AudioConferencing.com Blog

April 1, 2011

Collaborative Tools to Use in Your Business

Filed under: Audio Conferencing — Tags: , — mason @ 8:16 pm

The team concept is a trend that has taken a deep hold in the business world. Companies welcome and encourage active participation from all their employees. More and more people work in groups to create, troubleshoot and touch base like a well-oiled machine. No matter what size the business, from a small bicycle shop to a Fortune 500 company, the ability to keep all employees on the same page and working towards the same vision and goal is the cornerstone for the success of that company.

Technological Tools

Audio and video conferencing enables people, teams, to meet at a moment’s notice. Well- organized audio conferencing, usually hosted and monitored by a well-trained operator/monitor, is an invaluable tool that cuts costs in regards to meeting places, conflicting schedules.

The computer is another venue for audio and video conferencing, whether just listening(lectures, annual reports) or participating. There are web-sites where people can register and make phone calls. They can share files, they can enter virtual meeting rooms, present or watch a visual presentation. The beauty of these tools is that they serve individual desktop users and small work groups as well as large conference rooms with the same quality and efficiency.

Informal Interaction

Most companies frown upon employees surfing mindlessly on the internet. Yet the have realized the value of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and others. They have embraced these tools and now encourage employees to interact; share ideas, dreams and even complaints. Their application for collaboration is proving to be even more valuable. Employees use these online venues for live chat, bulletin boards, group calendaring and numerous other applications.

The collaborating business model is here to stay and smartphones, tablet computers and other devices headed our way will be integral for the business world. Especially now that the upcoming generations will be so innately reared on such devices and concepts.

March 30, 2011

Audio Conferencing and Telecommunications Go Hand in Hand

Filed under: Audio Conferencing — Tags: , — mason @ 8:10 pm

Gone are the days when businessmen back at the office gathered around the phone and listened to Ed’s analysis of the corn market in Topeka. Now you can take your meetings out of the office. Anywhere your journey takes you and the plethora of mobile devices (smart- phones, tablet computers) allows you to access all your meetings with a single click of a button or tap of a screen. And this single click gives you access to audio conferencing, web conferencing, instant messaging, social media and contextual history.

Benefits and Advantages

Audio conferencing allows parties to connect using their not only their telephones but also computers, smartphones and tablet computers. Because a number of problems that can arise when multiple parties meet, this really is the perfect solution. People are busy. Many people telecommute and do not have the time to travel. Additionally, those who are ill and bedridden can still participate. And since the meeting can be conducted from a nearby phone or computer, money is saved. It also enables you to deliver information on rapidly changing topics, to facilitate collaboration, problem solving and decision making.

Limits

The one knock on audio conferencing with cellphones, even smartphones, is that often the audio quality is weak or inconsistent. However, with the advent of the smartphone and tablet computers(seemingly a new version every week) rest assured this audio problem will be solved.

While certainly not the main drive behind this mobile communication explosion, the concept of a “Green” world is certainly one of the pleasant features of this technological revolution. And a distinction most every company desires. The less people have to use their cars, ink and paper, the better off our environment. This added bonus always makes people feel good about the products they use.

March 28, 2011

Smart Phones, Tablet Computers and Audio Conferencing

Filed under: Audio Conferencing — Tags: , — mason @ 8:00 pm

The setting for audio conferencing is no longer only a large room with a long mahogany table, antique furniture and portraits of the company’s founders on the walls. While formal, personal meetings still continue, much of the action has moved out into the streets and cars, airplanes and hotel rooms. And the demand for easier access, more powerful, yet simpler devices drive this multi-billion dollar industry.

Dynamic Duo

The smartphone is an understatement, it’s like calling the Space Shuttle an airplane. With audio conferencing, users of smartphones receive a call to notify them as soon as the first participant joins, they can quickly add new participants, mute participants and record the call. And with tablet computers, not only will users be able to audio conference, they will be able to enter chat and virtual meeting rooms. The only possible setback with audio conferencing and phones is that often the audio quality can be diminished, certainly inferior to a landline.

The Software

Experts estimate the web/audio collaboration market to be about 7 billion and growing. With smartphones and tablet computers, web conferencing meetings have become truly mobile. Users are able to participate in audio and web conferencing, attend scheduled meetings and view presentations and other applications. With tablet computers, services allow users to share screens and run meetings online. Users can attend a meeting via their tablet even if they don’t have a phone nearby.

As the generations now growing up with all this hardware come into the business world, the old methods of doing business will change, perhaps never to be seen again. The amount of devices and software available can be staggering. As such, as the customer, you must do the research to find the right tool and system that works for you.

March 24, 2011

Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck with Audio Conferencing Options

Filed under: Audio Conferencing — Tags: , — mason @ 7:51 pm

We’ve come along way from smoke signals and two cans and a string. Audio conferencing allows multiple users connect using devices such as phones and computers. And yet today, our capacity for communication seems to increase in speed and ease on an almost daily basis. In the world of business, which has become more global, companies do not want to surrender any edge that they can establish. And in today’s competitive market, the ability to communicate efficiently and affordability is an edge that is essential for success.

You Get What You Pay For

There are essentially two options with Audio Conferencing: Reservationless allows you to hold an audio conference at a moment’s notice, best for reoccurring meetings. Operator Assisted is when you can reserve and customize features of your audio conference call over the phone or online. As with most products, there is a wide range of cost when it comes to audio conferencing. Be wary of “Free Audio Conferencing”. Parties will still be charged for long distance and could incur conference charges. Also, you’re usually on your own in regards to customer service. There is no operator to assist and to make sure that all parties connected. And the “Free” services don’t offer much else, such as; a recording of the conference, and the sharing of your desktop or additional video components.

Making a Good Impression

Audio Conferencing services offer numerous features to their customers. An operator is present, acting as host. Participants may be able to record and later replay the meeting. Translation is available and a complete manuscript of the meeting can be accessed later on the internet. These services are either monthly rates or simple per minute rates and some require previously scheduled appointments. The providers are plentiful and it should be easy to find a competitive price

When it’s an important meeting, operated assisted calls are recommended. The last thing you want is to make a bad impression on your clients.

March 22, 2011

Grow Your Small Business with Audio Conferencing

Filed under: Small Business — Tags: , — mason @ 6:27 pm

There are more than a million new, small businesses popping up each year. According to the Office of Disability Employment Policy, 55 % of all innovations come from small business. How are companies that constitute being called a “small” business affording the countless meetings that goes into such a large contribution to our countries commerce? They are expanding their reach to suppliers, partners, customers and clients by staying home and managing from one place, lowering costs and budgeting time.

It’s Nothing New

I think I was 12 yrs. old when the local phone company first offered 3 way calling. What a novel idea. I could now conspire with more than one friend at a time. It’s that same concept that is helping today’s small business owner survive and thrive. Audio conferencing allows large groups of people to meet, exchange ideas, make deals and provide services from anywhere in the country or world for that matter. That fact that all of this can be down without the purchase of plane tickets or the time spent in a car, hopping from office to office or city to city is invaluable to a growing business of any size. There are a number of Audio Conferencing providers offering, toll-free number portals, software and mediators for meetings of any size.

Audio vs. Video Conferencing

I have already conceded that Audio Conferencing is not even close to being “new technology.” With video technology readily available, you would ask why small business wouldn’t want to employ this as their meeting software of choice. The answer is the same most successful business come to, on most aspects of their model; cost. The technology necessary to bring remote members of a meeting together via video is much greater than that of audio conferencing. Only telephones and simple software are needed to audio conference. Computers, a video camera and internet providers are needed by all of the participants of a video conference.

Audio conferencing can’t carve you out a place in the market; it won’t be your top salesman or bring in new ideas. But, it will help facilitate all of those things and contribute to your small business’ bottom line. Communication is foremost the backbone to any business. It’s necessary to make any business grow. So, why not stick with the tried-and-true method.

March 20, 2011

Know your Audio Conferencing Options

Filed under: Audio Conferencing — Tags: , — mason @ 6:22 pm

So you have decided that Audio Conferencing is the best remote meeting option for your company. You aren’t alone. Audio conferences are an economical way to bring all of the major players of the day together, without purchasing plane tickets or wasting valuable time driving from office to office. Now, who has the best service for the best price? That’s not so cut and dry. Below, you will find several options that can be tailored to fit your needs.

Who does what?

  • Citizens Conferencing- offers more than just audio conferencing. Should you require Web or video conferencing, they can help with that as well. Customer service is where this company hangs their hat.
  • InterCall- is a division of West Corporation. They specialize in conferencing solutions and are the most widely used service provider in the world.

What do you need?

  • Dial In Teleconferencing- The simplest and most common of audio conferencing types “dial in teleconferencing” involves three or more callers to a pre-designated phone number. All members will are given a meeting time and password to use on their touch tone phone.
  • Reservationless Conference Calls –all callers will receive a toll free number and have the capability of calling from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. The host company is responsible for all call charges. A passcode is also required to participate in this call.
  • Operator Assisted Audio Conference Calls –The teleconferencing provider designates a meeting facilitator who performs a number of available services. For instance call introductions, roll call, translation services or faxing/emailing documents to participants.

No business runs exactly like another. Each owner must decide what makes most sense for them when it comes to communication with distributors, partners and potential clients. Audio teleconferencing is one way to cut costs and budget time. Hopefully, one of the above methods will help you do that.

March 18, 2011

Audio Conferencing and the Business World

Filed under: Audio Conferencing — Tags: , — mason @ 9:10 pm

Audio conferencing has expanded by leaps and bounds since it first was introduced to the business world. Computers and the Internet have greatly affected what we used to recognize as audio conferencing. Of course along with improvements, different equipment became necessary. Here are some things you’ll need depending on which method you decide to utilize.

Audio Conferencing via Computer

Put simply the supplies needed to audio conference via the Internet are microphones, speakers, an Internet connection and of course computer(s). Many laptops today have microphones and speakers built in; if each member has their own laptop, separate speakers and microphones shouldn’t be necessary. It’s possible to expand this even further by adding a web cam; again, standard on many laptops. Easily downloaded “Java” will be needed to begin a web conference. A speed of 100+kbps should work for 10 to 20 people. Several hundred people will require high speed broadband Internet of at least 2MB. There are several free open source audio conferencing applications available for download.

Audio Conferencing the Old Fashioned Way

A speakerphone in the middle of a table with a group of people around it is still used by companies not ready to jump into the millennium. Kicking this method up a notch will require a television and perhaps some collaborative software. There are several companies to choose from that will set you up with a service and security number to dial in order to begin your audio conference.

With more and more people owning their own laptops, headphones and web cameras it may be more economical to utilize what your employees already own. As long as they use the same software program for the conference they will be able to participant in the audio conference. The more sophisticated method may be the most impressive.

March 15, 2011

The Basics of Audio Conferencing

Filed under: Audio Conferencing — Tags: , — mason @ 9:07 pm

An audio conference utilizes conference calls for tasks like training and meetings. It is a cost effective way to communicate in a conference setting. Recent technologies have made it more highly developed and dependable.

What You’ll Need

An audio conferencing service is a good way to go. Two or more speakerphones are suggested in order to make your audio conferencing accessible to as many employees as necessary. Unique phones made with audio conferencing in mind have improved sound quality; more so than regular speakerphones. Each conferencing service is different, so be sure to check on the types of packages they offer. With security being a major topic these days you’ll want to make sure that your calls will be safe. Security Systems in place utilizes pin numbers; only the people with the number can participate in the call. These numbers are “throwaways”. New meeting… new number. If you plan on participating in international conferencing there are services that offer translations.

You’re Ready to Go

Set up your meeting time and enter your pin number and any other information necessary. The conference participants can either sit at a table with a speakerphone centered on it or have their own handset. Some things to remember include reminding the participants a day ahead of time about the conference call; execute a “roll call” at the beginning of your conference and remind everyone to identify themselves when speaking as well as speaking clearly without side conversations. Background noises should be kept to a minimum.
With speed and convenience being first and foremost in many people’s minds conference calling’s popularity is rising. Some companies have even opted for video conferencing; the pros and cons of which need to be weighed carefully. Either way we’ve definitely stepped into the future.

March 12, 2011

All About Audio Conferencing

Filed under: Audio Conferencing — Tags: — mason @ 9:05 pm

Audio conferencing has changed the way many of us do business today. It has helped people halfway across the world communicate on a level never before considered possible. With the addition of video conferencing and web conferencing technology has boosted us into an almost futuristic time that Alexander Graham Bell couldn’t possibly have envisioned.

What to Consider Beforehand

With all the options available, a company first needs to decide whether the old fashioned speakerphone on a table is going to be enough to fill their needs; or, if they’ll want to expand to video conferencing or even web conferencing. There are several reliable services which will handle the audio conference program. Keep in mind, this particular method limits your communication. Economically, web conferencing may be the more frugal choice due to the fact that many people have their own laptops and that web conferencing programs can be downloaded for free. And who doesn’t like free?

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve decided which type of conferencing best suits your needs you’ll need to choose a company to provide you with the services required. Some companies will offer a free trial. Others simply ask what your needs are and supply you with not only the service itself but the equipment necessary. Security is a major concern, particularly in this day and age, so be sure to choose a reputable service. Keep in mind that a special phone number and pin number are commonly required before beginning a call.

Whatever suits your company best, be it audio conferencing, video conferencing or even web conferencing, trying to run a successful business without at least one of these would not only be difficult; but unadvisable. Other companies will be more impressed with the ease of communicating during important meetings. Don’t be left behind.

March 9, 2011

Audio Conferencing by Phone vs. Web

Filed under: Conferencing Tips — Tags: — mason @ 9:02 pm

We’re fortunate to live in a wonderful time. Technology has created effective and efficient ways of communicating with people; even those halfway around the world. It is helping people communicate in ways we never thought possible. Families can even talk to, and see, a loved one fighting overseas. Web conferencing or audio conferencing; both are bringing people closer together. Let’s compare the two.

Audio Conferencing Made Simple

Audio conferencing is commonly referred to as a conference call. One person calls another person, they enter a pin number, other people join in or just. Presto! You have a conference call. You may hear this type of conference call referred to as ATC (audio teleconference).

Get Your PC’s Polished Up

A web conference, or ‘web-con’, utilizes technology by kicking your conference up a notch. Meetings and conversations are actually conducted on the Internet. Participants most commonly click on a link given by the initiator of the meeting. Each participant has their own computer so each can be seen and heard. Document sharing is one advantage made possible with web conferencing. Typically you’ll need a PC with an Internet connection (there is actually free software out there specifically designed for this), possibly a headset and you may need an audio connection and a video camera. Laptops today usually have both included.

I am as computer savvy as a kumquat. If you, however, feel at home on your PC web conferencing has many advantages and can be more cost effective than audio conferencing. You’ll have to weigh your needs, your expenses and possibly your computer skills to determine which is best for you. Regardless of your choice I think we can all agree that we do truly live in a wonderful time… Thank you technology!

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