If you can get it for free, why pay?
For some very, very good reasons
As almost everyone knows there are a ton of free phone bridge lines out there. In fact, its almost easier to keep track of who ISN’T offering you free phone lines for your teleseminars than who is.
So is there ever a time when you DO want to pay to use a bridge line?
The answers may stun you. In fact, not knowing when to use a paid bridge line can cost you dearly.
The main factor in your decision is the main factor in most decisions involving your business: Money. In a nutshell, if you have a lot of money riding on a teleseminar:
- A big contract with a corporation or organization
- Your own paid teleseminar with a hefty registration list
- A free promotional teleseminar with heavy sign-ups
You should seriously consider using a paid service.
Why use a paid service, when you can get most of the features for free?
- Peace of Mind
Why insure your home against fire, when the odds are you won’t have to deal with the aftermath of an inferno? Its knowing you’re protected if something does go wrong.
Ditto from phone bridge services and teleseminars.
Many paid bridge lines also feature a live operator standing by. So if something does go wrong with the line, you don’t have to fend for yourself. A good operator can even provide a fresh line if the one you’re on has serious issues. While you may have to ask for (and pay extra for) an operator, it can be worth it.
Now serious bridge problems are rate. However if you have a lot of money riding on clear communication, you want to be protected. Consider it teleseminar insurance, part of the cost of doing business. - Quality recording
While a few of the free services can record your teleseminars, the quality can be marginal. While phone recording always sounds like phone recording, odds are the paid bridge line will give you a higher quality audio file.
If this is a major consideration, ask the paid bridge service if you can hear a sample of their recording quality. - Simplicity
When your business reaches a certain point, time is worth more than money. Paid bridge lines can give you:
• A solid bridge line
• Live operator support
• Call recording
All without you having to worry or think about it. So you get to focus on delivering a dynamite teleseminar. Yes, you will pay for this convenience. And yes, if you stick with it, your career will reach a point where this extra expense is worth it.
Obviously, when you’re just starting, cost is the primary consideration. So the free bridge lines will do quite nicely. However, be mindful of reaching the point in your career when this cost savings can actually put your reputation and your cash flow in danger if there’s a problem you can’t handle.
Disappointing 10 folks when a rare tech issue pops up is one thing. Disappointing 500 is quite another. Knowing the difference is the key to knowing which kind of bridge line to use.
