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.

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