How to host an online meeting (and widen your prospect base)

Go-to-Meeting allows for screen sharing, which you can use to give PowerPoint or Keynote presentations, run software applications, and use a wealth of other files or applications that you may want to share.

To get started, they offer a 30-day free trial, however their plans start at a much higher price than other platforms. At $49 per month (or ($468 if paid annually), this may not be the best place to start your long distance web meetings with clients and prospects. 

3. FuzeBox

Perhaps one of the lesser known options for online or mobile meetings is FuzeBox. In addition to desktop and app screen sharing like its competition, FuzeBox also allows multi-party HD video conferencing in the event you want to get face-to-face with clients and their heirs, without having to be in the same room together. FuzeBox has also made their application accessible from mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Reasonably priced with plans ranging from free to $39 per month (Fuze Business), FuzeBox is sure to meet the needs of the tech-savvy financial professional aimed at focusing on the Gen X & Y crowd. 

4. Google+ Hangouts for Business

Probably the least known tool available for online meetings is Google+ Hangouts. You can start an online video meeting with up to 15 participants from your Gmail account or your calendar and it's easy to facilitate from your laptop, mobile phone or tablet.  This platform also provides the ability to screenshare presentations and applications with your audience.  Although this tool is FREE, it comes with some restrictions. In order to utilize this tool, you must have a Google+ account, which requires you to set up an account with Google (includes Gmail).  For some, this may be a deterrent, however for those who already have a Google+ account; this may be a great immediate solution for your online meetings.   

For tech-savvy advisors that focus on the younger demographics or want to connect with the heirs of existing clients, online meetings may be a great added service to your practice. Each platform mentioned has the capability to record your session for those who wish to document the meeting. As I stated earlier, it is important to consult with your compliance department before engaging in online meetings to ensure you are not in violation of any FINRA or SEC regulations. And, as a best practice: Don't conduct online meetings that could be construed as sales or planning meetings unless you are properly licensed in the state(s) of your intended audience prior to conducting the meeting. 

For more from Todd Greider, see:

• Why a uniform fiduciary standard isn't the answer
• 6 ways to leverage your LinkedIn company page for lead generation
• 5 reasons advisors are wasting their time on social media