A product from Microsoft that need not cost you the Earth! Don't believe me? It's true Skype is even worthwhile on the free plan. I use it in my business on a daily basis. There are plenty of other options out there, but let me walk you through why I think that Skype is the best so far.
The Carousel of Progress - Skype...Really?
Small business owners and non-profit directors are always short on time and searching for ways to be more frugal with their dollar. So it continues to surprise me how many are still not using Skype!
True, I was shy to jump in, but I quickly saw the value of this video-calling interface.
Skype - The Noun
Skype is part of Microsoft. In their words: "Skype is for doing things together, whenever you’re apart."
Here is a list of a few of their useful features:
- Free video calling.
- Call mobile phones and landlines.
- Group video calls.
- Send files.
- Instant messaging.
- Screen sharing.
Skype is a tool that makes your business or organization more efficient, and yes, more social.
"Innoventive"
[caption id="attachment_2801" align="alignright" width="349"]
Image credit: AllEars.net (ready for this century?)[/caption]
Remember that ride at Disney World, Carousel of Progress? Remember where they introduce two kids communicating across continents - One in the USA, the other in Japan...? Skype brings that to reality - RIGHT NOW - And forces Disney to work fast on telling us where we go next.
For Mr. Restaurant Owner, start dialogue about importing new food menu items.
For Ms. Event Coordinator, discuss tour plans for visitor groups, or place setting details for the hottest wedding of the season.
What's in it for you?
- Save on travel costs.
- Save on phone bills.
- Accomplish more in less time.
- Experience face-to-face with people far away.
- Expand your base of collaborative partners.
- Pursue additional demographic markets.
- Be in two places at once.
By meeting via Skype, you can talk with the person farthest from you on the planet without opening your front door. Further, you don't even have to pick up your phone, so you can avoid long distance or roaming charges.
Because you have a line to the world from your computer or smartphone, you can be more efficient with time. Quick trips become quick conversations. And, face-to-face or groovy avatar -- your choice on how people see you.
Explore partnerships with sources you may not have considered before, potentially improving the value of your operation. In turn, create opportunity for appealing to more customers in different markets.
One nice thing: You can absolutely participate in a meeting while getting a cup of juice for your son or daughter. It happens every day!
Skype - The Verb
Those more fluent with the platform will actually say, "Skype me." A bit like "Facebook me," or "Tweet me."
One person calls the other, and shazam -- You're connected and can discuss, play music, share screens, etc. It's like being in the same room!
Here's a very beginner attempt at sharing screens via Skype:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fpHEsQ3RyI
Above you see my friend, Dorien, and I met online to create an instructional video for our collaborative project, Facebook Game Of Like.
Get 'Er Done
Note: I was not impressed when they integrated Skype into Facebook, but I do like Skype in it's stand-alone form.
- It's easy.
- It's productive.
- It's a time-saving tool.
In short, it's every bootstrapping organization's friend!
Are you using Skype?
What are your experiences?
Tell me if I left anything out below... :)
34 Replies
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Skype is definitely a tool that makes life a lot easier for me. It had defied physical distance while helping me cut back on my communication costs.
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Valerie, You have highlighted an important thing: Skype can help diminish costs! To tools and making it easier, ~Keri
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Keri: The article and examples are great.The photo of the GE carousel pavilion at Disney is a classic. Still I have not gotten on Skype yet. Due to a recent series of technical issues with hard drive crash and outlook crash I’ve been in a process of re-building. Yes, my business files are saved and backed up, but others were not.The issue I have with Facebook and You tube files for me are not working until I can find an expert to figure out why, so until then I cannot open you tube files on facebook. I haven’t forgotten the invitation to try Skype on an interview with you. I’ll let you know when it is ready.
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Hello Joel, Nice to see your smile! Glad you like the article examples and Disney image. The ride is one of my favorites! With all of the new technologies in the past handful of months, depending on the age of your computer, it may be time to get a new unit. The newest bells and whistles – that will become standard soon – are taking more memory, and more function. Which may be what is leading to some crashes and technical issues. But consult a computer expert – they should have the best insight there. If you need recommendations, I would be happy to help you find the right path. I look forward with big enthusiasm to skyping with you when it is possible. Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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Skype is the ultimate solution for communication especially overseas. We use this along with a bunch of features like video call to conference clients outside the country
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Leighton, Skype is a great communication tool for those needing to conspire with those overseas – indeed! The video options are helpful too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 🙂 ~Keri
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Hello Keri, Skype is a very effective way to communicate with my friends. I’ve been using it for 5 years. And I enjoy all of its features specially the video calling. I also use it for my business. Skype is the best!
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Kassandra, 5 years – wow! it does seem to be more popular in Europe than here in the USA. I foresee businesses getting more involved in online video meetings. Whether it is on Skype, or other online vehicles. Thanks for sharing! 🙂 ~Keri
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Skype is definitely one of the great tools where we can communicate with people even we are miles apart.. I just hope a lot of people can take advantage of this..
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Annie, More and more people are jumping online and doing more there. I think we’ll see more with video conferencing for sure. Will Skype continue to lead the way. That is surely up for debate with the varying emerging platforms. Let see… ~Keri
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simply love Skype (even with its problems). Screen sharing – so far one of the best options. Conference calls – really good option (but you have to pay for video conference). One of the biggest problems so far in my opinion – internet connection 🙁
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Klaudia, Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I’ve had mostly successful conference calls. Only troubles when interfacing with another platform to combine functions. I really haven’t found a time when I *had* to have video conference options. There are other platforms that now offer that. Internet connection – This does still seem to be a problem for some. Great to see your smile! ~Keri
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I’ve been a Skype user for years. I was very worried about what would happen when they were bought out but those fears do not seem to have come to fruition. I interview people all over the world on a weekly basis and the costs of that would be huge if it wasn’t for Skype. Of course there are some downsides when the infrastructure takes a hit then it ripples out and can be down for quite some time. Luckily those events are few and far between but a back up plan is important.
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Hi Keri, I use Skype for connecting with family. And occasionally use it for business. Your post jogged my awareness to use it more for face time relationship building. I’d like to use the screen share feature. Have to play with it to get comfortable. Thanks for another great post.
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Sandi, My family has not yet jumped on to Skype. But I am in the process of nudging them. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Relationship building it is — Dorien and I formed quite a great collaborative partnership via Skype! 🙂 Screen share — I’m not an expert, but I know a few that play them on TV. I’ll have to hook you up… Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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I have never really used Skype. Since we have a private network (secure), we can video-conference without any worries (OK, few) about security. And, since we tend to discuss matters that are sensitive, this serves our purpose better. If you don’t have such a network, then Skype is a good alternative.
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Roy, You are very lucky to be in the position of a secure network that you describe. I’d be curious to know your thoughts after you used it. For something available to the general public, I’ve been surprised at it’s stability. Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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I use Skype very effectively to communicate with friends and business associates. I have still not paid anything for it and I use it for free. I think it is one of the best and highly evolved messengers out there!
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Mat, Yahoo — You have put it so eloquently clear! How can you be any more efficient than a FREE tool that gives you conversation ability….where ever you are…? Thanks for your review, ~Keri
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Hi Keri, nice video of you and my wife chatting… 🙂 I’ve used Skype for years and years. With as much travel as I do, it’s been a life saver, or rather, relationship saver. I spent two full years traveling back and forth to Costa Rica and Skype was and is the best way to stay in touch with my family. Beyond that, imagine what my phone bill would have been for my business calls back to the US in two years’ time had I not had Skype. I have used most features you so nicely and clearly described. I am a big fan of Skype!
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Paul, Your wife is the better specimen there — I almost didn’t include it because I’m such a goof! hah! 😀 Thank you for giving others a clear view of Skype. Your comment brings a reality I think many still need to see. Glad Skype has been so useful for you — I can imagine that it was quite valuable for you in balancing business and family during those two years. Great to see your smile! ~Keri
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Skype is a worth effective way of business transaction of every business… I am fun of using it…
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Jennifer, I’m glad you’re having fun using Skype, and have found a value in it for business purposes. Thank your comment, ~Keri
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Hi Keri, Skype is really useful. I just had a video interview for a project thru Skype yesterday. I’ll have another interview this evening, hopefully not with video. I’m not really comfortable using video calls except with friends and family. I use Skype to connect with my mom who is living abroad. I was searching for an option to only show my online status to a select few in my contact list just like in YM but I haven’t found it yet. That way, I can avoid getting several calls especially when I’m busy. But Skype really is a heaven-sent. It’s one of the first tools I fell in love with when I started working online.
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Theresa, Thank you for sharing your experiences. I’ll tell ya – I was not excited about using it. I dragged my feet. But it really is a heaven-sent tool! Once you do use it, it brings a new gravity to how you accomplish things, doesn’t it? It’s been a long time since I’ve touched any Yahoo products. And, I use video sometimes on Skype, and sometimes just my picture. Very convenient. So nice you can connect with your Mom as you do! When they come out with hover-packs, I think I’m going to be the first to sign up for the private beta!! hahaha 🙂 ~Keri
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I like Skype and wonder how it compares with Google Hangouts, your thoughts?
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Sherry, I was not successful with Google+ Hangouts. But, that was very early on in their existence. And, I haven’t needed to hop back in there. A comparison would be a great blog post…. 😉 ~Keri
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HI Keri, in theory, I love Skype. In reality, I haven’t used it all that much because the few times that I have, we’ve had dodgy connections (internet, not people!) which was incredibly frustrating. So, still a bit wary about using it for business purposes.
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Mi, I too have had a few fuzzy connections via Skype. But I like that they ask immediately following many calls how your connection was and if any problems, they want comments. That is pretty cool, I think! How often do we receive that kind of instant interest in feedback? Honestly, I use it for business more and more, and at least 90% of the time there are no issues whatsoever. A bit of fuzz hasn’t even gotten in the way. You can experience that over a mobile phone. If you ever want to test it out, I’d be glad to connect for a run-through. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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Hello Keri, Skype is definitely a boon as a web communication platform. I use Skype pretty often and I totally like it! The Screen-share option and group-chat are a thumbs up! Though I use it for business calls, I get to know a lot of people from across the globe. As the Social Web is maturing, it is always fruitful to make a network across the globe, who knows when you visit a foreign country, you’ll already have a Skype friend waiting to meet you! -Regards, Neeraj T. [P.S: I would definitely like to connect with you on Skype!]
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Neeraj, So glad you stopped by to share your thoughts! I am using Skype more and more. It’s a life-saver as far as time….we now cram so much into a day. The screen-share option, I have yet to get uber-savvy, but I like it. Very handy! Absolutely agree about forming a global network. As we evolve as a society, and our businesses are more connected, we cannot limit ourselves to our immediate area. We will be taken to other places with other people naturally. We should welcome that opportunity with open arms. Please – let us connect via Skype soon! (my ID is listed on my sidebar) Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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I love Skype for face time with people I may not have the opportunity to meet in person. I haven’t yet started using all the features though. I would love to use the screen capture and sharing feature, but I’m just not there yet. Since I started getting spammy connection requests and calls, I typically only have it open when I have a schedled call with a friend or client, and I haven’t integrated it with Facebook.
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Karleen, Great to see you here! Skype is a “practice makes perfect” kind of thing. We can always be learning, it seems. I have friends that have their Skype open all the time, but I just can’t do it. When mine is open, I get calls – some spam, some genuine friends wanting to catch up. My lists are long these days, and I need to schedule those calls. It sounds like you are in the same boat. Dorien and I experimented with the Facebook Video Calling when Facebook announced the collaboration with Skype. We blogged about it…which is what led us to Game Of Like! 🙂 If I had to make a recommendation, stick to what you have going, and maybe even hop on a G+ hangout. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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