With teleconferencing growing at a rate of roughly 60% per year, it is likely that most people have participated in a less-than-perfect call. Whether the cause of the disruption is the constant sound of keyboards clicking, background noise from a noisy office or a coworker who constantly interrupts, teleconferences can have their share of afflictions.

Here are some helpful hints to keeping your conference call on the right track:

• Introductions.Before sharing an idea or commenting on someone else's during a conference call, remember to state your name so other participants will know who is speaking.
• Distractions.When a speakerphone is used, incoming sounds are typically cut off when other background noises are detected. The clicking of a keyboard, papers being shuffled and side conversations all interrupt the call unless they are muted. Use the "Mute" option of the Big River Teleconferencing Center to avoid these distractions in the future.
• Be Considerate.Interrupting is just as inconsiderate on a conference call as it is in person. Be sure the person speaking is finished before adding your thoughts to the conversation.
• Be Aware of Your Location.The reason Teleconferencing is so convenient is because participants can join a call from virutally anywhere. That being said, it is important to consider your surroundings before joining a call. Is there a baby crying in the background of a call made from home? Is there a noisy crowd surrounding you as you join the call in the elevator? If dialing in from a less-than- ideal location is necessary, take advantage of the "Mute" option to avoid hindering the call's productivity.
• Watch the Clock.One of the main objectives of teleconferencing is to increase productivity and ease communication. Keep your meeting focused by creating an agenda beforehand and distributing it before the call takes place. By doing this, it will be much easier to keep everyone focused on the task at hand.

With these helpful tips, your conference call should be concise, organized, and above all, productive!

This month's winner will receive a Sharp Personal Organizer with Microsoft Outlook Sync!

Each month, Big River Telephone Company will highlight applications and successes of our customers using our VoIP Based Teleconference Service.

We will also provide a unique gift to one of our customers.

The more you use the service, the more times your name will be entered into the drawing. This is just a small way for us to say "thank you" to our great customers for helping us be the fastest-growing telephone service provider in the markets we have entered.

This month's winner of the set of Big River Telephone golf towels is Glen Beussink of Midwest Physicians & Surgeons of Cape Girardeau, MO.

Congratulations!

If you would like Big River Telephone to spend a day at your location training individuals on how to use our Teleconference Platform just let us know.

We would be glad to spend the day showing users how easy the system is to manage. Call us at 1.800.455.1608 and ask for Ashley Robinson to get this arranged.

Let us know how you are using the system. We are always glad to hear how our customers have found unique and clever ways to use this great technology!

email: 411@bigrivertelephone.com

phone: (800) 455-1608

web: http://www.bigrivertelephone.com