Telephone Conferencing ? Evolution in the Web

The Need To Communicate

The need for businesses to communicate both internally and with each other has always been great. Successful transactions cannot be completed without communication - so much relies upon it; decent customer service; placing orders; winning new business.

As global markets have emerged with multinational organizations and twenty-four hour trading the need to find a reliable and cost effective method of communicating on a worldwide level has grown too. Logistical problems such as different time zones, busy schedules and a need to quite literally be in at least two places at once has commanded a software application that can tackle these difficulties.

First there was teleconferencing where two or more participants could engage in verbal communication over the telephone. Certainly an effective means of conversing but, as we all know, dealing with a person face to face is far more preferable. Body language conveys so much more than just a voice alone.

Trace it back, and you will find the roots of web conferencing in localized intranet systems. Document sharing and collaborative working was developed from this and the software for these systems was developed further still.

The development of the internet and its capabilities - greater bandwidth capacities, for example - made web conferencing a viable method of communication and developers forged ahead with refining their systems.

The expansion of the internet saw not only big players trading in the global markets but small and medium organizations also found themselves trading with partners across the globe. The need for effective methods of communication had to address the needs of all potential users, from multi-nationals to home-workers.

Web conferencing applications have now reached a sophisticated level. Going beyond the brief of providing a virtual meeting place, some applications now provide fully interactive capabilities, document and file sharing and the ability to communicate with not just one, but hundreds of participants at the same time.

Where Does The Future Lie?

Of course, refinement of web conferencing applications is ongoing. As a relatively new phenomenon, there is plenty scope for developers to enhance and improve their software packages. The needs of businesses are constantly changing and the shift in trend towards home rather than office-based employment will place a higher demand still for virtual meeting facilities.

It is hard to predict the future of web conferencing. There are so many avenues this exciting technology could explore. The popularity of mobile technology - cell phones, laptops and hand-held computers, for example - provide the software developers with new challenges. An increasingly mobile workforce demands software that will work for them rather than them having to work round the technology.

The web conferencing market place is become increasingly competitive and providers will have to stay ahead of the game in order to survive. As it increases in popularity as a means of communication, users will become more demanding in terms of the sophistication of the software they are using. With so many routes web conferencing technology can take it will be interesting to see the diverse range of software solutions on hand to solve the communication problems of the global business community of the future.

Diane Parker is a web content writer who specializes in internet related topics. Her conferencing articles include: web conferencing software, choosing a web conferencing tool and internet conferencing.

Pursuing Your Destiny

During my childhood days, I disliked Lenten season because radio and TV stations were off the air (no cable yet during the 70's) and food is limited to veggies and fish. Likewise, I was taught that holy week (1) is a time to be sad (at least in Manila), the elders then are singing the passion in a sad tune. (2) I was also told to "be careful" because God is "dead" (as if all forces of hell is turned loose during those days). And (3) People should act holy. I thought, people have the rest of the year to live like the devil. I even remember asking my mother, 'why is God dying every year?'

In my young mind, I look forward to Easter Sunday because life returns to normal--

But what is Easter all about? Does it have a tangible effect in our career?

In the course of time, I understood that Easter Sunday brings more than restoring normalcy in our urban life... It is a celebration of JESUS-- He set the example on how to succeed in ones purpose and calling in life.

THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS

JESUS knew His purpose in life.

He publicly recognized His 'purpose' when He was 12 years old (in the Jewish culture, manhood begins at 12). Remember the story when he was left at the temple?

JESUS was focused on His goals.

When JESUS pursued His calling, several 'diversions' were presented-- Though JESUS is King and will be the political head of Israel in the "distant" future, this will not take place yet, His first and immediate goal is to bring salvation to mankind.

But Satan offered a different route to his goal, he offered a kingdom to Jesus immediately after Jesus completed His 40 days fast.

The people of Israel also offered a different route. After Jesus fed the multitudes, the 'crowd' inisted to make Him King and declare independence from Rome.

JESUS did not only know His purpose, but also the right path to achieve it.

JESUS overcame His fear.

If you think JESUS never felt fear, well think again. Remember His prayer in Gethsemanie? He asked the Father, if possible, that He would not go through the ordeal. In this story, we learned the prayer 'not my will but your will be done'. He was so troubled that His sweat is like drops of blood. His relationship with the Father gave Him comfort, strength and assurance.

Like JESUS, we all have purpose in this planet, that should be our focus.

Like Jesus, recognizing our goal is not sufficient, we should seek the right path so we will not fall on the diversions along the way. 'Short cuts' will rob us of our destiny. The right path may be longer but it prepares our character, knowledge and skills for our destiny.

The 'fear' factor can also slow us down, but we should be like Jesus, his relationship with God the Father strengthened Him.

By the Example He set, let us be inspired to complete ours.

WHAT JESUS ACCOMPLISHED ON EASTER

EASTER, or the resurrection of JESUS is the solution to many of men's woes-- economic, social and personal.

People and governments tried to remove poverty as they believe it is the root of crimes-- prostitution, theft, etc. But inspite of the scientific and legal approaches, after so many years, the problem remains.

The problem lies not only in the environment but most specially in the 'heart' of man. It started way back to the (first) deviation of Adam to the guidelines set by his Creator. The fall of man resulted to:

(1) Poverty-- they were driven out of the Garden, a place of abundance, peace and the place where they meet God face to face.

(2) Man has to work harder to live-- thorns and thistles began to grow in the ground. Man has to work 'harder' to get the results. The single act of disobedience changed the working conditions.

(3) Difficulty in raising a family-- Sibling rivalry entered , i.e. Cain murdered Abel

(4) Health problems. Sin brings stress, stress brings sickness and sickness brings death.

Everything good became corrupted, thus, the present problem in our society.

But because of Easter, there is hope of change. The resurrection of Jesus signifies new beginning-- regardless of the mistakes and the hardships of the past. Those who believe on the resurrection story possesses the hope that brings about change in the heart of man. A changed heart affects the paradigm of the person-- his mindset about relationships and life changes. His motives change, his work attitude changes too. It gives the person the ability to pursue his purpose and calling in the family & home, workplace and society.

Is Easter a religious celebration that is irrelevant to your career?

1. Know your purpose in life, your calling, your desire, your goal.

2. Determine the right path, short cuts maybe available but these are diversions that will steal God's best for you.

3. Stay focus in your goals.

4. Don't be afraid, get strength and comfort from the Force, the Creator, our Father.

5. Follow the example set by Jesus.

Sonnie E. Santos
HR Manager & Trainer
MyBlog: http://skopun.blogspot.com/

Do You Want to Know the 8 Tips to Selling More Products?

So often sales men and woman are the very people that prevent themselves from obtaining additional sales and increasing their commissions. It doesn't matter if it's counter sales or door-to-door.

They get caught up in the newest method or someone's latest spin on how to get their customers to buy. What most forget is that sales is a process of developing long term customer relationships.

For 36 years I have been selling to the public. I've sold just about everything you can sell. In all those years, I've learned that selling simply comes down to 8 simple steps, that has always increased my sales and drives customers back for more.

1. I know my products well. You want your knowledge of the product to be almost second nature. You never want to flinch in front of a prospect. Any hesitation could cost you a sale.

2. I always ask questions of my prospects so they can tell me what they want. I want them to open up to me. You really don't need some planned out sales pitch to get the customer interested. Customers love to talk about themselves. So encourage them to keep on talking. The more they talk about themselves the more you know what it is they are truly looking for. They will begin to think you know more about them than they do.

3. I listen intently. I'm not preoccupied with what I have to say! I have seen to many sales people listen but will not pay attention to what is being said. They were to busy thinking of how to sell their product. If you know your product well, then you will be preoccupied with your prospect.

4. I know I won't sell to everybody so I don't sweat it. You will be turned down more times than you can imagine. It's nothing personal it just goes with the territory.

5. "No" means right now! Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not next month and not next year. Customers change their minds all the time. That particular person who turned you down last week may have a different consideration next month. So don't write them off.

6. You have to be persistent. Knowing that "No" is not a permanent decision, is the very reason you stay the course and never quit. I had a client place a large order with me after nearly 9 months of phone calls and canceled appointments. Had I not been persistent my competition would have swooped in and made the sale.

7. I plan my work and work my plan. Get up early and focus on what you need to do today and today only. Do not concern yourself with tomorrow. It will come and bring with it a whole set of situations of it's own. Then begin implementing your work that you've planned for the day.

8. Work smarter, not harder. There are so many ways to do this. Here is just one way I did it. I wanted to drive more people to my website: www.Impactyourarea.com. Instead of contacting people I knew, I decided to put out a press release. It was about something my business did and how it helped others around Christmas time. Within hours of it's release, my phone started ringing with inquiries and people placing orders. My only effort was writing the press release. The company I submitted it to did the rest.

Remember, even though we live in fast paced times you are still selling to individuals. People still have wants, needs and desires met. In thousands of years it has never changed. The only thing people want from you is for you to listen closely to them. They have a problem and simply want you to solve it for them, but only after you learn what it is. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Copyright 2005 Woody Qui?ones & www.Impactyourarea.com.

Woody Qui?ones is the owner of Hardee Lock & Key and http://www.Impactyourarea.com., a promotional products website. He is also a Specialty Advertising Dealer and New Dealer Sponsor with Kaeser & Blair Inc. You can go to his website anytime to view his product line, apply to become a dealer or stop by his forums to gather ideas about promoting your business.

A Well-Oiled Strategy Machine

Yes, that's what public relations really is when it tracks important external audience perceptions and follow on behaviors. And again when it does something about those perceptions and behaviors by reaching, persuading and moving to actions you desire, those people whose behaviors affect your organization the most.

All of which makes it much more likely that you will achieve your operating objectives.

So, could this be the time to put a new public relations program in motion that will provide you with results like these?

• Make sales prospects aware of your product and service values and convert many of them to customers.

• Reinforce those same product and service values with your existing customers and keep many of them.

• Boost your productivity by persuading your employees that you really do care about them.

• Avoid unnecessary problems by insuring that the minority community knows you don't discriminate.

• Make employee hiring and retention problems a thing of the past by convincing community residents that your business is a good place to work.

• Avoid "bad press" by being straightforward and responsive to media queries ? and NEVER lie to them!

• And nail down that joint venture or strategic alliance by quickly knocking down negative rumors started by trouble-making competitors.

Now, here's how the well-oiled strategy machine that produces such results can support your objectives and work hard for YOU..

Decide up front who matters most to you among those outside audiences of yours. Whose behaviors can make or break your day? Which audiences produce the most significant impacts on your organization?

Let's call that outside audience #1 on the priority list and work on it right now. Of course, other external audiences will require your attention in due course.

First question: how do members of this key target audience view your organization and its products and services? Always surprises me how many business people answer this question vaguely, if at all.

To get those and other useful responses, you must interact with those individuals and ask a lot of questions. For example, what do you think of us and our products/services? Or, have you had any problems with our services or products?

Be especially alert to negative responses or even undertones. And watch closely for inaccuracies that need to be corrected, or misconceptions you must clear up. Rumors, of course, must be addressed directly and killed dead, to emphasize the point!

Now you're ready to set you public relations goal. Namely, correct that inaccuracy, or clear up that misconception, or kill that rumor. Keep your goal zeroed in on the precise negative you wish to correct.

What now? How will you reach that goal? Of course with a strategy, and you have three available to you: create opinion where there isn't any, alter existing opinion, or reinforce it. The goal you already set will determine which strategy choice you make.

The quality of the message you send to your key outside audiences will have a huge bearing on whether their perceptions can be altered in your direction. For instance, if your message persuades them that the rumor that you dump chemicals into the river is simply not true, you will sense the change in their perception and, thus, their behavior as they again cooperate and/or do business with you as before.

Keep your message as compelling as possible, persuasive of course, and crystal-clear as to its meaning.

Next stop? Call in the "foot soldiers," aka communications tactics, to carry that outstanding message of yours to the right eyes and ears. Luckily there are many, many commu- nications tactics available. For example, personal contacts, letters-to-the-editor, press releases and speeches. Or, emails, brochures, radio/newspaper interviews and newsletters. The only requirement is that each tactic you choose have a proven record of reaching members of the target audience you want to reach.

Now, some weeks after your communications tactics went into action, you will be curious to know if you are making any progress towards altering key audience perceptions.

Best way to find out is to ask the same key audience members you questioned during your initial fact finding mission.

Same questions, but now you're anxious to know if their perceptions have been altered in your direction because that will suggest that behavior changes can soon be expected.

Now, if you note some opinion alteration, but not enough, you must take two actions. One, review your communi- cations tactics for mix and frequency adjustments. And two, look closely at your message to see if it is as clear and compelling as it could be. And also whether your facts and figures really support your view that the inaccuracy is unfairly damaging to you.

Happily, your prize for using a well-oiled strategy machine like public relations will be the altered perceptions you desire, leading to behaviors that contribute directly to the success of your business.

About The Author

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks about the fundamental premise of public relations. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net. Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com

Teach Your Child About Money

What are we teaching our children about money? Hopefully something!

I remember when I was growing up, our family did not discuss money. Money was a taboo subject, discussed by the parents and handled by the father.

This is one thing that I wish that was discussed more openly when I was younger. Just a little guidance such as "save 10% of your income" and I would have been fine!

How I wish I could turn back the clocks of time. How I wish I was encouraged to save even 1% of my income. When I look back at the year I started working until this year 2003, I'm not saying I would be a millionaire but I certainly would have been much better off!

Now a grown woman I have acknowledged and accepted the past and moved on to a great future. My bank account is increasing each year, I am currently purchasing rental properties and I am feeling incredible being and doing what I love-a Prosperity Coach!

Now I don't necessarily encourage parents to show the kids your mortgage statements but I think it is vital that children know that (while the subject of money may be a tad embarrassing for some parents) it IS a necessary part of life. As you start teaching your child, start slow and encourage them to believe in themselves and their future.

Here are some tips to help your child attain prosperity even at a young age:

1. Buy a piggy bank for your younger children. Allow them to choose whatever color shape or size they desire. Invite them to put their pennies into their piggy bank. Once in a while they may count their pennies and reward themselves if they desire.

2. When your children have proved themselves to handling their pennies, take them to open their own bank accounts. Encourage them to save at least 10% of what they receive as gifts (I know I used to receive money as gifts when I was young!  )

3. Your child should be encouraged to donate or contribute another 10% of their savings. Donate to the church, to the homeless, to the depressed, or to a charity of their choice. This would help the youth become more rounded, become more respectful of others regardless of the situation and become more appreciative of their own lives and their own prosperity.

4. Many young children think that "money grows on trees". I applaud this abundance in them (although they may not know that the Universe is in fact limitless) and think we should encourage and nurture this? to some extent!

5. Talk to the kids and let them know that this paper and metal stuff called money is brought about by YOU working. Whether or not you work or you have inherited a large fortune, don't encourage laziness in your child. They need to be able to work for free sometimes to learn the value of hard work.

6. Money101 is not taught in schools. Where your child's future is heading depends on what you want your child to know. Prepare your child for their future.

7. When your child is old enough encourage your child to purchase a journal or a diary where they can record their dreams and desires. This allows them to dream big and look forward to their lives ahead-filled with prosperity.

8. If they can manage and understand the budgeting process I'm all for it. When grandma gives them money for their birthday, after they have put aside 10% each for savings and for donation to a charity, allow them to budget for the remainder.

9. I'm sure there are loads of chores around the house, washing the dishes, cleaning the rooms, etc. Give your children an allowance but let them work for it.

10. Let the kids participate in the family's money decisions. They may not understand everything but their minds will open up to the energy that money has and will prepare them for their lives ahead.

The kids are our future. I know it may sound a little clich? but the fact is?they are. If you truly interested in your child's future prepare them and trust that the process will work and they will be A-okay! I guarantee it!

About The Author

Sandra Baptist works with persons who desire to attract, enhance and increase a more prosperous life. She empowers brilliant highly motivated men and women to transform their negative beliefs about money so as to attract more wealth, more success and more prosperity into their lives. For free consultations contact her at tel: 1-800-666-4754 or at http://www.EliteCoachingGroup.com

Sandra@EliteCoachingGroup.com

Cellular Phones and Television

What if you want to catch up on the morning TV news passing the time away on your morning train commute into the city. Stuck in line somewhere and want to find out what your favorite sport team is doing. Well, an alternative that is coming soon instead of TiVo or videotaping your favorite TV program is watching cell phone television.

"Cellular carriers are banking on the fact that Americans love TV," said Neil Strother, an industry spokesperson with In-Stat/MDR Inc. "By delivering these new video applications, carriers think they will be able to lower customer turnover and develop new revenue streams." In fact, Nokia just recently acknowledged wireless television pilot program in Finland.

Cellular manufacturers have been toying with this idea for some time but the technology just wasn't there. It will require a combined effort on the part of cell phone manufacturers and television programming providers. Nokia, Samsung, and Motorola's headsets are leading the pact by providing phones that include tuners that have the capability of receiving television programming.

Some milestones are still need to be reached including the capability of watching TV on a cell phone for long periods of time without the battery running out. As well, the video quality just isn't there yet and needs to be worked out.

Cell phones aren't just for talking anymore.

Catherine Kenyeres is a free lance writer and publisher for Best-4u-Cell-Phones.com. Catherine provides the latest information, reviews and comparisons for her cell phone clients.

A Beginners Guide to Bad Credit Secured Loans

Here is a useful beginner's guide to bad credit secured loans. If your credit is less than perfect but you find yourself needing money now, you might want to look into bad credit secured loans. If you're not sure what these are, bad credit secured loans are loans designed for people who are considered credit risks by many institutions. They're called "secured" loans because they require some sort of security deposit (also known as "collateral"), which helps to protect the lender against some of the risk of lending. These loans allow you to get the money that you need without having to pay outrageous fees, and as long as you pay the bad credit secured loan back on time then there's no real risk to your collateral.

Common types of collateral

While collateral can be pretty much anything with a value equal to or greater than the amount of the bad credit loan, the most common types of collateral are automobiles and real estate. With most bad credit secured loans, you don't even have to give up your collateral? you get to keep driving your car and can still live in your house, but the bank or other lender gains a legal claim to the title or the deed so that if you don't repay the bad credit loan (also known as "defaulting") then they can repossess the collateral and sell it to get their money back. Of course, with some types of collateral the lender might prefer to hold onto it until the loan is repaid; common collateral of this type is jewelry, rare coins, or other small-but-valuable items. This practice helps to insure that the property you're using as collateral isn't lost or stolen before the time they would have to repossess.

Getting bad credit secured loans

Some lenders don't offer bad credit secured loans? even with the collateral, they consider them to be too much risk. Other lenders deal almost exclusively in bad credit secured loans, using the mindset that people with bad credit have to go somewhere and that their establishment might as well be that place. Shop around before deciding on a single place, seeing what interest rates and repayment terms various lenders offer. You might even check out some of the many lenders online.

Once you've decided on a lender, go and apply for your loan. The maximum amount that you'll likely get will still be a lot less than the value of your collateral? after all, the lenders who deal in bad credit secured loans want to make sure that they'll recover their money even if your collateral doesn't sell for much. Once you've obtained your loan, work to pay it back as quickly as possible; not only will this remove any danger of you losing your collateral, but it will also create a good impression with this lender should you need to borrow money from them again someday.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.