Call me spoiled!
It hasn't been that long that we've had webinars to the extent that we do now. Yesterday there were three separate organizations that I belong to holding webinars.
You can't tell from the term webinar exactly what it means. Sometimes it's interactive and sometimes it's just dialing in to a central phone number.
That's where I'm spoiled ... and I think our clients are spoiled when it comes to technology, too.
After having some Go To Meeting type interactive sessions, where I can see the people who are talking, and see what they're writing, I like it better than listening to a phone call for an hour.
I like having the choice of plugging in a headphone and microphone (so it doesn't bother anyone around me) rather than having to use a phone - it's cumbersome and it costs money.
I'm all for webinars, but let's make them worthy of the name.
Hi, Sharon. Good point! I have been doing a lot of interactive training lately via GoToMeeting with a client, and just last night I hosted a teleseminar. GoToWebinar is a great tool if anyone is looking for an interactive webinar tool. I hate sitting on the phone too...I would much rather be on my computer watching and clicking.
Christine - now if you and I could only convince the world ...
Sharon- I see the value of both, teleconferences and webinars. I like teleconferences because I can call in and walk around or listen in my car, or multi task and don't have to be in front of the computer. I am going to be doing both for my coaching.
Hi Sharon,
I'm with you, they sure do work for me, I get more done in less time this way.
I have done a few webinars and I wasn't impressed. The audio and visual content was out of sinc and a buzz was audible. I hope they can fix the tech so it is all it can be...
From a business standpoint, it is much better than traveling to a meeting and to avoid the costs associated. I also like the ability to turn down the volume and do something else, if the one I am involved with is ... well let's just say not as interesting as I would like.
All jokes aside, I like them and many times they are very informative as well as convenient.
Sharon - I've done both webinars and teleconferences. I like them both. The only problem I had was when I was on a teleconference call and the battery in my handheld phone went dead!
Webinars just don't work for me - I fidget like a kid in school.
Sharon.. webinars can be a great tool if the are used properly...
Sharon, I've only attended a few webinars and they have been worthwhile for the most part. I too, like the convience of being able to multitask, though.
I love them. I can fit them into my schedule easier and can leave early without feeling rude!
Sharon, how fun to see you on Active Rain. We "met" a year ago at the CLHMS class in Vail. Rock on!
They are great -- gotomeeting.com is one of the least expensive one available and I have used some of the free ones out there as well.
I dont' mind either, but the interactive ones I tend to learn more as I can follow along with my computer.
Technology is being pushed in our face and as realtors one has to follow this trend after all that's where our clients are. Webinars can be fun but aren't for everyone.
Katerina - that's an aspect I hadn't thought of. It would be nice to have both options. Further, I really like when it's recorded so I can see in on the computer later - timing doesn't always fit into my schedule. I like my education "on demand". Again, consider me Spoiled.
Lynda - it's a great benefit in the current economy - no travel time, no travel cost.
Paul - it's constantly improving. Even now, some are much better technically than othes.
Watson - that's like the multitasking that takes place during live seminars when attendees have their laptops there to take notes - if the topic is less than scintilating, well ...
Donna - that, and when your hand goes numb.
Terri - is that perhaps about the topic and/or the speakers??
Roland - of course. Everything can be overdone.
Gena - just like sessions at a live conference, some are great, some are not. Some are too basic, some too advanced, some too ho-hum. Like leaving a live session, we can hang up on the webinar/teleconference.
Jean - yes, no noisy door closing when you leave.
Janna - yes, I remember you. I look forward to our paths crossing again. Are you going to Leaders in Luxury in October on South Beach?
Scott - it's important to know how the participants feel about each one.
Missy - I agree. We hear faster than people talk, so it's go to be able to actively participate.
Castellum - there isn't anything that's for everyone. That's one of the reasons why niches outdo generalities.
Hi Sharon,
Great topic! But I think webinars and teleconferences are really two different tools, for two different purposes. Sometimes you need a actual webinar, sometimes you don't. But either way, I think they are becoming more and more commonplace
Just my 2¢
: )
Michael - they are two different tools. I think what triggered my post was all the teleconferences that are billing themselves as Webinars - and for many of them, they aren't even teleconferences, they are just "educational sessions" that could as well be on tape, CD or the radio.
Sharon - I've been a part of a few teleconferences and have considered them mild successes. Yet, I've found them to be nothing more than the "educational sessions" that you mention in your comment to Michael above. So, I'd venture to say they may have wasted valuable in-office time. I'll maintain that as a whole, us Mortgage folks are lagging behind in the implementation of technology to enhance our business models compared to Agents. None the less, technology seems to have spoiled us all.
Good points regarding the different platforms of "webinars" I also enjoy participating and spent time on two earlier this week! I do not think they are wasted time as I am usually in one of the conference rooms, listening to the dialog and also doing something else at the same time. Let me say I do this during the question and answer time but not during the main part of the meeting.
Jason - I don't think any industry has a monopoly on lagging in technology.
Russell - if you'd be in the office anyway, that's right. If you have to give up something else, then you want it to be valuable.
Sharon - I have attended some excellent webinars that were truly interective and others that were, simply, a waste of time. For me it really has to do with saving time, getting great information in a short time frame, and seeing the value. The technology is there to be used to its best advantage, why bother with something that can just as easily be on a free podcast.
Jeff
Jeff - we certainly share the same sentiments.
I think this is a great topic Sharon! As the eBusiness Training Manager for RE/MAX International, we have been utilizing Webinars for our technology education for nearly two years now. They are an excellent way to provide education and support almost instantly. Though they do not replace the value of in person instructor-led training, they can meet the scheduling needs of today's Real Estate Professional and allow for more opportunities to learn than having to find an available session on the topic you need and drive or fly to it. We have been very happy with the Citrix Online product, GoToMeeting and have found that it is very easy to use for anyone - a key factor in choosing them. My team offers, several times a week, recurring regional webinars as well as sessions customized for individuals or offices.
After hearing stories from the field, I am also very interested in hearing more about how individual Agents can utilize webinars to promote listings to buyers out of town, hold educational sessions of their own for buyers and sellers, and even conduct listing presentations. I think technology has advanced to a point where our industry is expected to offer options such as this, and many consumers may look specifically for an Agent who does. What are your thoughts on this?
Any of our RE/MAX affiliates that would be interested in trying something like that out, should feel free to contact me. Many of the web conferencing providers out there (and there are a lot these days) provide a free trial period for their programs, and it is a great way to test it out without a financial investment.
John - thanks for the offer to share your expertise! I'll have to give some thought to your question. There's no doubt that today's clients want an agent who knows and uses the latest technology.