With so many offices outsourcing to telecommuters, conference calls are the way of the future. Managers of these virtual meetings turn to flat rate conference calling for affordable networking. Flat rate conferencing offers a static per-minute charge so that businesses know how much they will end up spending per person per hour.

The development of audio conferencing means that new technology can help you out in multiple ways:

1. Flat rate audio conferencing controls the costs of doing internal communications.
2. New audio conferencing tools offer better ways to get files and information from one desk to another.
3. The possibilities of audio conferencing allow you to cast your net wider to find talent.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for your low digit for flat rate conferencing

When you browse low cost conferencing providers, you'll see they offer rates of just pennies per minute. Locate one of these deals and plan accordingly for your meeting time and number of participants.

I recommend: Unlimited Conferencing currently offers a per-minute fee at a low rate for some conference calling. A trial offer at ConferenceCalls offers an extremely low rate for up to 50 participants.

Get 800 numbers for toll free conference calling

Your 800 number will ensure that you aren't spending high long-distance rates for out-of-town conference call parties. Flat rate conferencing providers offer 800 numbers as part of flat rate packages.

I recommend: SimplicityCall offers 800 numbers for conference calling or fixes per-month fees for high volume users. ContactCall is another provider offering the 800 toll free service.

Pay flat rates for other services

Some flat rate conference calling agencies offer help for call managers with things like conference call access and administration. Get deals on these services and make your calls easier to orchestrate.

I recommend: ContactCall's operator assisted and special event calls help you make sure everyone gets a seat at the table. Unlimited Conferencing has their own operator assisted flat rates available online.

Get web-assisted conference calling services

With the rise in high-volume conference calls, large solutions providers have come up with ways to add value to audio conferencing. Cisco Systems offers software for adding things like file sharing and call status to an audio conference. Take advantage of these new technologies to give your call participants eyes as well as ears in phone meetings.

I recommend: Cisco's Unified CallConnector for Microsoft Office is a "presence-based Windows application" with features like call control and caller location. The business edition is Cisco's offer to company clients for comprehensive call management.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always get the full list of participants and their locations before going shopping. It's not easy; inevitably there are the few people who enter wrong contact information and have to tune in long-distance, but more information about your calls helps you get better bargains.