Webinars (web based presentations or seminars) are the fastest growing information channels on the internet. But they are also pitfalls for the unwary. Here are ten perfect webinar tips you must follow.
Perfect Webinar Tip 1: Get the time right! It seems that 7,8, or 9pm Eastern time is popular with many, but don't be too geo-centric. What about people in Europe? 9pm your time could be two or three in the early hours! How about scheduling an extra 2.00pm Eastern time on occasion?
Perfect Webinar Tip 2: Give information about yourself that conveys why YOU are the person participants should sign up to. Stress you expertise, your experience, and your skills. And explain why you are excited about the webinar. After all, if you aren't, why should they be?
Perfect Webinar Tip 3: Give clear objectives. So many webinars are waffly. You need to be different. Be very clear and identify what you want people to learn or be better at doing. The clearer you can stress the problems and the solutions you're offering, the more likely you'll have a great take up.
Perfect Webinar Tip 4: Support. Do you want to provide material for participants post-webinar? If so – factor that into your preparation. Are you going to record it for download later? Or market it later?
Perfect Webinar Tip 5: Practice. This is all too easily overlooked. Webinar leadership is a skill of its own. Looking at the camera. Being at ease. Managing your nerves. Controlling you voice. (I have a tendency to look extremely stern and unsmiling, by the way!) Get objective advice from a friend. Better still, find someone who works in media to advise. You'll get some great pointers.
Perfect Webinar Tip 6: Registration stroking. Set up your autoresponder to send a welcome message to each participant as they register. And another the day before the webinar. A third on the dayof registration. And a final call an hour or so before you go online. Make your messages warm and welcoming. (Getting this right reduces drop out hugely.)
Perfect Webinar Tip 7: Timeline. Work out your timeline extremely carefully. I find that I need to schedule more material than I expect initially. Practice out loud. Remember that you'll likely talk faster online. Map your timeline on an A-Board and haveit just right or left of camera, at eye level. Keep to it!
Perfect Webinar Tip 8: Generate a list of provocative questions to ask particpants. Don't rely on people responding to you when you ask, "Has an anyone got any questions? Never does silence come over so wretchedly!
Perfect Webinar Tip 9: Summary. Make sure your key points are whiteboarded off camera so you can quickly refer to them if time is running out. Remember that you'll be adrenalin high, but will flag towards the end of the webinar, so make it easy for yourself.
Perfect Webinar Tip 10: Face Your Fears. Be honest about what's scary about this. Looking stupid? Drying up? Stammering? Losing your way? Turn to a friend and work it out. I always go through stuff with my younger brother. He's an outstanding coach and provides moral support, defusing humor, and perspective. You need that too.
So there you are. A checklist of ten tips to make sure your webinar is the best yet. Good luck!
My best to you.
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