How to Pick a Host Company for a Teleseminar

A teleseminar, or webinar, is a virtual meeting. If you need to pick a host company for a teleseminar, many vendors provide meeting and phone access as well as logistical and technical support.

Instructions

1. Determine what you need, what you want and what you can afford. Host companies usually provide many teleseminar tools and services that may include advertising, video, tools training, branding, registration, physical meeting space, equipment, payment processing, facilitation, recording and reporting. Vendors can suggest tools, format and techniques to enhance your teleseminar.

2. Make a list of "must have" tools and services such as virtual meeting access, a shared phone line and technical support. Then list the "nice to have" preferences that would enhance your teleseminar.

3. Find potential host companies. Ask around. Whether you are arranging the teleseminar for your own business or on your employer's behalf, see if colleagues have any recommendations or cautions. Search the Internet for prospective teleseminar host companies.

4. Compare providers' services, costs and ratings. Narrow your list of potential providers. Contact the finalists for more information and to tell them what you want. Many vendors offer 24/7 customer service and various contact options like instant live chat, toll free phone contacts and email.

5. Pick the host company and package that meet your needs. . Some host companies offer a variety of inclusive packages while others provide basic tools and services with a menu of individually priced supplemental options. The package of tools, services and support should meet all your needs, offer additional "nice to have" options and fit your budget.

6. Get all details in writing and arrange for payment. Time and service charges may be by minute and/or by participant. Make sure you know what and the host company are each responsible for.

7. Work with the host company on the time, date and length of the teleseminar. Make sure that all presenters submit materials to the host company by the date required, especially if the host company is reformatting, converting or loading the teleseminar materials into their tools.

8. Attend any training the host company offers and do a practice run before the seminar. Test equipment and verify that you have access to all required software.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your homework before you settle on a host company for your teleseminar. Remember that every host company wants your business and will most likely have an enticing web site that makes their offerings more glamorous than they really are. Look for on line reviews of providers.

• As teleseminar technology continues to develop, video conferencing will become increasingly common. Video conferencing provides visual interaction with your audience, which provides additional options for webinar presentations. Stay informed about new technology and providers who are on the cutting edge.

• Be sure you and the host company are clear about the details. Get a written estimate and contract for the times, dates, tools, services and support that the host company will provide.

• Check for any hidden costs. For example, if participants remain on the line after the teleseminar ends, there may be additional fees and/or long distance charges.