Top 5 Benefits of Video Web Conferencing

Howdy!

Video web conferencing has many benefits for businesses looking for ways to cut costs, save time, and keep their competitive edge. It is becoming more prevalent as a way for businesses to share ideas with anyone, anywhere.

So here are the top 5 benefits for implementing video web conferencing in your business:

1) Increases Employee Productivity

Top industry analysts at Wainhouse Research agree that video web conferencing allows employees to get more work done faster and more efficiently. They can share ideas and information instantly online, quicker than meeting in-person, have the ability to include more people in the discussion, so decisions can be made much faster. This helps companies keep their competitive edge and ultimately adds to their bottom line.

2) Saves time

In the fast-paced, global world of business, it's important for employees to have the option of meeting online if they can't physically get to a meeting or to the office. Especially if they have a sick child or are caring for an elderly parent. Also, meeting online eliminates the downtime and hassle of getting to a meeting across town or even in another building. No more interruptions of work when you have an afternoon meeting. It will also boost morale and decrease key employee turnover as you provide more flexibility in the workplace. Happy employees waste less time, get more work done, and increase your bottom line.

3) Cut travel costs

Video web conferencing drastically cuts business travel costs. The average cost for a meeting for 10 people (including airfare, hotel, car rental and/or transportation, meals, entertainment, and tips) is $15,949. The cost of unlimited meetings online is $79 per month. That's a 94% cost savings! Plus, video web conferencing makes it easy for anyone, anywhere to attend training sessions, sales meetings, supplier meetings, etc. Employees will appreciate not having to be away from their families for days at a time. Or the extra cost and stress of traveling from one location to another.

4) Improve Relations

Employees can keep in closer contact with both customers and co-workers online. This speeds up the communication process because no longer do you have to email large files back and forth. You can go over important documents online together just like you would in person. The more you keep in contact with your customers to come up with helpful solutions to their concerns - the more profitable the relationship will be to your bottom line.

5) And lastly...You will save money by greening up your business!

Did you know that the average American worker spends an average of 47 hours per year commuting through rush hour traffic? By meeting online instead, you will be cutting down on thousands of pounds of carbon monoxide pollution every year. It's really important for companies to be good stewards of the environment and not compromise your responsible company image. Otherwise you could suffer the financial consequences. Using online conferences as an alternative way to get your business done can improve both company profits and customer approval rating of your business.

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How to Choose the Best Video Web Conferencing Service

Happy Thursday!

The pressure is on businesses of all sizes to increase profits, cut costs, and help save the planet. And video web conferencing allows you to do just that!

But with so many services to choose from; how do you decide which is the best fit for your business? Not to mention your budget.

Here are 5 steps to choosing the best web conferencing service:

1) Maximum Meeting Size:

It's important for you to decide how many guests or attendees you need to have in a meeting. If you plan on holding sales meetings or online training sessions, choose a package for up to 50 guests.

For most businesses, it's best to choose a web conference provider that allows a maximum of 50 guests so you won't ever have to worry about being charged exorbitant additional guest fees. Or you could end up paying an additional $375 dollars for a single meeting!

Plus, you won't have the hassle of upgrading your package if you need to include more people in the meeting.

2) Collaboration Tools:

The most productive online meetings have video sharing for up to 6 participants, full desktop sharing capabilities, the ability to give PowerPoint presentations, free integrated VoIP, and a chat feature so questions can be addressed.

Also, the best services provide FREE web cameras that work seamlessly with the web conferencing solution as an added plus.

3) Ease of Use:

The program should be easy for you as well as easy for your guests. Otherwise you'll be wasting valuable time struggling with the service instead of focusing on your meeting and potential customer.

Many video web conferencing services are web-based so there is no complicated software to download or configure. Your guests should not have to purchase or download any software to attend your web conference either. The best solution is to have automatic email invitations sent to your guests with a direct "clickable" link to your meeting.

4) Personal customer support:

There's nothing more frustrating than having a problem and being told to "read" the user manual or email support. The best video web conferencing service will assign you a personal support representative to assist you in anything you may need - forever!

5) Pay As You Go:

The best service allows you to pay as you go a flat monthly rate with the option to cancel at any time. Many plans have a discounted price if you sign a one year contract. It's best to have the option to cancel if you're dissatisfied.

As a business owner myself, I prefer to do business locally. So I look for the best providers close to home.

Good luck in choosing the best video web conferencing solution for your business!

Check Out VideoLive Conferences FREE for 30 Days...Plus, Get 2 FREE web cameras...Yours to keep...Even if you decide to cancel.

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How to Choose the Best Webcam For Video Web Conferencing

Hello Small business owners!

Do you have to buy the most expensive webcam to use in video web conferencing? Not necessarily. There are many affordable options available without spending a fortune.

The more expensive webcams have a high resolution and frames per second. The higher the resolution - the better quality the videos and pictures will be. Faster frames per second will ensure your streaming video is smooth and less choppy.

The most common resolution for webcams is 640x800. The minimum resolution for satisfactory quality is 320x240. When choosing a webcam, I recommend buying the highest resolution you can afford so you'll be happy with the video quality.

There are affordable webcams that use a USB port or even be wireless. Just make sure your computer or laptop is compatible with the type of camera you choose.

More often than not, new laptops will have built in web cameras. But it may not work the best with your video web conferencing software. That's why it's important to test out your webcam before making a final decision.

Web cameras with a glass lens are more expensive than plastic lens cameras. But the extra cost is well worth it because you'll get a more accurate and higher quality picture.

Also, cameras with automatic infrared lighting and a built in microphone for hands free use is an added plus.

And lastly, the best web cameras have a motion detection face tracking function that makes your video appear more natural.

There are many affordable video web conferencing cameras to choose from. Good luck in choosing the best webcam for your business and budget.

Check out the cost savings of meeting online HERE. Plus, here is the best video web conferencing solution to get your business done...including 2 FREE web cameras... at an affordable $49 per month for 50 guests Video Live Conferences.

Video Web Conferencing Product Reviews

You have most likely heard of WebEx - the industry leader in video web conferencing software. But in this article, I'm going to tell you about some services you may or may not have considered for your video conferencing needs.

All make face time easy for businesses of all sizes - without the expense of traveling.

Here are product reviews of 2 top lessor known providers:

1) HearMe:

Advantages: HearMe is a user-friendly, web-based service to hold online meetings right from your desktop. And it's free for your guests to join. You can share files on your computer securely, view uploaded videos, transfer files, and chat privately. There is a flat monthly rate depending on the size of your meeting room and audio is included. So you can see and talk as long as you want.

There is a free 14 day trial for 1st time users for 5 people when you register with a valid credit card. If you cancel before the trial period ends, your card will not be charged.

Cost Per Month:
25 person meeting room - $99 per month
50 person meeting room - $149 per month
100 person meeting room - $299 per month

Disadvantages: Currently, Mac users can not join a meeting. Also, guests need to register once per meeting room with a user name and password. This could get confusing There are no web cameras included.

2) MegaMeeting:

Advantages: Megameeting is a full featured, flexible video conferencing solution that allows up to 16 individuals to be seen on video at the same time You can share applications, examine online documents together, or show a live PowerPoint presentation. Some versions even allow an operator to remotely control the computer of another participant. There is a free 14 day trial with a valid credit card and is fully guaranteed for 30 days if you decide to purchase.

Megameeting can also be used by any pc, mac, or linux system. There is also a pay-as-you-go option for businesses who only use video conferencing occasionally. You can choose to pay a flat monthly rate or purchase the system to be used on your own server.

Cost Per Month:

25 person capacity: $225 per month
50 person capacity: $349 per month
100 person capacity: $499 per month

*There is a one time $995 set up fee.

Disadvantages: Set up fee is significant. Also, costs can add up quickly by the minute for the pay-as-you-go for occasional use of the service. There are also no free web cameras included.

There are many quality, but lesser known, video web conferencing services to choose from for budget-minded businesses of all sizes. I hope this article is both informative and helpful for you in making the best decision.

Check Out VideoLive Conferences Risk FREE for 30 Days...For only $49 dollars a month for 50 Guests...Plus, Get 2 FREE web cameras...Yours to keep...Even if you decide to cancel.

Hurry...while supplies last!

Best,

Sonja

Is Interactive Web Conferencing or Email More Effective?

Happy Friday,


Is interactive web conferencing really more effective than email or texting? Or a quick phone call?

Have you ever received an email that made you mad because of the "tone" of the sender?

Have you ever written an email that was misinterpreted or caused an emotional reaction?

And taken days of long, drawn out responses to clarify?

For example...

You receive an email from someone in your orgainzation asking for your support of funding for a new product launch.

You think it's a great idea! But you need more information on what the product is, how much funding is needed, and the timeline of the launch so you can secure funds and resources.

Sounds simple enough, right?

So you send a quick reply while you're in a meeting...

"Really?! What? Need more details or no $$"

But the problem is...you response is read as...

"You have some nerve asking me to support spending money with no plan!"

Not at all what you intended.

Email is an excellent communication tool, but is misused 60% of the time. And this causes productivitiy loss and strife in the office.

Face to face meetings is THE best way to communicate. But it's expensive and time consuming to travel every time you need to meet.

But thanks to interactive web conferencing, businesses on a tight budget have the option to meet with up to 50 people at the same time for as little as $79 dollars a month with full features.

ALWAYS use interactive web conferencing instead of email if you need to...

Resolve a conflict - this eliminates long, drawn out arguments and public "badgering"

Reprimand someone - otherwise the person may feel attacked or "convicted without a trial".

Brainstorm with several people - have lively back and forth brainstorming sessions during an interactive web conference for instant feed back and instand ideas.

Fire or layoff someone - Email should never be used to fire or layoff employees. Unless you want to be seen as cold and indifferent.

Make group decisions - Boost morale and participation by getting everyone's valuable input in making tough decisions.

Negotiating - Make more sales faster by being able to read a customer instantly and addressing his/her concerns. Also, you can demonstrate your product live during an interactive web conference.

So if you're wondering if you should send an email...talk it out instead in an interactive web conference!

You'll be amazed at how online interactive web conferences will help you be more productive, build stronger relationships, and eliminate email drama.

Sonja

12 Reasons to Hold An Interactive Web Conference

Happy Almost New Year!

Have you ever received a poorly written email that got misinterpreted?

Or has an email you've written ever lead to an incorrect response or an emotional reaction?

And caused tension for days before you even noticed there was a problem?

If so, then holding an intereactive web conference can solve a lot of misunderstandings and hard feelings.

Here's 12 Reasons You Should Hold An Interactive Web Conference to Be More Productive:

1. When you are mad or emotional

2. When the other person is mad or emotional

3. When there is a conflict on an item

4. When you need to convince someone to change his/her position

5. When you aren't sure others will interpret your email correctly

6. When someone sends an email that seems out of character for him/her

7. When you aren't sure how to interpres someone else's email

8. When someone asks you something confusing in an email

9. When you are concerned how the other person will react

10. When many people need to provide repeated input

11. When you want to show empathy, concern for the other person's reaction

12. When you believe 2-way dialogue would be most effective

And now you can hold as many interactive web conferences as you need HERE for only $79 dollars a month for up to 50 guests.

Best,

Sonja

A Parent's Nightmare

Happy Friday Everyone,

Boy, has Mother Nature been picking on the United States lately...especially Iowa.

Not only have whole towns been destroyed by tornadoes and flooding...

But last night 4 boys were killed at Boy Scout Camp when a tornado touched down.

I can't imagine how these parents are coping...my thoughts and prayers go out to their families. And also to the boys still in the hospital fighting to survive.

As horrible as these tragic events are, it sure brings out the best in people. Volunteers from all over the country are helping out any way they can.

My supposedly "business problems" pale in comparison to losing a child.

Hope you and yours are well and safe.

Best,
Sonja