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Here comes my first in a long series of posts about tools and services that I use for my business.  My hopes are to help others find a better way to do things they are currently using or even better yet, someone tell me a better way to do something that I am currently doing.  I hope to get feedback on what is and isn’t working for them, other options and more.

For my business phone I use Skype. I’ve used it for over two years now.  For the money I can’t  beat it. For under $100 a year here’s what I get  :

• My own phone number that can be called from any phone whether it be mobile or land line.
• Calls to any number in the U.S.
• Voicemail. Email alert when i receive new voicemail.
• Video conferencing
• Conference calling
• Call forwarding to my cell when I am not at my desk
• IM with anyone else on Skype
• All my contacts in a list that I can just click on to call.
• Contacts synched with Outlook
• Phone numbers in my browser can be clicked on and called through Skype
• Skype button for my website that users can click to Skype me

I use Skype daily. i initially got it because my cell phone wouldn’t come in that clear in my office.  I’ve never had an issue with clarity on Skype.  I use a headset when I am on the phone and the webcam for video & audio when video conferencing. I have heard good things about an actual phone for Skype.

Skype works great for what I use it for. However, I have ran into a few issues with it.
When i first got setup with Skype I paid to have my number for 3 months.  After my 3 months were up I needed to renew the number.  I had some major issues trying to renew it.  I couldn’t figure out how to pay for it.  It turned out I kept adding Skype credits to my personal account when I was needing to add them to my business account.  I ended up losing my number for a few days before I got it all straightened.
Skype doesn’t have a support number that you can call, it all had to be done through email and their forums.  The response time was about a few days too.

Enough of the bad, more good things you can do with Skype.

• If you have a business with employees you can manage all phone numbers in your business account online.
• Call recording add-on
• Fax add-on
• File Sharing add-on
• Screen Sharing add-on

See more extras here.

Everyone knows how import communication is for business.  Skype can work for all sized businesses for the self employed up to large companies spread about the world.

For me I love having a business number that people can call.  When I am not in the office I can decide if I want to continue to get calls by the call-forwarding option or let them go to v-mail.

Here is a another review of Skype and a Skype phone I mentioned earlier, http://www.anywhereman.com/2009/07/can-you-hear-me-now/

Skype users, how are you using Skype for your business?
Google Voice users, is it time I switch?
Does anyone use an add-on that they can’t live without?

I want to hear about how you’re using it or what you have found works better than Skype.

Filed under: Business   Tags: service,
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