Are Teleseminars Part of "New Media" Marketing for Attorneys?

Where do teleseminars or teleconferences fit into the new media marketing for attorneys world of webinars, webcasts, streaming video, blogs, and social networking?  Are teleseminars simply an "old" technology that should be jettisoned for more glitzy, high-tech platforms like VoIP?

In case you haven't heard, there is a new name for the telephone: POTS ("plain old telephone service").  The telephone has been around since at least March 10, 1876, when Alexander Graham Bell orchestrated the first telephone call.  It is fashionable in the social media and new media world to use new technologies that in theory make marketing and networking easier and more efficient.  It is impressive to tell your clients that you are up on the latest technologies by presenting a webinar or transmitting your own television show through Ustream.Tv.  But is it always the most effective means of providing content to your clients?

The answer is that it depends.  Sometimes it makes sense to use the latest and greatest "bleeding edge" technology to present your content.  Other times, however, POTS - meaning a teleseminar - is not such a bad option.  For example, if your audience will be listening to your message in the car or on the go, a teleseminar makes more sense than a webinar or webcast.

In addition, almost everyone has a telephone and is familiar with how to use one.  Not so for a webinar, a webcast, or a streaming video.  I presented a teleseminar today on blogging for attorneys and was struck by the ease of presenting over the phone (using a headset), and with the ability to use my computer as I was presenting the teleseminar.  Of course, the teleseminar was simultaneously available via webcast, allowing my listeners the option to listen on their computers.

Internet marketing for attorneys and lawyers should focus on meeting your audience where that audience wants to be met.  For many, that will still be with POTS and teleseminars.

I welcome your comments below on whether teleseminars are still viable, and whether they can be classified as "new media."