One of the first things I do when opening a client account is to ask if he uses Skype, and here is why:
- Availability. Being on Skype removes a bit the shame factor from the client. The client can see that your username is green, therefore you are on line and there is activity on the pc. He does not hesitate in double clicking the user name to call you. He knows you are available and it is free.
- Large Transfers. Skype allows large file transfers, and if the connection breaks, like a computer restart. Skype reconnects from where the transfer was before the boot. Not all IM clients have this and it is reliable. I use it very frequently, specially for files I cannot send through email.
- Instant Messaging URL’s It is possible to send and receive long URL through instant messaging, saving the trouble of spelling while talking with the client. Very useful.
- Conference Calls. This is a true story. There are some countries that will only allow to buy a domain with their country extension, only after an ID presentation. I had the client on a different city, the registrar, on a different country, each. I needed his passport number, the credit card, and the confirmation all on the same call. Skype did the job. The client was a free pc to pc call and I had to pay a few cents for the south America call. Click here for more instructions
- American Phone. For some reason rates to the US are far cheaper than anywhere else. I had my cellphone ring here in the streets of Jerusalem with phone calls made to my Miami number. The call first rings on my pc, free of charge. If the call is not answered Skype forwards the call to my cell phone, and if not, to a skype voice mail. In this case the price is $6 per month and they have numbers for several countries.
Tue, Nov 3, 2009
Web Design