How Useful are Teleseminars?

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I used to frequently sign up for teleseminars but I’ve become disillusioned with them for many reasons. First, most of them are usually sales/marketing platforms disguised as helpful information. I have no problem with this except that I find out about it when I call. My time is valuable to me, and I prefer not to waste it on a telesemnar that’s nothing but a sales/marketing program. Send me a brief email, and I’ll read it. Second, most people who give teleseminars take 20 to 30 minutes to introduce themselves. I’m capable of going to your website and reading your bio. Yes, I can read. Third, most people don’t get to the point. They drone on and on about what they can do for you without telling you what they can actually do for you. Get to the point, say what you want to say and say it! Finally, some are way too long. This isn’t a problem if they’re informative. When they’re strictly sales/marketing platforms, I feel duped.

Many professionals such as freelance writers use teleseminars to reveal the “Top 10 Secrets to Creating Money Making Headlines” or “How to Stop Attracting the Wrong Clients” only to leave you wondering why you signed up in the first place. Most people usually take a half hour to tell you how wonderful they are, what they accomplished, and how they can help you make more money with their program that’s being offered for a limited time of $997. What happened to the useful information you promised to share? Did you forget why you were having the teleseminar? Isn’t the goal of a teleseminar to get people to purchase your product or service not driving them away from your business? You may want to consider these questions before you hold a teleseminar.

Most freelance writers do more than write. In fact, some of them are writing coaches. If you want to gain clients, you may be inclined to have a teleseminar. Make sure you walk your talk. If you proclaim that you’ll reveal the “Top 10 Mistakes Freelance Writers Make,” please make sure you actually reveal them in addition to selling your product or service. There’s nothing wrong with using a teleseminar as a marketing tool, it’s when you misrepresent it as an hour of helpful techniques that could leave potential clients feeling like they wasted their time and cell phone minutes!

A teleseminar is a great business tool to grow your business. Before you create one, make sure you have valuable information to share with people. Be honest about what your teleseminar will entail. Provide your website in the email that explains the call-in instructions so people can read about you before they dial in and listen to you. When the big day arrives, spend 10 to 15 minutes telling listeners about you and get on with the show! Good luck!

Rebecca

How many teleseminars have you attended that were helpful? Share your thoughts.