A: Focused Sessions are Webinar presentations and trainings that are offered free of charge to ISSSP members. They are broadcast live and archived in ISSSP's iKnow database. ISSSP hosts these Focused Sessions using Microsoft Live Meeting. Focused Sessions typically last one hour, including an interactive Q&A.
A: It's important for your Focused Session to benefit ISSSP members. Focused Sessions are an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and mastery. Remember, nobody wants to sit through a sales pitch.
A: Our experience shows that successful Focused Session presentations often have the following characteristics:
- Client case study inclusion - invite your client to co-present with you
- Educational element - you're the expert, transfer your knowledge to the community
- Dynamic speakers - be engaging and encourage participants interaction during the Questions & Answers period, which follows the conclusion of the presentation
- Innovative and different - think outside the box
- Soft sell - let your testimonials and case studies do the selling
A: The title of your presentation is the initial selling point. This is the invitation that entices potential participants to learn more about you and your upcoming presentation. Be strategic in how you structure this invitation. Consider the following suggestions:
- Shorter titles
- Include your client in the title
- Use buzz words
A: You'll need to send your presentation (PowerPoint format is required) to the administrator. The administrator will insert an ISSSP template at the end of your presentation (last page) to include the follow:
- Affiliate and ISSSP member logos
- Question & Answers
- Contact information for facilitator(s)
- Feedback poll
- Call to action to ISSSP portfolio (i.e., mention white papers, educational programs)
- ISSSP member discounted
A: Your Focused Session Profile serves as an abstract; it's what people see when they click to read more about your presentation. After your title has intrigued the potential participant, tell them more in an effective way. We recommend:
- Use captivating descriptions
- Write for your audience using their language
- Focus on "what's in it for me" - how will your audience benefit from your presentation
- Identify keywords for iKNOW Search
A: To ensure appropriate time to market your Focused Session, it should be scheduled at least 4 weeks in advance. While we can usually accomodate any schedule, Focused Sessions most often occur on these days and times:
- Tuesdays @ 10 a.m (Eastern Time)
- Wednesdays @ 12 p.m. (Eastern Time)
- Thursdays @ 2 p.m. (Eastern Time)
- Others upon request
A: Yes. You can view the Focused Session Calendar.
A: Yes. It is searchable in ISSSP's iKnow database, usually within 24 to 48 hours after your session has ended. In addition, it appears on your Company Recognition Profile on isssp.com, and it is found within the Focused Session Archives (but you'll need to log in with your ISSSP username and password to view the files).
A: Yes. The facilitator can request a copy of the actual recording from Bert Gale at bertg@isssp.com or 203-964-0382.
A: To view the Focused Session Archives, you must be logged into the isssp.com site. Using you ISSSP username and password, highlight Events from the tool menu bar and select Focused Sessions. At the next screen click on Focused Session Archives. You will be given a list of ALL archived sessions to view. Once you've selected a Topic of choice, click on that topic name itself to view either the Presentation Video or Presentation Slides.
A: For Affiliate Members, the number is based on sponsorship level per calendar year. Additional Focused Sessions can be purchased for $500 each.
- Affiliate Leader: Unlimited
- Affiliate Partner: Four included
- Affiliate Associate: Two included
A: Contact Edna Cribb at ednacribb@isssp.com, or 480-368-7083 ext302.
A: Focused Sessions are offered free of charge to all ISSSP members. As the session sponsor, you can invite participants to attend at no charge.
A: On request, ISSSP will provide a referral link for you to extend personal invitations to your clients and potential clients.
A: Focused sessions are benefits for ISSSP members. On occasion and upon request, ISSSP can provide affiliates with a link directly to the registration page for their session and non members will be allowed to attend the session. Please let the affiliate coordinator know of this request.
A: Yes. As long as you provide them with the appropriate referral link to register. You should encourage your clients to become members of ISSSP at the annual discounted price of $150 (discounted code is FSNM).
A: ISSSP's underlying mission is to expand the use and understanding of Six Sigma. To expand our community, we can invite non-member guests. Use our contact form to request an invitation.
A: You must be logged on to isssp.com to register for a Focused Session. Enter your username and password into the fields on the left side of the homepage to log in. Highlight Calendar from the tool menu bar and select Focused Sessions. Find the session name you are interested in, and click on that topic name. An Enroll button will then appear at the bottom of the page. You will need to complete and submit the Live Meeting form.
A: After completing and submitting your Live Meeting registration form, you will receive a "Thank You" for registering message. Your registration confirmation will be sent via email once your registration has been approved by the Focused Session administrator. Your confirmation email will give you the link to join and call-in information. It will also include a link for "First-time Users" of Microsoft Live Meeting. You'll need to install this console prior to joining a Focused Session.
A: ISSSP recommends Microsoft Internet Explorer and a broadband connection. Internet Explorer has the best compatibility with Microsoft Live Meeting. You will also need a telephone to listen to the audio portion of a session.
A: If you don't receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, please contact Bert Gale at bertg@isssp.com or 203-964-0382.
A: Contact Bert Gale at bertg@isssp.com or 203-964-0382 and inform him of your cancellation. You will receive a "Cancellation" email notification.
ISSSP has the capability to accept 1250 participants for any focused session free of charge. However, additional phone charges are incurred for every additional user/connection over 100.
The affiliate contact will be notified when registrations have reached 100, and understand that they will have the option to:
A: Yes. As the sponsor, you can ensure the audience is appropriate. As a standard practice, many affiliate members exclude their competitors from attending.
A: Yes. ISSSP will provide individual contact information unless the participant specifically requests otherwise through our privacy policy.
A: You'll be given the number of people who enrolled, the number who canceled, and the number who actually attended. You'll also receive a tracking report with data regarding views and click-throughs resulting from ISSSP's marketing efforts.
A: It's important that you perform outreach on your own, to your company's contacts. In addition to your marketing efforts, ISSSP gives exposure to your session in these ways:
- What's Happening - Bi-weekly members-only newsletter, highlighting Focused Sessions occurring in the next two weeks
- You're Invited - Monthly newsletter for non-members, highlighting the next month's Focused Sessions
- Upcoming Focused Sessions - Bi-weekly email from ISSSP, highlighting Focused Sessions that will occur in the next month
- Focused Sessions Listing - on ISSSP home page
- Focused Sessions Calendar - listing of all upcoming Focused Sessions
A: You'll be provided with referral links. Some places to use them include:
- Your Website
- Your company newsletter
- Direct email to your personal contacts
- Collateral used at trade shows, conferences, or training sessions
- Internet advertising
A: Referral links are created by ISSSP and given to our sponsors to help promote their participation in various ISSSP activities. The link often refers the user to the appropriate registration page, etc. When used correctly, these links provide tracking information regarding the number of click throughs associated to a particular link and allows ISSSP to report on the effectiveness of a particular marketing avenue. For more information on how to edit and use these referral links, click here http://www.isssp.com/index.asp?page=affiliatefaq.htm
A: As an Affiliate Member, several communication tools are available to you. Using them most effectively is a function of your campaign planning session with ISSSP. You may choose to feature your Focused Session using these ISSSP products:
- Direct email
- Featured Affiliate
- Hosted iKnow Search
- Company Recognition Portfolio
A: We recommend inviting your personal contacts at least 4 weeks in advance. We also recommend following up a week or two prior to the session.
A: The Focused Session administrator will contact the facilitator within 2-3 days once all information is received to schedule a training, review, and preparation session. During this time all features of Live Meeting and process questions will be addressed. The session information will appear on the Focused Session Calendar and home page within 48 hours receipt of all information. The facilitator will have continued ISSSP support during the live session as well.
A: You'll need an Internet browser with a good connection, as well as a phone. To ensure the best voice quality, we recommend against using wireless phones.
A: Your foremost responsibility is to your audience members, who are looking to you for their own professional development. Please be informative and engaging.
In addition, you have some administrative responsibilities:
- ISSSP needs a copy of your presentation no later than the day before the actual start date.
- If you have white papers or other collateral, please send them to Edna Cribb at ednac@isssp.com, or 480-368-7083 for inclusion in your company and professional portfolio.
A: Yes. ISSSP's Focused Session administrator will attend the entirety of your session. At the beginning of the session, the administrator will review with the audience some of the key features of the Live Meeting software, then introduce the facilitator. At the end of the session, the administrator will read any questions that are cued in the Questions & Answers section of Live Meeting. If any technical issues arise, the administrator is there to work through them.
A: Yes, all registrants, both attendees and those that cancel, will be sent a survey. The surveys are open for a period of one week and when closed, all data is compiled and sent to the focused session presenter or sponsor.