Skype has been around for a while and it’s probably the most well-known of the free VOIP (voice over internet protocol) services.  It’s great for social chatting – we’ve found the webcam aspect invaluable to keep in touch with our friends and family back in the UK – but did you know it’s also a great business tool?

Here are three ways to use Skype in your business:

Send Files

With Skype you can easily share files of any sort – simply click on your contact then choose “Send File” (it’s just above the instant chat window), select the file and the other person can download it straightaway.

Tip: This is a great instant way to share files that require transcription.

Get a Skype-In Number

Not so long ago you had to have a separate landline for business (or rely on a mobile) but not anymore.  Subscribe to a Skype-In number (it’s about $80 a year) and you can receive phone calls via your PC.  If you want to call other phones you’ll need to purchase Skype credit, although it’s still free for Skype-to-Skype calls.

One of the biggest benefits of using Skype-In numbers is you can not only pick your own phone number, you can also choose the country you require.  For example, I have Australian, UK and US numbers so it’s cheaper for people in the UK or US to call me (unlike if they had to ring my Australian number).

Tip: Set up call forwarding to a mobile or landline if you want the freedom to receive calls when you’re not sat at your desk (you’ll need Skype Credit as you pay for the cost of the call from Skype to your phone).

Use the “instant chat” facility

Forget subscribing to an expensive “instant chat” provider – use Skype instead.

Skype has a number of buttons available to use on your website, Facebook etc. – all you need to do is enter your user name and choose the parameters then copy and paste the code wherever you want to use it.  You can use the templates they offer or, via the Button Wizard, change the details to fit with your website design.

That rounds up my tips, how else have you successfully used Skype in your business?

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Bridie Jenner

Bridie Jenner has elevated typing and transcription services to a whole new level. Lightning fast and super accurate, she combines the latest technology with old fashioned service to save her clients from the ravages of one-finger typing, missed deadlines and embarrassing typos. Summon Bridie next time you need a lean, mean, typing and transcription wonder woman on your side.

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