Advisors: Skype your way to success

Skype is a software application that allows its users to make voice, video calls and chat over the Internet. While calls to other users within the Skype service are free, other services like calls to landline telephones and mobile phones are made for a fee.

Due to the wide range of features that Skype offers for personal and business communications, I’ve broken down the seemingly most beneficial features that can provide value and worth to your company’s operations.

• Relationship-building. Skype allows you to conduct video calls and conferencing anywhere in the world. By taking advantage of this service, you’ll be able to cultivate a more tight-knit community within your clients and employees.
• Save on costs. As I pointed out earlier, calls to other users within the Skype service are free, and so are one-to-one video calls, instant messaging and screen sharing. Skype also offers great low rates with services like pay as you go, subscriptions and premium memberships.
• Increase productivity. Services such as screen sharing, file transfers, video conference calling, call forwarding, customer service tools and more can allow your business to stay connected. You can make client proposals online; share ideas, files and designs to employees; and work with other service providers such as web developers to make sure every job is done with precision, accuracy and efficiency.

Downside: Due to its operations being conducted on a busy Internet highway, the system can get clogged and calls can get broken up or even lost. Additionally, security and privacy can be an issue. However, the benefits of Skype tend to outweigh its possible negative effects.