Conference Calls Cut Costs and Are a Greener Option |
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By: Isla Campbell Posted: 2008-10-21 07:28:11 |
| Running a small business involves the payment of many overheads and as a result, anything that can be done to reduce such costs will be welcomed by any entrepreneur, especially in these uncertain economic times. In addition, there also is a fair amount of government and peer pressure being placed upon businesses, regardless of their size to adopt a greener outlook and reduce their impact on the environment.Aside from mortgage or rent and salaries, two of the biggest costs associated with operating a small business are namely transport and communication costs, the former of which also heavily impacts on a company's carbon footprint. However, by using the internet to its full extent a business can drastically reduce its costs in both those areas.Although, face to face meetings may be the traditional way to conduct business meetings, technological advancements now allow incredibly good quality call conferencing via the internet, which is a viable and credible alternative to a meeting. Once the relevant software, which is usually free, has been downloaded by all participants then all it takes is a microphone and speakers for them to take part in a conference call. Most PCs and laptops have those built-in, although VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software works equally well with headsets or dedicated internet phones.Instead of having to make time-consuming arrangements to travel at suitable times to all parties, an invitation to join a conference call can be issued in minutes, saving time and money for all concerned. Such arrangements also remove the inconvenience of having to be out of the office for longer than is necessary, which could also lead to an increase in productivity.Free conference calls are a much cheaper and far greener option than assembling a collection of people at one particular physical location. Dependent upon which VoIP software is chosen, up to a staggering 25 participants can be involved from as far away as the opposite side of the globe, if necessary. Although, of course, call conferencing works just as well with local participants as it does with long distance contacts.But the real beauty of such an internet conference call is that not only is there no additional cost involved but there is the possibility of making huge savings in transport costs, as well as cutting down on fixed-line and mobile phone costs. The impact on the environment from everyone not travelling is also significant thus giving any business that chooses such conferencing a double win.Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content. |
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