WEEKLY EDITION OCTOBER 10, 2018
PAGE 14
Have You Mastered the Art of the Webinar?
NEWBERG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
There is no replacement for meeting the experts, but accessing that expertise can cost a business owner more
than they can afford in time and money. You may save enough to attend a PSAI conference every year, but by
the time you travel back to your office armed with fliers and business cards, other companies have already
exchanged emails and moved on to the next lesson. If you haven't done so already, it's time to invest in a device
that can access today's version of the day conference: the webinar.
Webinars are web-based video and audio presentations that are used to teach, sell, connect and interact in real
time. They allow a host to talk with an audience while also displaying video, slides, and surveys, and with the
ability to highlight and mark things on screen for all to see. Webinars are popular because they are low-cost,
time-efficient, on-demand, and can be mobile. Unlike in-person conferences, they don't take months to prepare
and can therefore provide the most relevant, up-to-date information out there. They provide access to
knowledgeable experts who have the opportunity to record their piece in their own time and space. Much of the
time, attending a webinar is free so it is also an excellent way to educate your whole team without travel costs.
Tuning in to a webinar is easy once you have the right application to access the meeting. It usually begins with an
email invite from the host. Sometimes you have to reserve your spot ahead of time, but this will be clear in the
email if that's the case. Whichever it is, be sure you are registered so you get the link to join the webinar. It's a
good idea to click the link at least 5 minutes before the webinar is to begin to make sure you are able to access
the service. A window will pop up when you do asking for your email address, your name, which will appear to all
those attending, and sometimes a password, which will be provided for you. If a window does not pop up check
your internet browser to allow pop ups.
Once you are in and the webinar has begun, you should be able to see an area where you can leave a comment
or ask a question. Not all webinars are interactive, especially if they are archived for viewing at any time. But,
when you are fortunate enough to attend a live webinar, it is a great way to get your questions answered since all
comments sent to the host are seen and (usually) addressed.
Finding webinars is as easy as a Google search. I just Googled, "Webinars for Small Businesses" and found one
happening next month regarding the top tax mistakes business owners make from irs.gov:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/webinars-for-small-businesses.
Of course, some events should never be missed. You won't find a webinar that delivers the networking, round-
table discussions, certification opportunities, CEU's, and the unbeatable social fun of the PSAI's Nuts and Bolts
Educational Conference this November in Tampa. But come ready to share the
information you learned from all those webinars. We'll see you there!
https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-webinar-3486257
https://myownconference.com/blog/en/index.php/attend-webinar/
https://www.croplife.com/webinars/5-key-benefits-of-attending-a-webinar/