Take It Seriously
I’ve seen all too many end users take a cavalier attitude toward interaction, even though they are the ones responsible for integrating the technology into their group’s meeting. I don’t know if people are just stretched too thin these days, or they simply don’t care. But either way, it will show in the end.
Pushing buttons on keypads for the sake of pushing buttons is of value to no one. So, using your audience response system for dealing with real issues is a must. If you can’t come up with good business reasons, don’t bother renting (or buying) a system. And if you do have good reasons, then you’d be wise to take the system seriously.
Taking it seriously starts with choosing a vendor. In my view, only about 1 in 5 USA vendors really care about you and about doing the job right. The others are only in it for the money. If you’re happy, fine. If not, oh well. There will be plenty of others. Some of the very large companies are headed by people who do in fact care about doing it right. But all too often, their days are so busy that they don’t seem to have the time to get that message to the rank and file people who actually wind up delivering the service to you.
So, how do figure out which companies will help you navigate the often rough waters of using interactive technologies? In my opinion, there’s rally only one way. Talk with the President, or in a large company, at least a Vice President. Most USA rental vendors are companies of 2 or 3 people. The largest companies have anywhere from 9 to 25. So, none of these are so large that you should not expect to have access to senior management.
Your first call is to request a time to speak. It’s not fair to expect anyone to drop what they might be doing unless your situation is urgent. Go into your call with your thoughts and questions well organized. Take notes as to whether your questions were truly answered, or did you receive some unclear, dismissive response. Use the time wisely, but don’t be ashamed to ask for a follow up call.
Ultimately, you want to evaluate “is this vendor looking out for me, or am I only another sale?” If the answer is positive and if you choose to do business, ask the President who you can expect to work with for the project. And, ask him to brief that person on the particulars of your situation. In that way, the person who you wind up working with knows that the President has taken an active role in your meeting.
Pushing buttons on keypads for the sake of pushing buttons is of value to no one. So, using your audience response system for dealing with real issues is a must. If you can’t come up with good business reasons, don’t bother renting (or buying) a system. And if you do have good reasons, then you’d be wise to take the system seriously.
Taking it seriously starts with choosing a vendor. In my view, only about 1 in 5 USA vendors really care about you and about doing the job right. The others are only in it for the money. If you’re happy, fine. If not, oh well. There will be plenty of others. Some of the very large companies are headed by people who do in fact care about doing it right. But all too often, their days are so busy that they don’t seem to have the time to get that message to the rank and file people who actually wind up delivering the service to you.
So, how do figure out which companies will help you navigate the often rough waters of using interactive technologies? In my opinion, there’s rally only one way. Talk with the President, or in a large company, at least a Vice President. Most USA rental vendors are companies of 2 or 3 people. The largest companies have anywhere from 9 to 25. So, none of these are so large that you should not expect to have access to senior management.
Your first call is to request a time to speak. It’s not fair to expect anyone to drop what they might be doing unless your situation is urgent. Go into your call with your thoughts and questions well organized. Take notes as to whether your questions were truly answered, or did you receive some unclear, dismissive response. Use the time wisely, but don’t be ashamed to ask for a follow up call.
Ultimately, you want to evaluate “is this vendor looking out for me, or am I only another sale?” If the answer is positive and if you choose to do business, ask the President who you can expect to work with for the project. And, ask him to brief that person on the particulars of your situation. In that way, the person who you wind up working with knows that the President has taken an active role in your meeting.
