The business world has changed drastically in the last few years due to the proliferation of online technology that allows people the ability to attend business events online. Business owners are no longer forced to spend thousands of dollars on travel, accommodations, and food for business events. This gives small businesses a unique opportunity to attend and learn from more events than previously.
Online business events are typically given with a few different technologies such as:
* GoToMeeting.com – Considered the leader in online events and meetings, this professional service offers screen sharing, recording, the ability to charge for events, reminders, autoresponder and more.
* AnyMeeting.com – This software offers a free, ad-supported version that offers all the pro features other than recording so that you can still offer a professional meeting without paying. However, the pro version is worth it to have the ability to record and provide an ad free experience.
* Google Plus Hangouts – Currently free and less formal, you can use Google Hangouts in combination with Business Events both publically and privately. You can share your screen, record, use video and more.
* join.me – This online meeting software allows for up to ten meeting participants for free. If you want to upgrade you can have up to 250 meeting participants. Presenters and viewers can use their iPads, share their desktops, and more.
Locate Online Business Events
You can find a lot of online events to attend via your local SCORE office, as well as via any groups that you may join. Many associations now offer online business events in addition to in-person events. You can also go to AllConferences.com to see a global directory of business events that are both online and offline.
Attend Online Business Events
Attending online business events is another way of networking. Usually, while the speakers are speaking the participants can use a separate chat window and even private chat to talk about the event and network with each other. Online business events are a good way to learn something about your niche without spending the extra fees associated with travel.
Host Online Business Events
Hosting online business events is an even better way to network with others, increase your mailing list, and make solid connections. Most business owners have something of value that they can teach to others. If you combine your talents with the talents of other business owners who share your niche but promote complementary products and services (not the same ones as yours), you can leverage their connections to take your online event even further.
Regardless of whether an event is online or off line it’s important to actively participate, ask questions when appropriate and find ways to share your own expertise when an opening is given.
There are many business events online that you can participate in to help boost your business to the next level. Check any groups or associations to which you belong. Make yourself available as a speaker and/or presenter for these events and you will soon discover the extraordinary value of online business events.
References:
GoToMeeting – http://www.gotomeeting.com/online/
Any Meeting – http://www.anymeeting.com/
Google+ Hangout – http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/
join.me – http://www.join.me/
SCORE – http://score.org
AllConferences – http://AllConferences.com