The right message for troubled times
Managers face the task of communicating some difficult decisions to an apprehensive workforce as the slowdown bites
Make a clean desk of it in 2009
Treat the cause rather than the symptoms if you want a tidier office this year
Pfizer chief's cure
In spite of restructuring, Jeff Kindler, boss of the world's largest pharmaceuticals company, does not rule out future acquisitions
The value of office gossip
The rumour mill does not have to be a destructive. Constructively harnessed, it can help manage worker expectations and even act as method of testing out new ideas
Gadgets for world-beaters
Financial Times writers asked busy business travellers about which devices they use to keep in touch around the globe
From geek to online guru
A dyslexic web designer, a call-centre operative and a single mother all had their fortunes changed thanks to their use of social networking websites
Prisons specialist steps out
A software provider to the Belfast security industry has been unlocking its potential after years of shunning publicity
Turbulent times ? patent opportunities
Ocean Tomo's success highlights the complex market for innovation functioning under the constraints of the credit crisis
India has drama in store
Shoppers in the subcontinent favour the colour and theatre of the bazaar over more minimalist western store designs, writes Amy Yee
Departing words of wisdom
The ideal farewell speech should be a subtle balance of humour, memories, reassurance and gratitude
Salvation from innovation
The septuagenarian president of Casio says that a surge in new products will see the company through any recession
Brewers need clear heads after awards
There is little time for celebration when sudden fame brings the placing of huge orders
Partnerships for prudent times
As sources of early-stage funding dry up, astute entrepreneurs are learning how to benefit from tie-ups with big companies
Carmakers set out to regain reputation
After a beating on Capitol Hill, the US manufacturers want to prove critics wrong about their cars
When managers say suit yourself
Some companies are profiting by allowing teams to formulate their own flexible and efficient working arrangements


you. That's the power of a blog.

Conferencing Tools: Don't miss this important, and very effective
tool that many coaches use on a regular basis. Teleseminar calls
are a low cost way to get your message to a larger group of
people at one time. You can also host online seminars in an online
conference room where you have voice as well as chat and web
surfing functions; this creates a fully interactive environment. VOIP
or Voice Over IP and web conferencing services are what we're
talking about here.

Without getting too technical, VOIP allows anyone to make and
receive phone calls over the Internet. Many times, the caller who
uses it either pays a very low price or nothing at all. Web
conferencing achieves the same thing with extra features such as
desktop sharing, virtual white board and co-web browsing.

When you need to illustrate a specific point that can't be done over
the phone or email, these are great features to have. Together, a
teleconference call and web conferencing is a powerful combination
to use for seminars to generate leads or sales. It's also very
affordable for both you and your seminar participants.

Third tool is a sequential email automatic responder that can follow
up with your prospects at preset intervals. Why do this?

I'm sure you know how important it is to make multiple contacts
with your potential clients so before they are ready to purchase
from you. It can get to be a massive job if you have hundreds of
contacts and you are trying to follow up with each one of them
manually. You don't have to do this! Get an automatic responder
system and allow it to do the follow ups for you. All you do is write
your email series and plug it into the system, then the
autoresponder sends out your messages and does all the follow
up for you.

The use of these tools itself will not guarantee an avalanche of
sales. However, with proper application, they can certainly help
you take your business further.

Lynette Chandler helps small business owners apply technology in their marketing. To receive more ideas like this one and get a list of recommended services, download the “Coach's Online Toolkit” at www.TechBasedMarketing.com/coachtools.pdf

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