Advances in technology are opening up new worlds. A few years ago, an international meeting required a lengthy and expensive trip across the globe. Now international conferencing provides businesses with an efficient and economical way to conduct international business.

There are several advantages to international conference calling. Productivity increases because employees no longer take time out of their busy schedules to travel around the world for a meeting. Although international conference calls cost money, the savings compared to international travel is significant. Through worldwide conferencing, businesses have the ability to build relationships with their customers by communicating more frequently.

Before selecting an international conference system, research the following:

1. What kinds of international conferencing services does my business require?

2. What worldwide conferencing system provides the best value for our money?

3. What kind of support is offered with my global conferencing product?

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

Choose international conferencing services providers that fit your business size

There are international conferencing services available for all types of companies, from small businesses and medium corporations to large enterprises. There are also several kinds of worldwide conferencing options, including international video conferencing, international web conferencing and overseas conference calling. Analyze your global conferencing needs, and pick a provider and service package that best meets your needs.

I recommend: ConferenceCalls.com offers on-demand overseas conference calling and international web conferencing solutions for small businesses (up to 50 participants) with a free trial offer. They also provide integrated international conference calling, international web conferencing and international video conferencing for executive businesses (up to 3,000 participants) and enterprise businesses (up to 10,000 participants).

Determine which worldwide conferencing system makes the most economic sense for your business

A few years ago, international conferencing packages with audio, web and video options cost as much as $30,000, with additional thousands of dollars required for monthly fees. Now even small businesses have the ability to utilize worldwide conferencing systems. According to Wainhouse Research, businesses plan to break even in less than 12 months after implementing an international conferencing system, including savings associated with business travel.

I recommend: InternationalConferencing.com specializes in overseas conference calling and international web conferencing. They offer reservationless audio conferencing ranging in price from toll free to less than a dollar a minute, international operator-assisted conferencing, and international web conferencing. BroadData Conferencing provides an international toll-free dial-in number to overseas conference call participants. Check out their services with a free trial. ConferenceCalls.com provides a service comparison chart with prices for audio, web and video worldwide conferencing.

Investigate support options available with your international conferencing product

There is nothing worse than trying to impress an overseas customer with your international video conferencing services and the picture goes fuzzy, your audio is disconnected or your web presentation isn't loading. Find a reliable overseas conferencing company who can provide you with technical support around the clock.

I recommend: ConferenceCalls.com offers 24/7 customer service and online account management. BroadData Conferencing provides around the clock technical support. If you need assistance during international conference calls, simply dial “00” for a Broad Data Conferencing live customer support representative.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are several 'free' conferencing services available, but most don't offer free--or even reduced cost--world wide conferencing. Read the fine print.