Virtual events have become a very popular way to market your business. Whether it’s a simple teleclass, a webinar, or a multi-call event that spans several days or even weeks, holding a virtual event is a service Virtual Assistants should add to their specialties for many reasons.
You can use virtual events to:
- build your client’s list
- establish your client as an expert in their field
- develop partnerships with colleagues or clients by collaborating on events
- introduce new programs and products
- and so much more
Teleclasses are the simplest events to set up. There are free conference call lines that you can use (www.freeconferencecalling.com, www.freeconferencepro.com and many others) to get a bridge line that people can call to attend your event. Teleclasses are quick to set up and great events that allow interaction with your guests. Many services provide a recording option with their free version as well. Many paid teleconference services will offer greater functionality and telephone line stability (and even 800 numbers if you wish).
There are also more functional teleconference/webcast services if you want to include things like Power Point presentations in your event. Instant Teleseminar is one of my favourites. It’s not free, but it has great functionality – your guests can attend your event via webcast as well as via phone (saving them long distance charges!) You can add images to your event pages, present slideshows, add audio and it records your event and provides an instant replay that can be downloaded or streamed. It only takes a few moments to set up an event using this service. I highly recommend it to my clients!
You can even host a full-on webinar, where you can use a service like GoToWebinar. GoToWebinar and other similar systems give you even greater communication tools like invitations and reminders and screen sharing for lectures and teaching. Your guests also have the ability to listen and participate via computer or via phone. There is also a chat function for your guests to communicate with you during your presentation. Again you can record your session easily and provide a replay for those who can’t attend live.
Whichever system you choose to run your event, be sure to set up a test event with your client so that you are both comfortable with the system. Don’t forget to plan for technical difficulties that may happen as well (be ready to email your registrants if something goes really wrong, provide your co-host with your client’s mobile number in case they can’t connect, and so on).
Helping your client ‘get out there’ by helping them set up simple (or complex) virtual events is a great service to offer. Most of the conference services have free trials – sign up for a few and check them out! They are easier to use than you might think!