Deah's Biz Talk posts

Best FREE places to do a Biznik event

I'm looking for a list of places, preferably on the Eastside, with small private space in which to schedule workshops. If such a lists exists, I'd love someone to point me to it. If you have a favorite place, would love to hear about it. Thanks, all. :)

Universal Teleclass Mechanics & Etiquette

Universal Teleclass Mechanics & Etiquette

Good things to know in an age of online learning

To help you get the most out of a tele-class or tele-coaching event, here are a few tips and explanations, in case this is a new world for you.

How To Join the Event

Besides registering for the event, you will need the conference call in number, and an access code to get onto the right tele-conference line. The host will provides those numbers when you register for the event, or they may be posted with the description.

Try to call in a minute or two early so that the event can start at the scheduled time. You will be prompted by the conference call automated operated to use the access code number, and usually to add the pound sign (#) to get into your specific call.

Announce yourself when entering and asking questions

It is normal to let the host and other participants know that you've joined the call by saying your name and city. It can feel awkward doing this when several people try to check in at once. Just persist until you are acknowledged. If you join late and aren't being heard when you try to check in, it's because the host has put the entire class on mute.

It is also expected to "raise your hand" on a conference call by saying the host's name and restating your own name when you want to ask a question or make a comment. (example: Deah, this is Ruthie). If you aren't acknowledged by name, your line might be on mute. Try hitting *6 and speak again.

Noise, echoes, and muting

Many phones and computer mics will pick up your background noise and broadcast it into the call. Or, some lines will have a lot of static or echo that is distracting to the speaker and to listeners.

To minimize background noise, be sure to call in from a quiet location -- close your door, turn off other phones, don't be in the kitchen running the dishwasher, or in the copier room printing out a lengthy document, etc. (and to prevent embarrassment, be aware that we can hear you in the bathroom. YIKES!)

The host will likely put the entire group on mute when the noise is too distracting. Or you may be asked to mute yourselves by hitting 6 on your keypad. When you wish to ask a question, unmute by pressing 6 again. (That's STAR 6 on your phone's keypad, or ASTERISK 6 if using Skype, I think)

Use Skype.com if you don't have an unlimited long distance calling plan

To keep the phone cost low, you might look into buying $10 of calling credit on www.Skype.com (or another VOIP system) and an inexpensive headset/microphone for your computer.

Then call the tele-conference numbers via Skype using the keypad on your computer keyboard. If you know you'll be taking more than one tele-event, you can save lots of money using VOIP.