Free teleclasses are everywhere you look.

If you’re new to the concept of free teleclasses, teleconferences, teleseminars, etc. why are they everywhere?

Can they benefit you as you’re starting a VA business (or any home-based business for that matter)?

Here are some things you should know about free anything on the internet.

1) The free things have a marketing purpose to make you want to buy a product or service. No, this is not sneaky, underhanded, illegal, or misleading. They want a way to reach as many people interested in their products or services as possible, and having something free to give away increases the number of people they get that match their services or products, which in turn (if done correctly) increases their % of converts or sales.

2) The free things typically do provide GREAT information on topics for you when you are just starting out with a VA or home-based business. So do not discount the information they will give you there. Just don’t be disappointed if you don’t walk away with a complete understanding of how to run your VA business from home and make a six-figure income in 2 weeks after doing so.

3) When you start on a free call the person hosting the call or presenting for the call (or sometimes both if different businesses) will tell you about themselves, including history about themselves so you understand why or if they are experienced enough to be giving you this information (i.e.: showing you how reliable or not the source is!). So expect the first 10-20 minutes of the call to be filled with this “getting to know your host/presenter” segment of the call.

4) Before the raw meat (the info you really want free) is delivered, they will also pitch their latest product or service or membership they want you to purchase. Don’t completely discount these, as often times they have good value for the $ if you have the $ to invest in your business as you start up. If you don’t have the $ to invest right away, simply be patient to get to the free tidbits of information you came to get.

So can you really get good information out of free calls that makes it worth your time? My answer? Yes. I wouldn’t recommend swapping your whole schedule around to be “live” at the free call. Instead, take advantage of the “free replays” of the call that often happen afterward. Some people do not offer this though, so make sure you find out if they offer a replay or mp3 of the call after it’s over and if so for how long as some sites only leave it up for 24-48 hours. (HINT: The Freecorder internet browser toolbar is a great way to record “play only” audios on the internet that don’t let you download the mp3 to listen to your own time.)

I do recommend, as you are starting out that you do listen to and sign up for as many freebies on the internet as possible. Just understand that in doing so you are typically going to listen to sales pitches as well as being put on mailing lists for these people. Don’t gripe about it! You are still getting something free, and you are seeing great sources of information for the future when you do have the $ to invest in your professional development and business expansion.

Keep moving toward success (even if just for free to start with).