Independent professionals who want to get more clients online often consider implementing a teleseminar program. These programs can be immensely profitable. Many Internet marketers have built lists with weekly and monthly classes delivered by phone and web site.
The process looks easy when it’s done well. But in fact leading a group can be challenging in any environment. Leading an online presentation calls for unique skills.
(1) Begin with no-fee classes and then progress to paid programs.
It’s almost impossible to get an audience for a paid program unless you provide preview opportunities. Prospective clients want to listen first. They want to get a sense of whether you really know your material. They also want to hear how you speak and how you conduct your classes.
(2) Specific “how-to” classes tend to attract most interest.
The more specific the topic, the more likely you will get participants, especially when you are offering no-fee classes to build your list and demo your services. Instead of “How to Train Your New Dog,” offer, “3 Tips To Get Your Dog To Stop Jumping on Strangers.”
Teleclass participants don’t like theory. They want to walk away with action steps they can use immediately.
(3) Identify a small number of specific takeaways.
Some classes promise you ten or more strategies. These numbers will be effective when you want to promote a home study course or Report. Listeners want to believe they will be getting a huge amount of material to learn.
For most teleclasses, listeners will prefer three to five specific action steps or strategies. Research consistently shows that people remember groups of three to five items. Phone numbers started out as 5 numbers; now they are easily broken down into groups of 3 and 4 numbers.
(4) Accept your leadership role.
It’s your teleseminar and you have to take full responsibility. Cut off long-winded questions. Interrupt participants who want to offer advice and strong opinions on your call. The audience came to hear you.
Quick comments from the audience should be welcomed. Audience participation will build relationships. But people start to click away when you yield the floor.
(5) Maintain an upbeat, enthusiastic style.
As the leader, you have to infuse the call with energy. Your audience picks up on your enthusiasm. When you find yourself feeling bored with the topic, it’s time for a change. If you are going through the motions because somebody said you ought to do this, your audience will sense your ambivalence. They will evaporate quickly and quietly and you’ve lost time as well as prospects.
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