The whole point of attending a seminar is to learn something new. Online seminars are no different, and you should be prepared to take away as much useful information as you can. Even if your seminar is free, it's still taking up your valuable time and, by following a few simple rules, you can make sure that your time is used to the benefit of your business.
1. Make sure your computer and phone are set up and working properly. By their nature, all online seminars rely on technology. Make sure that your computer meets the specification set by the seminar provider, or you may miss out on crucial content. If your seminar also used phone technology, so that you can interact with the host, make sure you have the correct dial number and that you have a hands-free system so that you can refer to documentation and take notes throughout.
2. Be on time. If your online seminar starts at 9.00am, be at your desk at least 5 minutes early to make sure you are there when the seminar starts. If you are late, you could miss who your host is, who the other participants are and maybe even some crucial material to help with the seminar's content.
3. Introduce yourself. If possible, introduce yourself and your business to the host and the other attendees.
4. Have your documentation ready. Most online seminars send you the course material prior to the seminar, or give you a link to a website where you can download it for yourself. Make sure you have done this - and preferably given yourself enough time to read the material before the seminar starts. Have it to hand so that you can refer to it during the course of the seminar.
5. Take notes. Just as you would at a live event, take notes during the seminar to enhance the course material, act as aide-memoires, or highlight issues that you want to raise.
5. Ask questions. If you have questions and are given the opportunity to ask them, then do so. The point of an online seminar is that it should be as near as possible to a live event, so take the opportunity to question the host or other participants.
6. Take advantage of feedback forms. Just as an online exhibition would have a feedback form, so too will an online seminar. Making time to complete these will ensure that any future seminars work better for you, and it will ensure that the seminar organisers keep you informed of any changes, and new programmes.
Making online seminars as effective as live seminars is as much your responsibility as the seminar organiser's. If you approach the seminar in a professional manner, you will not only save time and money, you'll be working harder for your business.