Not everyone speaks “Internet-ese!”

People who earn a living in technology have often been accused of assuming that “everyone” knows the most common technical terms.  Time and again, I've explained to the people who help me set up my business online that, as ADHD Adults, my readers / users are not “typical.”

People with ADD / ADHD are more likely to fall into one extreme or other, depending on their interest. Those with ADD who enjoy technology are the most highly skilled and knowledgeable techies on the planet.   But if they think of  technology as merely a tool (or a necessary evil!), then they may know a lot less than the average person about the terms used online.

However, despite all my warnings about the dangers of assuming the knowledge level of my audience, I fell into the trap myself! 

Internet marketing has its own language

It's been a few years since I've been active in delivering and promoting my Thrive with ADD classes.   I used to regularly deliver my telephone classes (“teleclasses”) on many different ADHD Adult challenges.  People would phone in to an assigned phone number and the class was given as if it were a conference call.

Now, teleclasses have given way to webinars.  People have become accustomed to using their computer to listen and view online material.  No more need for long distance charges.

I got so caught up in promoting my new upcoming live webinar on “The 5 Key Steps of Follow-Through” that I forgot a pretty important point:

Many of the people who get my emails don't know what the term “webinar” means.

In fact, if I didn't depend on the Internet to promote my ADHD Coaching business, I wouldn't know what it means myself! Luckily, I was reminded by some very good questions I received from people.

Webinar Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is a webinar? It's a seminar or class that you take online.  Instead of only hearing a lecture, you see visuals on the screen as well.  Hundreds of people can attend a webinar at the same time.

• Do I have to listen on computer? No, you can see the visuals on the screen and listen through your phone.

• Isn't a webinar terribly noisy? No, the leader controls the webinar and can mute out everyone and selectively “un-mute” individuals who indicate they want to speak.

• Do I need to actively participate? It's your choice.  In an interactive webinar (as opposed to one that's merely a lecture), you can “raise your hand” by clicking on a designated part of the screen or hitting a button on your phone.  The leader or teacher can then “call on you” by clicking your name/phone number.  That un-mutes your phone and you can ask a question or make a comment.

• Can I ask a question if I don't call in? Yes, if you want to participate only via the web, you can type in your question.

• Why do I have to enter my email address a second time after I've already registered? Webinars are given through a special website (in my case, I use a service called “GotoWebinar.com.“)   Part of the webinar's service is to send you automatic emails giving you correct information on the webpage and phone number to enter the webinar.   Also, you need to be registered in order to submit questions online.

OK, now you know! I hope to “see” you on a Thrive with ADD Webinar soon this month!