eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
1Dealing With the Ups and Downs of Conference Calls
2Check Under the Hood
3If You’re On Time, You’re Late
4Proper Prior Planning
5Get a Backup Ready
6Know Your Options When Choosing a Service
Free conferencing services offer a low-cost way of connecting with other people, which may be the way to go if cost is a key consideration. However, not all free services have the same enterprise-level capabilities—such as high levels of security, enterprise-class support or the ability to support multiple numbers—that paid services offer.
7Roll With the Glitches
There often will be irritations that crop up on conference calls, such as the beeps that are heard when a person arrives or departs. Try to ignore those. If the problems make running the call difficult, apologize for the issues and try to find a workaround, such as switching from video to audio. Have the contact number of tech support on hand, and if possible, keep talking while the problems are being fixed.
8Don’t Forget to Have a Plan B
9Retreat and Fight Another Day
If issues force you to abandon the call, make sure you don’t abandon the other participants. Follow up with them with apologies and details about what the next steps are, such as whether you will reschedule or switch to an email discussion.