Modern technology can make holding a conference call or video conference a breeze. But there's still a fair amount of work and organization involved in planning and holding an effective conference. Before you decide to invest your time (and money), you should examine your reasons for wanting to schedule a conference call or video conference. If your reason is listed below, you're on the right track.

• You need the interaction of ideas and opinions to create a plan, program or fully realized concept.
• You want to encourage a positive group dynamic or build team spirit.
• You have only a short time to build consensus or reach an agreement.
• You need to explain a complex subject or introduce a new concept or product.

You're wasting your time (and everyone else's) if your reason for holding a conference call or video conference is among the following:

• All necessary participants cannot be available at the same time.
• You or the other participants don't have time to properly prepare.
• Participants cannot be available for the time required to properly discuss and consider the issue.
• You have a simple message to deliver or question to answer.
• You are imparting information that does not require discussion or an immediate response.