The Webinar Solution

The Webinar Solution
By J. Gregory Thomas

Few businesses today are immune to the effects of today’s higher travel expenses. Unfortunately, news of a slowing economy further compounds the problems faced by small businesses, particularly where business development comes into play.

During economic moments like these, sales activities typically lose steam and margins increase. This results

in a double-whammy to the bottom-line. We know why this happens. In fact pulling back on growth initiatives is driven by emotion, by fear, as well as a reluctance to take a new approach to marketing. As for margins, they decrease as a result of higher expenses (like travel).

Rather than sitting tight and riding out an economic slowdown, small businesses need to ramp up their sales activities. Instead, many are gun shy. This is a fundamental error that is only exacerbated by the fact that they are “small” businesses. To achieve growth targets in slower economic times, Quote Stork urges small businesses to take a non-traditional approach to their marketing efforts. One such approach is through web conferences.

Involving web conferences in the marketing effort can return great results through two simple steps. The way Quote Stork Solutions interprets a May 2008 Ipsos survey is that web conferences are expected to increase 600% over the next five years. And while medium and large corporations are already taking advantage of this technology, small businesses who stand on the sidelines stand to see real and opportunity losses.

In the first step, the small business initiates a direct-response marketing campaign. This type of marketing benefits all types of businesses, but larger competitors typically shy away from them since they are perceived as high-maintenance. Small businesses, however, use these touchy-feely campaigns more effectively and consequently have experienced proven results. Additionally, since direct-response involves taking action, only interested prospects will respond.

The second part entails preparing and putting on a seminar via web conference. While this seminar will surely involve a sales pitch on the small business’s part, it will also provide a value-added reason for interested prospects to attend. For example, a plumber looking to expand his reach might show prospects some of the worst plumbing jobs he has encountered and discuss the dangers that such poor work may cause.

Through a direct-response campaign, the small business can reduce cash expenses needed to develop an attendee list. As well, since only interested prospects will show interest in attending your web conference, you are now speaking and selling to a captive audience rather having to complete a hard sale.

Finally, employing a web conference as part of your sales process is a win-win for everyone. For the small business owner looking to sell a product or service, a web conference allows mass selling to a group of interested parties; sure beats knocking on doors. And prospects are able to attend your web conference without leaving the comfort of their office or home, allowing them to save on time and travel as well.

Today’s leader in webinar solutions is GoToMeeting. They offer a cost effective solution that is cheaper than nearly any hotel room rental. Plus, if you use the link below you can try GoToMeeting for Free and take an additional $10 off your first paid webinar.

Article Source: http://www.affsphere.com/Technology-Applied-Science/The-Webinar-Solution-1.html

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.