These days more and more people are working from home. And working from home may require you to spend a lot of time talking on the phone. Conference calls are a common way to collaborate and get things done. Instead of tying up your phone, and possibly, running up an exorbitant phone bill for business services, why not try Skype?
I use Skype every day. And I admit that I probably do not use it to it’s fullest. I use it to group chat with a couple of fellow bloggers on a regular basis. We collaborate, bounce ideas off each other, and just generally keep in touch. It’s so easy and useful. It’s a way to touch base throughout the day without being tied down to a phone, and while multitasking.
Using Skype As Your Own
You may already be familiar with Skype for IM’ing. And, it’s easy to change the way you do business with Skype. Other than using Skype to connect with friends and family you can use it to connect with contacts for your business. I have actually had quite a few video interviews via Skype.
While Skype does include several free features, you will have to use a Skype Credit to use some of the premium features. These include options like the screen share tools, calls to landlines, and sending SMS messages. Using these features can enhance your next business meeting, and it may save money by everyone being able to connect from wherever they may be.
Not too long ago, Skype made some changes that enhanced many of the features by adding useful features from another product. Formerly called Microsoft Lync, Skype for Business, now offers a full platform for communication that provides everything that you’ll need to stay in touch with your business associates and employees. You can share, and share alike.
Communicate with Several People at One Time
Skype allows you to readily set up conference calls for up to ten people at one time. This can be for business or for pleasure. You can also setup a group chat for up to 100 people at one time. If you need to add additional persons to your contact list you can readily do this as well. You’ll love Skype and so will all of your colleagues.
Organize Skype Into Groups
Skype allows you to sort your contact list into groups and to send out group messaging. This is something that I’ve found very useful. You can quickly populate your contacts list by importing your Outlook contacts directly into Skype. This allows you to quickly messages multiple people at once. This is very useful for broadcasting an announcement throughout the company that is delivered instantly.
Tools for Businesses
Allocating credits to employees is easy. You can also manage SkypeIn numbers centrally. There is an auto recharge feature, and you can consolidate and print out invoices.
Whether you work from home, or in an office Skype can be a valuable tool for communicating.
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