I am a traditionalist when it comes to sales. I’m far from old school but I have become fairly set in my ways on what technology is best and works most often. Every now and then I get a little geeky and try out something new. This week the new tool I started using was Skype. Skype is software that enables the world’s conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles.

How Skype works.

Skype is a giant peer to peer network with super good encryption that makes your phone system almost or just as reliable as your local Telco but without the ability for the government to listen in on your conversation. But instead of only being able to use voice you also get video, chat, SMS and presence awareness all in one application.

I have used Skype for work in the past but mainly because that was the only option. If a regular phone call wasn’t going to work because of fees, Skype was the go to application. All you need is a decent computer and a high speed internet connection and you are all set. Well, you need to have a bunch of contacts on Skype also. The Skype service is free for computer to computer (Skype-to-Skype calls). You have to purchase Skype credits to get the functionality to call direct numbers. But I already have a cell phone and land line for ‘regular calls’. I want to use Skype for additional communication the same way I use WebEx for presentations. Now I have Skype installed in the home office and had the opportunity to have video calls with an old coworker, a recruiter, a few internet friends and the helpful Skype support.

Of course Skype is planning on making you a convert for the paid service of calling outside the Skype network. I have yet to use it but if it works as well as the free service it may be worth looking into. The real fun for me is that I can have video conferences with people all over the world for free. There is just something about having a video call with someobne that adds a new layor to a conversation. Being able to see their expressions and body language helps take out all of the confusion of the context of some discussions. How many times have you received a text message or short email from someone only to re-read it 5-6 times to try to understand if the person was upset, frusterated or something else when they wrote it?

A video call eliminates all of this. In a sales context, having a Skype account and addding it in your email signature sounds like a good idea. This way every email you send will notify your Skype ID to people and either allow them to add you as a connnection or take a look into Skype themselves.

Do you use Skype?

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