Blog

Schedule Your Conference Call Through Outlook

Monday, January 20th, 2014

Our Outlook Conferencing Toolbar is a convenient place to schedule and start Reservationless meetings. Scheduling meetings through the Conferencing Toolbar means your access numbers and Participant Passcode will automatically populate in the meeting invitation.  The convenient “Connect Me” button allows our system to dial-out to you. Starting Phone-only meetings through the Toolbar provides you the ability to view your participant list, increase a participant’s volume, record the conference and more!

Live operator support is available 24/7. You can also add visuals to your conference call such as Powerpoint or desktop sharing with our state-of-the-art webconferencing tool. For more information how Gorilla Conferencing can help your business or organization please contact us at 888-744-7166 or visit us at www.gorillaconferencing.com

Conference Call Pay-As-You-Go Plan

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

Conference Call Pay-As-You-Go PlanGorilla Conferencing provides a simple, automated toll-free service where you only get charged for the minutes you use. No contracts to sign, no monthly minimums, no activation fees. Your account is always “live” so you don’t even have to schedule with us. Your dial-in number and moderator & participant passcodes always remain the same – so you can use the service anytime from anywhere – from any phone. Live operator support is available 24/7. You can also add visuals to your conference call such as Powerpoint or desktop sharing with our state-of-the-art webconferencing tool. For more information how Gorilla Conferencing can help your business or organization please contact us at 888-744-7166 or visit us at www.gorillaconferencing.com

Conference Calls can improve your Economy

Sunday, April 7th, 2013

Conference Calls can improve your EconomyTake control of your own economy by reducing costs and increasing your bottom line by using Gorilla Conferencing for all your meeting needs. Increase the number of meaningful meetings without leaving your desk by utilizing our flawless audio and web conferencing tools. Eliminate travel costs and time spent away from your office, not to mention entertainment, even more time out of the office – you get the picture.  Schedule audio and web meetings in advance, or have impromptu meetings instantly on-the-fly. Gorilla Conferencing will save you money and provide you with-state-of-the-art technology right at your fingertips. No equipment or software to buy. For more information how Gorilla Conferencing can help your business or organization please contact us at 888-744-7166 or visit us at www.gorillaconferencing.com.

Web-based Dial Out Feature

Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

Web-based Dial Out FeatureGorilla Conferencing has a web interface that can be used by the host to dial out to participants when the situation arises. An example would be where lawyers are on a conference call and the Judge wants to be called last once everyone else is present.  The host simply enters the phone number and hits the dial button. The Judge hears a recording to join the conference and is instructed to press 1 and is joined automatically. Another example is when a participant forgot about the call and is missing, or a participant wasn’t notified about the call. The host can simply dial out to these participants from the web interface without leaving the audio call. This process is totally invisible to everyone else on the call and the participant joins the conference seamlessly. Detailed instructions can be found on the Support page on our website. Click on Helpful Documents, then Moderator Dial Out Instructions.  For more information how Gorilla Conferencing can help your business or organization please contact us at 888-744-7166 or visit us at www.gorillaconferencing.com.

Grow your business with Gorilla Conferencing

Friday, February 8th, 2013

Are you new to audio and web conferencing, or participated on someone else’s conference call and are not sure to get started yourself? A conference call is the most cost-efficient way to hold a meeting, particularly with people based in different physical locations. It cuts down on travel time, and the travel costs and lunches and dinners – and best of all when the call is over everyone is still at that their desks and can get right back to what they do best.  Conference calls can be enhanced with visuals such as Powerpoint slides, whiteboarding or desktop sharing. Please look at the short above to see how Gorilla Conferencing can help grow your business and reduce costs.

You can also contact us at 888-744-7166 or visit us at www.gorillaconferencing.com

Conference Calls – One-Click Trick

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

Conference Calls – One-Click TrickLooking for an easier way to access your conference call information when you are out of the office? Would you like to be able to join your conference call with just one touch or click on your mobile phone? We have a shortcut for you to make your conference calls easily accessible when you are on the move. Below is the format that you can use for your calendar or post it permanently such as Notes on your iPhone.

BlackBerry®:       1-888-744-7166x*x1234567#

iPhone®:           tel://1-888-744-7166,*,,123456#

For more info information how Gorilla Conferencing can help your business grow and reduce expenses, please call us at 888-744-7166 or visit us online at www.gorillaconferencing.com

Conference Calls – Hurricane Sandy

Friday, November 16th, 2012

Conference Calls   Hurricane SandyHurricane Sandy devastated the Northeast this past October leaving a path of destruction never seen before. Lives were lost.  Properties and memories were destroyed. Millions of people, companies, hospitals, schools  – you name it- were without power. 2 weeks later some still do not have it back. Gasoline was scarce and rationing plans had to be put into effect.  Lines were hours long.  Now the rebuilding process begins as people are slowly allowed back to affected areas.

As they say, necessity is the mother of invention.  After the storm hit the northeast in October 2011, many people prepared alternative backup plans which included gas powered generators to provide some level of electricity to homes during the power outage. This storm too has now caused even more people to think about preparing better for future catastrophes.

Gorilla Conferencing has redundant conferencing bridges around the country. As a result, we were able to move conferencing traffic to equipment outside of the affected areas. For businesses located outside of the affected area, they were able to conduct their day-to-day conferencing needs seamlessly. That was also true for individuals and organizations located in the storm-battered area. Gorilla Conferencing gave free service to a  Northern New Jersey school district so that all teachers and administrative personnel could communicate via cell phones and come up with contingency plans for their district. Since there was no power, internet or phone services – for those who had working cell phones, the school district was successfully able to hold conference calls with key personnel. They now will include our conference call service as a key component in their back-up contingency plans.

Our hearts and prayers still go out to those affected by Superstorm Sandy.

Long Distance Training brought closer using Conference Calling

Monday, October 22nd, 2012
Long Distance Training Brought Closer Using Conference CallingYou are in Dallas and the rest of your team is spread all across the country. A new product roll-out is on the horizon and you need to traineveryone in a timely, efficient manner. Let a member of your Gorilla Conferencing team show you how to effectively manage meetings using state-of-the-art audio and web conferencing tools to reach your team – anytime, anywhere.  Audio conference calls can be made using any phone, from anywhere making it simple to hold meetings on the fly or scheduled in advance. You can enhance the conference by utilizing GorillaWeb – a state-of-the-art web conferencing tool – that allows the presenter to share anything on their desktop with the rest of the team. Present a Powerpoint Presentation, Website Tour, Product Demonstration and more. Collaborate real-time on documents, spreadsheets and whiteboards.

A recent customer had to reach out to train hundreds of people, spread out all over, in a short period of time – physically impossible to do in person. Gorilla Conferencing came through for her. Here’s what she had to say:

“Gorilla Conferencing worked like a champ! We ended up with over 30 conference calls with over 400 participants……it worked beautifully!!! Thanks again, you are now our only conference call line of choice!”

 –Sara S.

Tracking Conference Calls Made Easy

Monday, October 8th, 2012

Tracking Conference Calls Made EasyIs everyone in your company sharing the same conference call codes? When the bill comes, is it hard to tell who made each call? Does your company ever need to have 2 calls happening simultaneously and you only have 1 account? Gorilla Conferencing to the rescue. You can have as many sets of passcodes as you need for no additional cost. You simply pay for the minutes you use. Our bill is broken down by user so you can easily decipher how the calls were made. You can have a separate account for each person in your company that initiates conference calls. The accounts can even be set up in department names or committees. We are very flexible and can set up accounts for you any way you want to make call accounting simpler.

For more information visit us at www.gorillaconferencing.com or call us 888-744-7166.

Conference Calls for Board Meetings

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

Conference Calls For Board MeetingsGorilla Conferencing is an ideal solution for your Board Meetings. Many times, board members are out of town, or too far away and don’t want to take that drive again, or inclimate weather is preventing them from making the trip to the conference room for that 1 hour meeting. We are here to help. Now you can conduct your board meetings with a virtual conference room using toll-free audio conferencing. Board Members around the table can conduct the meeting in the usual way, with remote members participating via telephone. No special equipment is required. Simply place any speaker phone centrally located on the table. Dial into our system with the number and passcode that we provide you, and remote members can dial into the call from any phone, from anywhere. We also provide a toll number in case someone needs to call in from overseas. 

GorillaWeb adds increased functionality to the meeting by allowing the call leader to share documents or anything else on their desktop with remote participants if they have access to a computer and high speed internet. So members in the conference room can collaborate with remote members in real time.

For more information call us at 888-744-7166 or visit us at www.gorillaconferencing.com

Conference Calls for Consultants

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

Gorillaweb Conference CallsGorilla Conferencing has customized billing for consultants to help track conferencing costs as they pertain to your clients. Your account can be set up to prompt the call leader to enter a numeric project code at the start of the call by simply pressing the appropriate numbers on the phone keypad. These project numbers will then appear next to each call on our invoice so they costs can quickly be associated with specific clients and/or projects.

Need to make a presentation and the client is out of town, and your team is dispersed around the country? No worries. GorillaWeb is an easy to use webconferencing tool that allows you to share anything on your desktop anytime, from anywhere. So while you are on a conference call you can present a Powerpoint presentation, show a software demonstration, collaborate on documents, conduct a website tour and much more.

Cut down on travel expenses and time spent out of the office with the efficiency of an audio conference call. Enhance the call with powerful visual effects using GorillaWeb. When the call is over, everyone is still at their desks and their day becomes more productive. No more planes, hotel rooms, lunches, entertainment costs and significant downtime due to being away from the office.

For more information visit us at www.gorillaconferencing.com or call us at 888-744-7166.

Streamlined Billing Options For Lawyers

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

Streamlined Billing Options For LawyersGorilla Conferencing offers free options to help track conference call costs associated with client meetings. When a moderator joins the call, he/she will be prompted to enter the Client #, Matter # or both. This setting is predetermined by you and can be added to all moderator accounts, or just selected accounts. These billing codes will then appear on our bill next to each call making bookkeeping easier to associate costs with specific clients and cases.

You can initiate a conference call from anywhere, at any time, with any type of phone. Depositions can be initiated from within a judge’s chambers or the courtroom where other parties are in other remote locations. Court reporters can also dial into the calls remotely and record the call for future transcriptions.

Since you only pay for the minutes you use, every attorney in the firm can have their own set of passcodes for no additional cost. Our bills are broken down by user to make bookkeeping easier. The Client#  and Matter#  add additional information to the bill to further assist the bookkeeping function. Please give us a call at 888-744-7166 and we can discuss options with you.

Automated Audio and Web Conferencing with Gorilla Conferencing

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Automated Audio And Web Conferencing With Gorilla ConferencingAutomated Audio and Web Conferencing provided by Gorilla Conferencing is an easy to use, cost effective, on-demand meeting web tool that allows you to effectively host scheduled or spur of the moment meetings right from your computer.

Gorilla Conferencing provides your business with a dedicated dial-in number, password and web link that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. Easy to use audio controls allow you to manage the entire conference call by either phone or web. Choose whether you want to use audio, web, or both at a low, per-minute rate that is a fraction of the cost of meeting with people in person.

Create Powerpoint presentations with both audio and video to engage your audience, co-workers or clients. Easily upload your presentations to your own dedicated online library instantly, before and even during your presentations and meetings.  Award winning, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week customer service is available anytime by simply pressing .* 0.

The Conferencing Hub features a wide variety of tools and options to maximize the effectiveness of your web conferences.  Attendees will receive your invitation automatically after you quickly schedule conferences online in the Conferencing Hub.  A live web conference can be assembled with just a click of the mouse.  Participants are able to leave you constructive and detailed feedback allowing you to customize your web conferences to fit the needs of it’s attendees.  Detailed reports of all conferencing and user activity can be generated from your computer. An online Content Library gives you the ability to store your presentations, polling questions, bookmarks or other content.

Application Sharing allows you to demonstrate and share applications and software from your desktop to audiences all over the globe during a Live Conference.  Update schedules, budgets and plans in real-time. Chat, polling, virtual whiteboards, web tours and questions and answers help create interactive and collaborative meetings.  A live video feed of the presentation is viewed from the conference interface.  The Virtual Whiteboard gives attendees the ability to brainstorm and share ideas as if you were face-to-face in a conference room.  Distribute spreadsheets, pictures, or supplementary handouts before, after, and even during the Live Conference.

Participants can watch their own computer screens to see the presenter navigating the internet, applications and programs in real-time. If at any point you are logged in and need assistance, even during a live conference, live customer support is just a push of a button away.  To ensure your businesses’ safety, high security meetings can be protected with SSL encryption.

Web conferencing is an effective way to engage your audience, convey your message and generate new and unique ideas.

Using a Conference Security Code

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Using Conference Security CodeGorilla Conferencing gives you the option of using a Conference Security Code to ensure the safety and security of your company’s conference calls.  Once this feature is enabled, the moderator will be prompted to create a specific conference security code.  This security code must be entered by every participant in order to access the call.  This feature is an option and is not mandatory.  It is up to the moderator of the conference call to decide whether or not they would like to use this feature.

The Conference Security Code feature includes the highest level of security.  Even Gorilla Conferencing employees will not know the code you choose.  Using conference security codes requires no additional fees or charges.  This feature can also be turned on and off at the discretion of the moderator by hitting *31.

Upon entering the conference call, the moderator will press *31 to turn on the security code feature.  The moderator will then hear the following prompt: “The Conference Security Code option is now enabled.  Please enter the Conference Security Code followed by the (#) key, Or press (*) to start the conference without a code.”

Moderators determine what the Conference Security Code will be.  When the moderator enters a security code and presses (#), a prompt will read back the code and ask, “If this is correct, press star (*) to join your conference or enter a new Conference Security Code followed by the (#) key.”  Pressing (*) will activate the code and the moderator will be placed into the conference.

After the security code is activated, all participants will be placed on hold until the moderator joins the conference.  Participants will then be required to enter the security code as chosen by the moderator.  If the moderator has chosen not to enter a Conference Security Code, participants will automatically join the call.

The moderator is responsible for notifying participants of the Conference Security Code before the start of the call.  After (*31) has initially been activated, the moderator will be prompted to enter a security code for each conference call, or refuse a security code by simply pressing (*) to enter the call.

It is recommended that for the first time use of the Conference Security Code, that the moderator dials-in early to the call to activate the (*31) Security Code.  Upon leaving the conference call for any reason, when the moderator rejoins he or she will be required to re-enter the code.  If at any point the moderator decides to turn this feature off, he or she may do so by pressing (*31).  Participants will then automatically enter the conference call and will not be required to enter the Conference Security Code.

Tips To Help Conference Calls Go Smoothly

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012


Tips To Help Conference Calls Go SmoothlyKeeping your conference calls secure, on track and purposeful should always be the main goals for your business.  Gorilla Conferencing provides you with the platform and tools needed to have productive and enjoyable conference calls.

To ensure that you are on the right track, you need to make sure you are organized before the call.  Creating a clear agenda is the best way to stay focused.  It is also recommended that you ask your participants to be present on the call at least five minutes early, to discourage late comers that disrupt the flow of the call.  If at any point in the call you have any issues or questions about the service, summoning the operator will help you sort out your issues.

Once all your participants are on the call, you have the option to lock and unlock the call for security purposes.  Participants should mute themselves if they are in an area with background noise as this can become a big distraction. They should also refrain from placing themselves on hold and subjecting the conference to their on-hold music. If this should happen, anyone can simply hit *0 and ask the operator to disconnect that line.

By utilizing these tips, your conference calls with Gorilla Conferencing will prove to be extremely beneficial to the future of your company.

Tips for Reducing Late Attendees

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Tips For Reducing Late Attendees

Participants arriving late to your conference calls is distracting and can waste time and money for your business.  They interrupt presentations and lengthen the amount of time you will need to spend on the conference call.  Reducing the number of late arrivals by following a few guidelines will save you frustration and time in the long run.

Sending participants reminders that they need to be on time starting a week beforehand is a good guideline.  Follow up with another reminder the day before the conference, and then one more reminder about an hour before the start of the call.  When sending out instructions for attending the conference call, be sure to include the dial-in number and any security or access codes that they may need to use.  You should also include instructions on how to properly access the conference by walking them through any prompts they may encounter when attempting to join the call.  These instructions should be sent to participants each time you send them reminders.  This will ensure that all participants know exactly what to do when dialing-in to the conference call.

As always, you should have a clear agenda written out.  You can include this agenda when you are sending out your reminders so that attendees will be prepared with any questions or comments about the topics addressed in the conference call.

If you want participants of your conference calls to show up on time, YOU need to show up on time for each and every call as well.  Arriving on time means arriving at least five minutes early.

Starting on time is also very important.  Even if you notice there are several late attendees, you must start on time so participants are not rewarded for their late arrivals.  This shows everyone involved that time is very important, and that you will always be starting on time.

In addition to starting on time, you should also end on time.  Employees have taken time out of their day to attend your conference call.  Show them that you also respect their time by ending on time, or even early if you finish everything faster than expected.  This will show participants that future conference calls will end when you say they will so that they know exactly what to expect.

Conference Calls, Anywhere, Anytime, with Gorilla Conferencing

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Conference Calls  Anywhere  Anytime  With Gorilla Conferencing

When seeking a reliable, easy to use conference calling service that can be accessed anywhere in the world, at any time you wish, Gorilla Conferencing provides you with the features your business deserves. Businesses all over the globe rely on conference calls to stay in touch with clients and co-workers in today’s fast paced and competitive world.  With advances in technology, interaction and communication have become easily accessible with the development of a never ending line of smartphones, cellphones and other gadgets.

Conference calls are the most economical and efficient way to collaborate with associates and clients no matter where they are located.  Cutting down and eliminating the time spent traveling to meetings or having to make sure you are near a landline phone will save you and your company money in the long run by allowing participants of the conference the ability to work right up to thevery moment they need to dial-in to the conference.

Planning Weekly Conference Calls

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

Planning Weekly Conference CallsStructure and organization are two key ingredients for the success of any business. Many businesses establish weekly conference call routines which significantly helps to obtain this optimal level of structure and organization. Weekly conference calls add structure and organization that are vital to your company’s success.  These weekly conference calls give you and your participants a chance to step away from their usual work to discuss strategies that will allow for a more focused approach.

The Pareto Principle, named after economist Villfredo Pareto, states that about 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.  This means that often people are using 80% of their work time inefficiently, and only 20% of the time is spent productively.  Eliminating wasted time should always be your goal when it comes to your business. Conference calls are the perfect way to bring people together to refocus their energy towards more productive and efficient approach to their work.

Determining the goals you wish to accomplish when planning your weekly conference calls is important.  Perhaps you need to catch up with your team members to get updates on their projects.  Another goal may be to interact with employees or co-workers who don’t regularly share their ideas with your team. A primary goal might be to inform clients of project plan changes and timeframes and answer any questions they may have.  Evaluating beforehand who will be actively participating on the call will help you determine your goals when planning your weekly conference calls.

When you have your main goals written down, it’s time to prepare your written agenda.  You can reach out to the conference attendees before the call to ask if they have any input in the formation of the agenda. You can then plan how long you would like to spend on each topic, making sure to leave time at the end of the call for questions participants may have. When you have finished forming your agenda, you should send it to the participants two or three days before the actual call so they can read it over and prepare any input they may have. Include instructions on how to dial-in to the conference and provide them with security codes if necessary.

Toll-Free Conference Calls with Gorilla Conferencing

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

Conference CallsToll-free conference calls are the most affordable way for businesses to host conference calls and eliminate the cost of invited attendees. Businesses rely on companies, such as Gorilla Conferencing, to handle all of their conference calling needs. One can initiate and join a Toll-Free conference call from anywhere with any type of phone

Gorilla Conferencing provides your business with a toll-free number and a unique passcode for the host and the participants. This number and PIN is then distributed to everyone participating in the conference call.  It’s that simple.  Host the conference call, instruct participants to call the toll-free number, and enjoy doing business in a convenient and comfortable way.

 

Gorilla conferencing charges 4.9 cents per minute for a Reservationless Toll-Free Pay as You Go Plan.  Gorilla Conferencing also offers Reservationless Toll-Free Monthly Plans.  Here is the pricing breakdown for the Monthly Plans:

  • $175 for 5,000 minutes ñ 3.5¢ each additional minute
  • $300 for 10,000 minutes ñ 3¢ for each additional minute
  • $625 for 25,000 minutes ñ 2.5¢ for each additional minute

 

Web and Video Conferencing are also available through Gorilla Conferencing and can be added to any plan for an additional 7¢ per minute.

If your business hosts a large amount of conference calls per month, choosing one of the Gorilla Conferencing Toll-Free Monthly Plans provides you with the best value for your money. If your business only hosts a few conference calls per month, a Reservationless Toll-Free Pay as You Go plan is the better choice for you and your business.

Why Should I Record My Conference Calls?

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

A wide variety of conference calls are made everyday by companies and businesses all over the world. Recording conference calls such as telephone interviews for employment opportunities, verbal agreements, staff meetings, stockholder meetings, sales presentations, seminars, earnings reports, and board meetings are all possible with Gorilla Conferencing.  Companies also record conference calls with customers to use as a reference tool on projects or deals for a client.  This eliminates any questions or doubts that the client may have, which in turn reduces numerous phone calls back and forth between your company and the client.

Recording your conference calls with Gorilla Conferencing is as easy pressing *22.  Upon pressing *22 you will hear the message, “Just a reminder, today’s call is being recorded”. Pausing and stopping the recording are also just a push of a button. If you would like to share the recording of your conference call with a colleague or employee, simply supply them with the dial-in number and replay passcode. Additionally, you may order a physical copy of the recording on CD, or you can simply download the recording to be played in Realplayer or Windows Media Player in MP3 or WAV format.

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