Is there ever a time when it would be convenient to communicate with a client online? Consider some of the following resources when choosing an electronic conference room. An ECR is a platform where you can communicate digitally over the Internet with your client.
Real estate is about relationships. Whether on or off line, Be clear about:
•   The services you will offer
•   Your expectations of your client
•   Technology provides a written record
Lets review some products that may work for your business.
To get started you may want to consider one to one products or peer to peer distance tools – that allow you to use a webcam, speak through your computer and have the ability to share files and sometimes share screens. You can start with one of the common chat programs like Yahoo, MSN or Skype that you use.
Your client needs an account with whatever product you use. Once they are connected as a friend you can share webcams, files and call their computer directly. You will need good speakers or a headset. A USB headset is very affordable and some popular brands include Logitech and Plantronics.
A brand newcomer is TokBox. Tokbox allows you to aggregate all your instant message lists into one place and then speak to any one of them. They support, Googletalk, IRC, Yahoo, AIM, MSN and others. All of these products are FREE!
Then there is Oovoo. ooVoo is FREE video calling. The people you want to connect to don’t have to download oovoo to see you on the video call. You can have up to six people and their webcams on the screen at the same time. I am told the video quality is quite good.
A more sophisticated and probably more practical system is called a One to Many Platform – This is when you may need to hold an online meeting with more than two people. The most popular platforms include but are not limited to:
- Webex
- GoToMeeting
- Acrobat Connect (Free)
- Microsoft Live Meeting
- ILinx
- Elluminate
- DimDim (Free)
- Yugma (Free)
If you want a FREE product and you have small meetings (3 people max) consider Adobes’ Connect Now.
You can meet live over the web and share your screen with anyone. You will have your own customized URL that is always available. Every account includes free audio conferencing or VOIP. You can create these meeting on the fly — just click the phone icon and select Adobe Conference Number. You will see a text box with the call-in numbers as well as the meeting ID number. There is no charge for the service, however, long distance phone charges may apply.
Check it out at https://www.adobe.com/acom/connectnow/
GoToMeeting is also a very cost effective way to present, demonstrate and meet all you want – for one low flat fee. Start with a single organizer account which provides you with unlimited online meetings with up to 15 attendees.
You can start or schedule a meeting from the icon in your system tray or Mac dock icon. Choose between VoIP and phone conferencing or allow both options for audio. The neat thing is that participants don’t have to sign up to join your meeting – they just click an email link or enter the meeting ID online.
Give presentations, collaborate on projects or provide training – right from your desktop.
The best part in my humble opinion is that you have the option to record the screen and dialog for risk management purposes. Consider a prerecorded listing presentation to send to a prospective client.
What tools can you Use in the Electronic Conference Room? Most products allow you to display the following items:
•   Power point presentation
•   PDF files can be displayed
•   Virtual tours and videos can be shown
•   Surfing a web site.
I offer an indepth webinar on how to use webinars in your business. If your association or company is interested, contact me!
