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Better Business with Videocasting
July 24, 2007
Unread memos. Unused intranet pages. Prolonged voicemails that no one listens to and e-mails that get lost in the clutter—sound familiar?
By Greg Pulier
In a world of information overload, sales and marketing managers are up against a deluge of competing information when attempting to communicate effectively with their teams. So how can you communicate better and faster? And how can you ensure the messages you send will be heard and absorbed? The answer is video podcasting—or videocasts—right from your desktop.
Desktop-created videocasts are rapidly emerging as a powerful way for managers to consistently keep in touch with both internal and external audiences. Whether distributing critical training information or creating sales presentations, video is an efficient and effective communications method that can be used without stretching budgets with costly travel.
Traditionally, webcasting has been viewed as an expensive and complex process that is best left to media departments and technical professionals. But today new software tools are available to help business professionals easily create video presentations—complete with PowerPoint slides and screen captures—right from their own desktops. These tools allow managers to cut through the clutter and deliver key messages to peers, prospects and partners in impressive, motivating and influential ways.
Any business user can have the power of a media studio right at their desktop with a simple software download. And using self-service videocasting software doesn't require training or support. With just a smile into the webcam and a few point and clicks, a dynamic and interactive video presentation can be created. Videocasts can be watched on either the web, by clicking through a link or at the viewer's convenience on an iPod or other mobile device.
The best part about many of these new desktop communication applications is that they let managers statistically track exactly how the videocast is viewed, if it generates leads and helps aid in effective follow-through. For example, a sales person can meet with a prospect in the morning and by the afternoon follow up with a personal podcast which took only a few minutes to create; or a manager can record a quick demo that explains the benefits of new product features and then efficiently push the podcast to the team. In both cases, the creator can observe how many people are watching, who those people are and how long they paid attention—an almost immediate return on investment.
Videocasts can also improve channel communication as many sales staffs are lean and count on channel partners to develop business. When the channel is informed and excited about a product or service, they can better retain important selling points and more effectively sell the product. In addition, videocasts allow individuals to share pitches, tips and best practices with each other, whether on a team of ten or a team of thousands, spreading the word and educating the field with the click of a button on a global scale in literally minutes. The understanding of a product can greatly improve with visual and audio to go along with PowerPoint slides and it helps to differentiate it from the competition.
Surely there is still need for live high-end webcasting, but the growing demand for tools that can help in everyday business life has been answered. Adding video to your arsenal of communications tools offers a variety of benefits that translate into real cost savings and revenue generation. All you have to do is simply give it a try and see for yourself.
Greg Pulier is co-founder and CTO of IVT (Interactive Video Technologies), a webcasting and new media provider in Los Angeles, CA.
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