Last
updated October 18, 2005
Webinars
101
The
Benefits of Webinars
The World Wide
Web spins opportunities for businesses around the world. Webinars
presented via the Internet also create links for communication
with potential customers and allow for a very efficient and effective
internal communication network.
Webinars are
presented via a computer’s Web browser and a phone line.
To participate in a Webinar you need a computer, Internet access
and a phone line to participate in the teleconferencing portion.
The big difference
between a Webinar and a Webcast is
that a Webinar allows for interactive communication. A Webcast
allows only one-way communication, much like television and radio
broadcasts.
Benefits
of Webinars
- Reduces cost
of employee travel; increases efficiencies
- Are convenient
and cost-efficient
- Reaches larger
audiences
- Increases
communication
- Increases
a company’s visibility
- Provides
documented information; Webinars can be recorded for future replay
Uses
of Webinars:
- Train a large
number of people at multiple locations
- Share beneficial
information with customers
- Increase
internal communication
- Attract sales
leads
- Broadcast
corporate announcements
- Facilitate
focus groups
Now that you
have the basics about Webinars, look for more information about
coordinating, promoting and creating successful Webinars for your
business; part 2 of this article will be in the next MCS Marketing
Minute.
Expanding
Into New Markets
Trying
to introduce a NEW business, service or product? Expanding
into new areas for your existing business? Where do you
begin to market your new product or service?
Past
work or samples of your company’s work demonstrate “experience” and
know-how; it’s what helps introduce your products
or services to new customers. New prospects usually require
proof of your experience or products’ benefits. The
challenge is… if you need experience or samples to
get attention in a new market or industry, how do you prove
your ability without experience?
There are a number of recommended ways to overcome this Catch-22:
1. Offer
to do work at a reduced rate for friends, a non-profit
in the field or a start-up company so that you can build
your experience and portfolio.
2. Be
proactive with prospective clients.
Develop
a twist or a unique application or idea for a prospect.
Then, take a leap of faith and contact them to show them
a better application or creative way to capture new customers.
Companies usually want to see something new and different.
They can become an automatic prospect for whom you have
customized your portfolio.
3. Create
a presence at events, trade shows and other industry-specific
venues. Offer to talk at a round table or meeting or
become a sponsor for an industry function. Network and
meet key people in the industry.
4. Offer
to do a free critique, audit or “check up” of
a company’s existing materials, services or system.
That allows you to demonstrate your expertise in a way
that directly relates to your prospect, rather than showing
only work you've done for others.
In
addition to learning more about your prospect’s
products or services, you have an opportunity to create
a relationship while gathering the information needed
for the free audit.
Do you
have any other ideas on how to break into a market? If
so, reply to this message with “Gain Industry Experience” in
the subject line.
Look
at past MCS marketing minutes at mcshome.com. Feel free
to forward this article to friends and colleagues.
Have
a question or an interest in a specific marketing or public
relations topic? Contact the MCS marketing, graphics and
public relations experts at MCS.com…we may be able
to answer your question in the next marketing minute.
