Teleconferences, also known as teleclasses or teleseminars
depending on the presentation format, are the second hottest
marketing delivery technique for 2004. This delivery format
satisfies the yearn to learn and opens an exchange to
unbelievable global portions. Previously called distance
learning, this format actually began in the mid-1990s through
higher learning institutions. Now, without leaving your office
or easy chair, you can put on a headset, lean back and learn. No
parking challenges, gas usage, or travel time required.
Technology is exploding in this part of the communication
industry. In 2003 this market tripled their service features for
leaders, use and availability in on the incline, and the
attendance limitations of 30 a few years ago now expands to 150.
Teleconference phone numbers are still limited to availability
in only certain states, like Florida and Nevada. The pressure
for other states to add teleconferencing services at these
reasonable rates is not there yet. The bell is toiling louder
every year. Currently, you can purchase a personal-use 24/7 line
in the range of $600 a year. Alternatively, you can rent a line
by the hour from $10 up or even share a line.
You can find no cost teleconference lines, like
www.mrconference.com. I found these services less than
desirable. Many times, you get disconnect if you don't talk
every 10 minutes or you are blocked from entering the call if
their lines are full.
No, teleconferencing will not take the place of "being there".
Yet, some teleconference leaders can just about bring you
physically into feeling that same experience. If you have never
experience a teleconference, I recommend that you do, but don't
just try one. The greatest benefit to learning by phone is that
you listening skills will reach new heights quickly.
1. If you produce your own e-newsletter or printed newsletter,
you can add a teleconferencing announcement section.
2. Contact other e-newsletter or printed newsletter editors and
ask to have your teleconference announced in their issues. You
can swap for the space (your ad for their ad in your
e-newsletter), barter for a space in your session, offer an
affiliate option, purchase the space or pay per click. You want
to advertise with your focus target.
3. You can also run pay-per-click search engine ads. The Google
AdWords program is a great place to start. If you purchase an ad
analyzer software (average $100) or a service (average
$19.95/month) you will save time and make less mistakes. It will
also save you hours of analyzing your own. Look for the ads that
you pay more than a nickel each.
4. Place notices all over your web site -- especially your main
page. Remember, this is a passive method (meaning that you still
need to get visitors to the site before they can read it).
5. Write and distribute Internet articles on the same subject.
Unable to write, hire a ghostwriter. Allow three months for this
process to begin working. You will also want to write and
distribute at least three articles a month. Don't ignore this
marketing avenue. This method is number five on the top
promotional methods for 2004. If you are writing marketing
articles a great media-posting site is: www.ideamarketers.com.
Each site has it’s own guidelines and speciality topics. To find
other media-distribution sites, visit www.google.com and search
on "submit article" and "[your topic]". Use your bio or resource
paragraph, usually limited to five or less 60-character lines,
to entice readers about your teleconference offer.
6. Distribute your information globally. Whether using Internet
articles, advertising or any of the other methods mentioned in
#2 and #3. Find places in other English- speaking countries like
the U. K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
7. Announce your teleconference calls on other people’s
teleconferences. You can slip it in with a question, when you
are responding to a "what do you do" segment, or ask the leader
before hand for an opening as a complimentary service to theirs,
for bartering, or even a commission.
8. Add a promotional paragraph to all your outgoing e-mail
signatures.
9. Do you below to any discussion lists or boards that allow you
to post your teleconferences. Some do and some don't. If you are
not sure, ask the group's moderator. Off a special price for
members on the list.
10. Write a press release for each teleconference. Become a
member of PR Web, http://www.prweb.com/, membership is free. I
found this site to be the best for a Google pickup.
11. Begin a list of all your local newspapers that offer free
community event announcements. Find out what their deadline are
and submission requirements. Create what they need and send it
to them about a week or two before their deadline. As you get
good with your local newspapers begin to start expanding to
other locations. Choose a city and then do the same. When done,
choose another city. Start a binder with all the information and
set up your Internet browser with categories and your e-mail
software with a separate "Community newspaper" section to keep
yourself organized. Eventually you will want to delegate this
over to a Virtual Assistant.
12. Write a telephone answering script and change your voice
mail frequently to mention your teleconferences.
13. Use f*r*e*e offers to attract people to come and find out
additional information about your teleconferences. You can use
an ebook, ecourse, special report or even a white paper. A
transcript of another teleconference, if the same target market,
would also work well.
14. List your class in teleclass directories. Some of these
listing posting sites require that you complete "their"
teleclass-leading course. A big downfall in time and expense.
These include:
http://www.seminarannouncer.com http://www.teleclass4u.com
http://www.teleclasslive.com http://www.teleclass.com
http://www.thefeelgoodplace.com/freetele.htm
http://www.Yahoogroups.com has over 30 places to post your
listing (depends on your topic).
15. If you give speaking engagements or attend seminars, give
out flyers on your teleconference program. Works well in
networking groups too. Take the flyers to the libraries, senior
and civic centers.
Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.
About the author:
Catherine Franz is a 15-year experienced presenter, 5-year
teleclass leader, and graduate of six teleconferencing leading
training programs. She works with individuals and businesses
that want to expand their reach with tele- conferences. She will
assist you in creating, delivering and marketing yours.
http://www.abundancecenter.com
