Why I chose iLinc? And why you should attend a FREE demo

As a self-proclaimed, Webinarista I'm often asked which webinar company is the best.  Like most things in life, there is no one good answer or solution for every need.  However, I shopped and researched webinar companies for almost a year -- attending dozens of demos and over 100 webinars in the hope of finding a perfect service.  I found most of the services such as WebEx, GotoWebinar, Adobe work fine for basic needs (showing and narrating Powerpoint Slides, text based chat, etc.) but was looking for a bit more on a very limited budget. (Sound familiar?)

My webinars will be very interactive allowing brainstorming, real-time consultation, polling, desktop sharing and more.   Along the way I fell in love with a service called iLinc and really encourage you to check them out by attending a FREE DEMO.  Demos take only 30 minutes of your time and will save you hours and hours down the road.  During the demo you will learn first what webinars can do for your staff, your associations and your customers.  I like other webinar services, too, but iLinc has one thing that no one else can touch... 

It's called a GREEN METER and is a no-brainer for park, recreation and other "GREEN" agencies -- especially those committed to the environment.  The award-winning Green Meter —the only tool of its kind—is an automatic calculator inside iLinc web conferencing software that tracks CO2, cost and travel reductions accrued by meeting online rather than traveling. All iLinc meetings have this built in feature for no additional charge allowing users to measure important metrics that you, the press and your taxpayers care about -- especially savings to the environment AND your budget. 

CASE HISTORY -The State of Arizona, as a result of using ILinc's web conferencing services for meetings and other events has a documented savings of $1.7 million in the first half of 2008 and reduced more than 761,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. That's huge!  Those are numbers I care about as a taxpayer even though I don't live in Arizona.  When I saw this article I sent a copy up to Governor Schwarzennegger but I haven't gotten a rely yet.  You can read the whole State of Arizona Case Study here.

If you aren't already convinced, here's the bottom-line reason why you should attend an iLinc demo:  It's good for your professional development and career.  Even if you don't end up subscribing to a webinar service now or in the future. By attending a demo you increase your knowledge for FREE and you can let you're board, boss, commission and other decision-makers know you are keeping up on new ways to save money and the environment.

Here are six steps to help you choose the webinar service that's right for you. 

Step 1

Determine the needs you have for the Webinar service. Some of the questions are the following: Will this be an ongoing monthly meeting? Will there be the same number attending each time? Will this be just occasional use? These are just some examples.

Step 23

Call the Webinar service and ask questions. Ask if it has an online moderator or does it have 24/7 service if something goes wrong.

Step 34

Find out what additional service are offered such as chat built into the Webinar, the ability to do PowerPoint presentations or the sharing of files with the attendees. Live Meeting, for instance, doesn't require a reservation for those meetings that come up without notice.

Step 45

Consider security as well. If there's a firewallbuilt in, you need to know how to surpass it and if your attendees can have the resources necessary. Also, inquire into system requirements so you can send these to your attendees when you invite them to the Webinar.

Step 5

Compare prices of the different Webinar service companies. Choose based on per seat or per usage, according to your needs.  Make sure there aren't any hidden costs. Price alone should never drive your decision -- choose carefully based on price, features and your own needs.

 

Try before you buy - Whether you ask for a free trail or attend free demos -- test services before you buy.  Webex provides free trials but has limited capabilities. Test it thoroughly before buying.

 

iLinc offers a FREE, live  demo three times every day.  These demos are hosted by some of the smartest, nicest webinar techs in the world.  They are small gatherings where you can ask all the questions you want and really particpate (not just listen).  Plus, iLinc offers so many interactive features it really is (almost) better than a live meeting! Click here to learn more or to register for a demo.  There's one tomorrow!  What are you waiting for?  Sign up for a DEMO.  I'm telling you -- it will blow your mind.