The fastest growth area in the communication arena over the next five years is expected to be web conferencing. In fact, professional expect to see growth in the 500% range. This is according to an Ipsos-commissioned e-mail survey and much of the reason for this growth can be traced to the cost-reducing benefits (e.g. travel expenses) and productivity gains (i.e. less time in airports equals more time in the office). Small businesses can expect to gain most as it allows them to pursue growth initiatives at a time when such activities might seem taboo or prohibitive.

Regardless of the economy, growth is an essential ingredient to a business’s longevity and success. Quote Stork Solutions, a website focused on small and home-based businesses, recommends taking cautious steps in terms of growth activities. They believe in a simple model consisting of a Build tranche, a Reduce tranche, and a Grow tranche and advise that their clients will succeed if they follow their model.

An interesting Quote Stork campaign involves:

1. Reducing expenses by test-driving web conferencing software for Free. They recommend trying out software with their existing, solid client base and employees and suggest using it for systems training in order to become familiar with the software.

2. Growing customer lists by taking carefully calculates marketing risks. Quote Stork encourages its small and home-based businesses to investigate direct marketing techniques like those developed by gurus Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer. This non traditional marketing method is likely ignored by key competitors and since it is cost effective, it can provide the small business owner with something of an edge.

3. Finally, Quote Stork encourages hosting a pitch meeting for all of the interested direct-marketing respondents. Now that the user is comfortable and familiar with the software, he or she can professionally demonstrate the company’s area of expertise and professionalism. For example, a chiropractor hoping to increase her client roster could invite prospects to attend a web conference about different types of subluxation and how treated conditions can enhance a patient’s standard of living.

The software that Quote Stork recommends with a five-star ranking is Citrix Online’s GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar. Both options allow users to share control of their desktop and are broadcast enabled. Many publicly traded are already taking advantage of web conference software as a way to reduce expenses. More importantly in Quote Stork’s view is that a web conference empowers the small business owner as it allows prospects to see just how committed the small company is to customer service. And since all attendees can attend these conferences from the comfort of their home or office, it makes sense for more prospects to attend.

Despite the stories currently published by various media sources about the state of the nation’s economy, growth should still be a priority for small and home-based business owners. In fact, at such a trying time, growth initiatives should take priority at this time. With the latest trends in web conferencing, small businesses have a fantastic opportunity to not only reduce travel expenses and increase productivity, but to reach a wider audience in their business development efforts.