DigitalMeeting are taking a big leap forward

DigitalMeeting, the Winchester-based provider of global audio, web and video conferencing services, are taking a big leap forward with their plans for expansion over the next year. They are setting up a network of Licensed Business Managers across the country who will run their own business under the DigitalMeeting banner.

Richard Butler, CEO of technilink iT Ltd (the provider of DigitalMeeting) stated: “These are exciting times for us. We provide a unique service to companies and organisations and therefore wanted to provide a unique opportunity to business minded people to join in with our growth plans.”

The company helps others to reduce their daily running costs and Carbon Footprints, and decided that franchise style licensing is the best way for them to expand whilst keeping to their own ethos.

They will start with a phase of “Pioneers” who will lead the way for all other License holders. After a great success with their stand at the Business South Show in March, they will take their new stand to the British and International Franchise Show which will be held at Olympia over the 5th/6th April. Richard said “We would like to invite anyone from Hampshire along to meet us, watch and take part in live DigitalMeeting demonstrations, and have a day out at what I’m sure will be a great exhibition. You never know, you may even decide to invest in your own future with DigitalMeeting!”

When DigitalMeeting, the Winchester- based global conferencing company, decided to make a big push for growth, they had a number of options open to them. How, though, does a company manage to grow exponentially whilst staying true to their own strong message of reducing overhead costs and environmental responsibility?

Richard Butler, CEO of technilink iT Ltd (the provider of DigitalMeeting) had to decide the best way to get the service out to the national and international businesses who need to use it. He says: “The business world is constantly changing, and as we encourage others to use new technologies and methods to keep up with and compete advantageously against their own competitors, we too must find the best available routes for our own expansion.”

As he explained, a number of standard methods were open to him, but these had some distinct disadvantages for DigitalMeeting.

“We could have continued expansion directly out from Winchester, sending the sales team further out around the country, but this was really not an option from day one. Why should a company that helps and encourages others to reduce the cost and time spent travelling, suddenly send our own people out to travel the length and breadth of the country every day? Although we can do much of our work via DigitalMeeting itself, we strive to give our customers the best care possible, and that means that we give the personal training, refresher sessions, and work with them to get the best benefit from using. Sometimes you just have to build relationships, and sometimes that’s done best in person.”

So what about expansion through branches?

“Situating offices around the UK would be present us with problems too. One of the major reasons for using DigitalMeeting is for Smarter- Working, and another is reducing the environmental impact of the day-to-day running of an office. If we were to set up satellite offices all over, our total Carbon Footprint would increase drastically with every one. This is wasteful in terms of accommodation space, heating, lighting and our staff travelling into those offices every day.”

What, then did you do?

“DigitalMeeting is different to other conferencing providers, not only in the service we offer, but how we offer it. We decided that the best route to growth was through a “Licensed Business Manager” scheme, which in essence, gives people the opportunity to sell DigitalMeeting as a self- employed business owner from their own homes.”

Isn’t that just a franchise?

“We built the LBM scheme around the basic franchising idea, but there are some important differences, and they all tie into the company ethos. We will actively encourage our LBMs to work from home, and to make the most of all of the advantages this offers. This instantly takes away the need for the rental of office accommodation and the cost involved of running an office in its own right. The whole idea of a DigitalMeeting is that it can be held anywhere, and as we make it clear to our clients that it can be an exceptionally strong home-working tool, the best way to show this is by our own LBMs using it themselves in that way. What better way of managing your own work/life balance is there than being in complete control of it yourself from the outset?
So, our LBMs will be self –employed and we want to give them the best possible start by making their own businesses as low cost and enjoyable to run as we can.”

“Our LBM Manager will support everybody involved along every step of the way, advising on the dos and don’ts of running a self employed business from home, keeping everyone up to date on legislations and helping them to make the best of our cumulative commission based model. This is an entirely new way for us to grow as a conferencing provider and an absolutely unique product to sell for somebody who is looking to invest in their own future. We have seen a massive gap in the market for potential franchisees who want to use their own business skills and contacts, and a fantastic opportunity for us to grow quickly and get our message out to where it is needed- every company, regional, national or global, that would like to reduce its Carbon Footprint and increase its profitability.”