers the business enterprises the opportunity to save money, save time and avoid the aggravation of air travel. Also, it facilitates the firms to deliver the business information or messages easily, efficiently and economically. Therefore, each day, with the regular use of these conferencing equipment, the business organization are reaching to the height of success.
From: https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/791975?articleid=791975
Desktop video conferencing allows the real time conversation between business delegates, business partners, customers and clients who are located in different corners of the world. It facilitates business personnels to share the secret documents, blue prints, market strategies and sales analysis report of the company. It helps the head office of a big business firm to monitor the working of all the employees of various branches. Thus, in a way, it leads the highest business authority to have personalized research assistance with the help of high speed Internet connections.
There are two types of desktop conferencing system commonly used by the firms. These includes Audio and Video conferencing equipment. Audio desktop conferencing requires the computer which should have a sound card and a microphone. For video desktop conferencing, a mini-camera is the additional requirement. These together make the conversation to be as smooth as natural interaction. Thus, this conferencing system together offer the company or association, a wide range of virtual conferencing solutions.
Now-a-days, the organizations are broadly using wireless phone headsets to accelerate the smooth trade interactions. These phones are attached to the desktop conferencing equipments with the help of blue tooth. Hence, it facilitates the business enterprises to continue the hassle free trade conversations while working on the system.
Desktop video conferencing system offers the business enterprises the opportunity to save money, save time and avoid the aggravation of air travel. Also, it facilitates the firms to deliver the business information or messages easily, efficiently and economically. Therefore, each day, with the regular use of these conferencing equipment, the business organization are reaching to the height of success.
From: https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/791975?articleid=791975
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Internet Business Guide Conference Calling
Conference Calling Costs
Cost varies of course depending on the conference calling provider and the type of service you choose. Flat rate conference calling, per minute toll free calling, prepaid calling cards, international prepaid calling cards, and unlimited phone and web conferencing services are all available. It is wise to shop around for pricing. As mentioned earlier in this article, it is a relatively new industry, and all conference calling providers are not created equal.
Web
Web conference calling is much more that just a conference call. Conference calling via your web browser offers you a wide variety of options including live office meeting video conferencing, video training seminars, video demonstrations and much more. By web conference calling your meetings can be more entertaining, educational, and effective.
From: https://www.amazines.com/Business_News/article_detail.cfm/85572?articleid=85572
Conference Calling Costs
Cost varies of course depending on the conference calling provider and the type of service you choose. Flat rate conference calling, per minute toll free calling, prepaid calling cards, international prepaid calling cards, and unlimited phone and web conferencing services are all available. It is wise to shop around for pricing. As mentioned earlier in this article, it is a relatively new industry, and all conference calling providers are not created equal.
Web
Web conference calling is much more that just a conference call. Conference calling via your web browser offers you a wide variety of options including live office meeting video conferencing, video training seminars, video demonstrations and much more. By web conference calling your meetings can be more entertaining, educational, and effective.
From: https://www.amazines.com/Business_News/article_detail.cfm/85572?articleid=85572
Calliflower for iPhone enables conference calling
Iotum has announced a mobile version of Calliflower, a conference-calling application for the iPhone and iPod touch. The program offers the same features as the desktop version, including free conference calls, flat-rate pricing for unlimited global meetings, local dial-in numbers and document sharing. Users can view the status of other people, take part in group chat, search through calling archives, send and receive invitations and reminders, or configure and record conferences. The software can also integrate with a user’s calendar.
The desktop version offers multiple organizers that can be used to share premium features with colleagues and friends under one account. When creating an account, users can choose from a monthly description priced at $50, a quarterly subscription for $150, or an annual subscription costing $500.
Calliflower is available as a free download from the App Store. Current users can keep their login information, while new users can create an account directly from the iPhone/iPod touch.
From: http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/02/03/calliflower.for.iphone/
Iotum has announced a mobile version of Calliflower, a conference-calling application for the iPhone and iPod touch. The program offers the same features as the desktop version, including free conference calls, flat-rate pricing for unlimited global meetings, local dial-in numbers and document sharing. Users can view the status of other people, take part in group chat, search through calling archives, send and receive invitations and reminders, or configure and record conferences. The software can also integrate with a user’s calendar.
The desktop version offers multiple organizers that can be used to share premium features with colleagues and friends under one account. When creating an account, users can choose from a monthly description priced at $50, a quarterly subscription for $150, or an annual subscription costing $500.
Calliflower is available as a free download from the App Store. Current users can keep their login information, while new users can create an account directly from the iPhone/iPod touch.
From: http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/02/03/calliflower.for.iphone/
Learn How Conference Calling Can Seal The Deal
In todays business environment, companies that excel embrace the global dynamics of an international market with conference calling. The international market opens doors in many countries for increased competition, increased business, and increased profit. The international market has affected foreign policy, and continues to be a key point to success for many companies across the board. Larger markets and target groups increase potential clients. These increases provide room for growth, and please investors with the potential for wracking up the dollar signs.
While an international market allows for increased sales and a broader target group, international markets can also increase costs and burden. International markets require significant travel budgets, communication budgets, and increased attention to cultural differences. Companies who work across a single nation as well as with many countries must be familiar with local customs, and must embrace business traditions that may vary across borders.
Business dealings that occur in person present a particular challenge. Deals that require more than once staff member increase travel budget exponentially. As more office members become involved in an international transaction, the travel plans can become more complicated and the bottom line benefits of the deal are lessened with the expenditure. Conference calling to close the big deal offers an attractive solution to the mayhem that is traveling to meetings, and does so at a considerable advantage to both parties.
Conference calling provides a mechanism for meeting with many people in many places across the globe. With a conference call meeting, no one has to pack. There are not expense forms to fill out with a conference call. Because a conference call is not in person, business men can concentrate on the business at hand and not on which handshake or form of eye contact is more acceptable. Conference calls reduce travel costs because participants can take the conference call at their personal desk.
Conference calls can be crucial to sealing the deal even when they involve only members from one side of a deal. Conference calls are en effective way to disseminate information across a corporation quickly. Conference calls packages that allow for calls without reservation and at any hour of the day afford companies instant access to all members of their team. This means that company personnel assets in one place can also positively impact company actions in another region.
Conference calls to seal the big deal also offer some unique services. Operator-assisted conference calls ensure quality communication for all parties involved. Operators can be available for only the onset of the call, or can stay online for the duration of the call. Operators monitor the quality of the call, and ensure that all participants have a clear connection and can hear what is being said. Operators can record conversations held during a conference call, providing a record for all interactions during the call.
Conference calls can be beneficial for large-scale important meetings, as well as smaller meetings. Confernce calling occurs regardless of the weather, and can be an effective substitute for personal meetings when inclement weather arises. Conference calls provide increased opportunities for emplyeees at one job site to communicate with employees at another job site. This inexpensive method of communication increases the avenues of communication and opens new doors to coporate communication. Foreign deals, intercompany meetings, and other opportunities to interact that were once neglected due to travel costs can now be successfully completed with conference calling. When closing the big deal, companies can utilize all of their best players at a fraction of the cost with conference calling.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
In todays business environment, companies that excel embrace the global dynamics of an international market with conference calling. The international market opens doors in many countries for increased competition, increased business, and increased profit. The international market has affected foreign policy, and continues to be a key point to success for many companies across the board. Larger markets and target groups increase potential clients. These increases provide room for growth, and please investors with the potential for wracking up the dollar signs.
While an international market allows for increased sales and a broader target group, international markets can also increase costs and burden. International markets require significant travel budgets, communication budgets, and increased attention to cultural differences. Companies who work across a single nation as well as with many countries must be familiar with local customs, and must embrace business traditions that may vary across borders.
Business dealings that occur in person present a particular challenge. Deals that require more than once staff member increase travel budget exponentially. As more office members become involved in an international transaction, the travel plans can become more complicated and the bottom line benefits of the deal are lessened with the expenditure. Conference calling to close the big deal offers an attractive solution to the mayhem that is traveling to meetings, and does so at a considerable advantage to both parties.
Conference calling provides a mechanism for meeting with many people in many places across the globe. With a conference call meeting, no one has to pack. There are not expense forms to fill out with a conference call. Because a conference call is not in person, business men can concentrate on the business at hand and not on which handshake or form of eye contact is more acceptable. Conference calls reduce travel costs because participants can take the conference call at their personal desk.
Conference calls can be crucial to sealing the deal even when they involve only members from one side of a deal. Conference calls are en effective way to disseminate information across a corporation quickly. Conference calls packages that allow for calls without reservation and at any hour of the day afford companies instant access to all members of their team. This means that company personnel assets in one place can also positively impact company actions in another region.
Conference calls to seal the big deal also offer some unique services. Operator-assisted conference calls ensure quality communication for all parties involved. Operators can be available for only the onset of the call, or can stay online for the duration of the call. Operators monitor the quality of the call, and ensure that all participants have a clear connection and can hear what is being said. Operators can record conversations held during a conference call, providing a record for all interactions during the call.
Conference calls can be beneficial for large-scale important meetings, as well as smaller meetings. Confernce calling occurs regardless of the weather, and can be an effective substitute for personal meetings when inclement weather arises. Conference calls provide increased opportunities for emplyeees at one job site to communicate with employees at another job site. This inexpensive method of communication increases the avenues of communication and opens new doors to coporate communication. Foreign deals, intercompany meetings, and other opportunities to interact that were once neglected due to travel costs can now be successfully completed with conference calling. When closing the big deal, companies can utilize all of their best players at a fraction of the cost with conference calling.
Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Mind your cellphone etiquette
After the call
x. Do?a post mortem
Post mortems have always been unpopular yet necessary. Going over your minutes in detail is therefore a good idea.
Besides, most companies often provide features such as recording and playback and even transcription of the call. This helps analyse issues such as agenda points requiring further clarification, new points raised in the
From: http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//getahead/2006/feb/14etiq.htm
After the call
x. Do?a post mortem
Post mortems have always been unpopular yet necessary. Going over your minutes in detail is therefore a good idea.
Besides, most companies often provide features such as recording and playback and even transcription of the call. This helps analyse issues such as agenda points requiring further clarification, new points raised in the
From: http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//getahead/2006/feb/14etiq.htm
How to improve your listening skills
During the call
vi. Practice basic telephone etiquette
A conference call is no different from any other formal telephone conversation.
Therefore, according to Nasha Fitter, who manages Fitter Solutions, a communications and training agency, the regular rules of telephone etiquette apply here. "Basic points such as not speaking out of turn, talking slowly and clearly, sticking to the agenda must be adhered to," she adds.
Most importantly when speaking with a large or a new group, it is important to introduce oneself.
"The number one problem in conference calls is people not identifying themselves. The listeners are left wondering who is talking and about what issue, consequently the discussion goes off on a tangent," says?Iyer.
vii. Understand the criticality
The collective effort of a conference call is very large. "You need to remember the total effort is the time of the call multiplied by the number of people. So an organisation is spending an enormous amount of time on each call," says Fitter.
Also, once an issue is discussed in a conference call, it is unlikely to be covered in an offline meeting. Hence, the tendency for complacency during a call needs to be guarded against.
From: http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//getahead/2006/feb/14etiq.htm
During the call
vi. Practice basic telephone etiquette
A conference call is no different from any other formal telephone conversation.
Therefore, according to Nasha Fitter, who manages Fitter Solutions, a communications and training agency, the regular rules of telephone etiquette apply here. "Basic points such as not speaking out of turn, talking slowly and clearly, sticking to the agenda must be adhered to," she adds.
Most importantly when speaking with a large or a new group, it is important to introduce oneself.
"The number one problem in conference calls is people not identifying themselves. The listeners are left wondering who is talking and about what issue, consequently the discussion goes off on a tangent," says?Iyer.
vii. Understand the criticality
The collective effort of a conference call is very large. "You need to remember the total effort is the time of the call multiplied by the number of people. So an organisation is spending an enormous amount of time on each call," says Fitter.
Also, once an issue is discussed in a conference call, it is unlikely to be covered in an offline meeting. Hence, the tendency for complacency during a call needs to be guarded against.
From: http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//getahead/2006/feb/14etiq.htm
How to ace telephonic interviews
Before a call
i. Plan and circulate the agenda and rules
"Making a powerpoint slide with the points of discussion and circulating it in advance is?effective," says Vivek Furtado, sales manager, GEMS Financial. "It ensures that everyone starts on the same page," he adds.
Also, set the ground rules. This starts with specifying the attendance method at the conference call. "A simple roll call is usually used, though sometimes the system is automated to announce user entry and exits," says Roy of Webex.
Pre-determine?other areas like order of discussing topics, the amount of time on each issue, the order of speakers etc.
ii. Choose a?representative and the moderator
Rather than everyone joining in, it makes sense for one speaker from your team to communicate with the other parties during?the call, while the others listen in on the speaker.
If the representative is not clear about a point, the phone can be put on mute and the issue quickly discussed.
"The moderator, ideally, is someone senior and must be well-known to all participants. This helps maintain an orderly flow," says Rukmini Iyer, a corporate trainer and instructional designer.
From: http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//getahead/2006/feb/14etiq.htm
Before a call
i. Plan and circulate the agenda and rules
"Making a powerpoint slide with the points of discussion and circulating it in advance is?effective," says Vivek Furtado, sales manager, GEMS Financial. "It ensures that everyone starts on the same page," he adds.
Also, set the ground rules. This starts with specifying the attendance method at the conference call. "A simple roll call is usually used, though sometimes the system is automated to announce user entry and exits," says Roy of Webex.
Pre-determine?other areas like order of discussing topics, the amount of time on each issue, the order of speakers etc.
ii. Choose a?representative and the moderator
Rather than everyone joining in, it makes sense for one speaker from your team to communicate with the other parties during?the call, while the others listen in on the speaker.
If the representative is not clear about a point, the phone can be put on mute and the issue quickly discussed.
"The moderator, ideally, is someone senior and must be well-known to all participants. This helps maintain an orderly flow," says Rukmini Iyer, a corporate trainer and instructional designer.
From: http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=//getahead/2006/feb/14etiq.htm
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Here are some tips on what to do and not what to do during an audio multi-lines call:
1. Call from a quiet location.
If you are conducting the audio conference call from home and your pets and children are playing, it is best to stay in the most quite place in the house. This way the participants will not have a hard time listening to you speaking. If for some reason you cannot find a quiet place you can use the mute function of the phone when you are not talking.
2. As much as possible do not call using a mobile phone
Using a mobile phone to conduct an audio conferencing is a bad idea. Mobile phone adds so much background noise and not to mention static. But if this is only what you have, still use the mute function if you are not speaking this will lessen the distraction on the side of the participants. And do not call when you are driving.
3. Always be on time for the scheduled call
Like normal meetings being on time is important. It is not nice when others wait while you catch up on the lost time especially when you are the one who will conduct the audio multi-lines call. Every one's time is important.
4. Avoid putting the call on hold
Putting the call on hold distracts the participants especially when the phone has hold beeps or music. The concentration of the participants will be disrupted and it is hard to catch up when you are not focused. If in case you need to leave and you are not sure at what time you can join the audio conference call, it is better to hang up and call again if you are ready.
5. Avoid using Cordless phones
Cordless phones are prone to static noise; this happens when you get out of range or there is a device that interferes with the phone. This is not the best device to conduct an audio conferencing.
6. Avoid doing other things when you are in an audio conference call
When you are speaking avoid doing other things like browsing papers, typing and the like because the other participants can hear it. Especially when the sound quality of the phone is good, the sound will be very loud.
7. Be cautious if your phone is on mute or not
There are several instances where other participants forgot to put the phone on mute then gives negative remark on the other participant. This is the worst experience you will have in an audio conference call. When you are done talking put the phone on mute the put it back on again when you are ready to talk. What you can do is it is your first time to join an audio multi-lines call, you can practice this so you will not be experiencing such embarrassing moments.
These are simple tips that anyone can follow to conduct a smooth sailing audio conferencing.
From: http://ezinearticles.com/?Dos-and-Donts-in-Audio-Conference-Call&id=1619441
1. Call from a quiet location.
If you are conducting the audio conference call from home and your pets and children are playing, it is best to stay in the most quite place in the house. This way the participants will not have a hard time listening to you speaking. If for some reason you cannot find a quiet place you can use the mute function of the phone when you are not talking.
2. As much as possible do not call using a mobile phone
Using a mobile phone to conduct an audio conferencing is a bad idea. Mobile phone adds so much background noise and not to mention static. But if this is only what you have, still use the mute function if you are not speaking this will lessen the distraction on the side of the participants. And do not call when you are driving.
3. Always be on time for the scheduled call
Like normal meetings being on time is important. It is not nice when others wait while you catch up on the lost time especially when you are the one who will conduct the audio multi-lines call. Every one's time is important.
4. Avoid putting the call on hold
Putting the call on hold distracts the participants especially when the phone has hold beeps or music. The concentration of the participants will be disrupted and it is hard to catch up when you are not focused. If in case you need to leave and you are not sure at what time you can join the audio conference call, it is better to hang up and call again if you are ready.
5. Avoid using Cordless phones
Cordless phones are prone to static noise; this happens when you get out of range or there is a device that interferes with the phone. This is not the best device to conduct an audio conferencing.
6. Avoid doing other things when you are in an audio conference call
When you are speaking avoid doing other things like browsing papers, typing and the like because the other participants can hear it. Especially when the sound quality of the phone is good, the sound will be very loud.
7. Be cautious if your phone is on mute or not
There are several instances where other participants forgot to put the phone on mute then gives negative remark on the other participant. This is the worst experience you will have in an audio conference call. When you are done talking put the phone on mute the put it back on again when you are ready to talk. What you can do is it is your first time to join an audio multi-lines call, you can practice this so you will not be experiencing such embarrassing moments.
These are simple tips that anyone can follow to conduct a smooth sailing audio conferencing.
From: http://ezinearticles.com/?Dos-and-Donts-in-Audio-Conference-Call&id=1619441
What Exactly Is Web Conferencing?
Web Conferencing is a multimedia content delivery system. What’s that? Well, the Internet and your computer are great tools for sending and receiving information. Some of that information is textual (like email), some is graphical (like a diagram), some is interactive (like multi-player games), and some is streamed media (audio and video files). Web Conferencing is a multimedia content delivery system because it brings all these different types of information together at the same time in a single powerful and cohesive presentation. The system lets you organize all your content and synchronize it to produce either highly directed or loosely structured events within a customized environment. The system has two parts. Your audience participates in the event via the Player and you control the event via the Administrator.
From: http://www.conferencecallchoices.com/webconferencing.html
Web Conferencing is a multimedia content delivery system. What’s that? Well, the Internet and your computer are great tools for sending and receiving information. Some of that information is textual (like email), some is graphical (like a diagram), some is interactive (like multi-player games), and some is streamed media (audio and video files). Web Conferencing is a multimedia content delivery system because it brings all these different types of information together at the same time in a single powerful and cohesive presentation. The system lets you organize all your content and synchronize it to produce either highly directed or loosely structured events within a customized environment. The system has two parts. Your audience participates in the event via the Player and you control the event via the Administrator.
From: http://www.conferencecallchoices.com/webconferencing.html
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