1. Does the Conference Call Provider Provide...Service?
It seems like a simple question, but it is actually one of the most important questions you can ask when it comes to a conferencing provider. This is true especially with smaller companies because as they grow and begin to take on more clients and collaborating with larger networks, they often find they have outgrown their service provider. Make sure that the service provider can offer additional services like web conferencing and scheduling services. The option to record conference calls may not seem important at first but can soon become an invaluable tool. Checking in advance before choosing a provider will make sure that when your company does grow that the provider can keep up.
2. Are you charged a Flat Fee?
There seems to be a million and one ways to pay for conference call services, just make sure that you know exactly what you are paying for and how much it is going to cost you. Choosing a company that uses a flat fee will allow you to know what to expect allowing you to plan accordingly.
3. How will your participants join the conference?
Just like a regular meeting people are sometimes late, the fact that a conference is over the telephone won’t fix that problem. But make sure that you choose a conference call provider that makes it easy for people to join in even after a meeting is already in progress. Also verify what method people use to connect. Some companies use operators that can make it easier for participants to join in but can drive up costs. Other companies choose to simply provide the participants with a toll free phone number and a pass code. Choose the option that is going to make the conference call go as smoothly as possible.
Asking these three basic questions will go a long way toward helping you get the most out of your conferencing providers.