Amidst a global pandemic, webinars have become a useful tool for sharing knowledge and acquiring new skills without breaking social distancing regulations.
Organizing a webinar is a great idea to stay connected to your network, offer value to your community, exchange ideas, or establish partnerships.
From the assessment of the platform you choose to some practical tips to remember during the webinar itself, these are some ideas you should consider to conduct a successful webinar.
Consider the Proficiency of Participants
Not two audiences are the same, and that’s true for webinars as well. The level of proficiency of the participants in your webinars should dictate most of your decisions, from the platform you use to the rhythm of the webinar. For example, a webinar for a tech-savvy audience may allow for a faster pace, while an audience of people who are new to webinars will need time to catch up and get used to the medium
Keep it Simple
When choosing the platform to conduct your webinar, simplicity should be one of your top priorities. Too many bells and whistles may be impressive and may offer a lot of potential for interaction. But a complicated interface can turn off some users and stifle engagement. Test the options at your disposal to verify that registering, logging in and asking questions is as simple as possible.
Educate Participants
Make sure people are aware of some basic guidelines that allow all participants to make the most of a webinar. These ideas include:
- Ask participants to sit in a quiet environment during the webinar
- Encourage questions during appropriate times and/or spaces
- Remind panelists to avoid wearing jewelry or clothes that make noise when they move
Allow Time for Breaks
Just as in seminars that take place in physical spaces, breaks are important during a webinar. Schedule regular breaks to allow panelists and viewers to relax and review what they have learned. Short breaks help people focus, increasing productivity, and improving the webinar experience for everyone.
Monitor Questions
Odds are that the webinar platform you choose allows for questions in the form of a chat that participants can use to make questions and the panelists speak. Keep tabs on these questions, as neglecting them is a common mistake among webinar organizers. Not having their questions acknowledged may make viewers feel neglected or ignored.
More Resources
These are some previous posts you can read to find more tips to navigate the current business landscape:
- Consider these communication tips before reopening your business
- How coronavirus will change the world of business
- 5 ways to advance your career working from home
- How to reduce distractions when you work from home
- Adapt to new consumer trends with these ideas and tools
- The benefits of a strong online presence in a COVID-19 environment
At the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, our mission is keeping you up to date with the most relevant developments in business management and administration so you and your company can take advantage of new opportunities. Contact us today by email (info@pomonachamber.org) telephone (909-622-1256), social media, or click on this link to join and start enjoying the benefits of membership today.
