Have You Discovered Skype?

I've known about Skype for several years now. I have listened to a podcast for over 2 years that uses Skype to talk and record. I knew eBay purchased it in 2005 for a LOT of money. I knew that it was a free way to talk via the Internet...

But I have only recently discovered Skype personally, and boy do I love it! My family is in NY, and I have gotten them to load Skype onto their computer. Yesterday was my first call with them, and that is how we plan to communicate in the future. Not only do we get to visually SEE each other, but we are saving money by not having to use valuable cell phone minutes. Also, now Skype is available as an application for my iPhone, so I can talk to my family, via my cell phone, without having to use minutes!

What is skype?
CNET.com describes Skype as "a text, voice, and video-chatting platform that works using your Internet connection. Skype has branched off from a desktop software solution to work in mobile phones and household phones that just need a Wi-Fi or Internet connection to run."

Video calls, cheap international calls, free calls between users, and multiple video conferencing (for a small fee) are some of the options available with Skype.

Why is this such a big deal?
Skype is changing the way that people communicate. What seemed to start as a social trend, and a way to speak to family and friends for free has evolved into way more. Glamour Magazine's blog has a series about dating via Skype, and how it is changing the way people go on blind dates. There are many podcasts and Internet Radio shows that use Skype. And, it is an inexpensive way for families to communicate with troops overseas.

However, I see Skype's greatest impact on the business world. Years ago, it was a giant production and great expense to set up a video conference between offices in different locations. Now all you need to do is download Skype. Skype has increased the communication within organizations and allowed people to effectively communicate and hold meetings even when they can not be in the office. And they have added features specifically aimed towards helping businesses more effectively conference via there services.

Ben Parr (for Mashable: The Social Media Guide) writes, "InnerPass is a Skype add-on, so it is desktop software. Once installed, it provides a simple interface for businesses to easily collaborate and share information and files, as well as set up video conferences." (InnerPass has a monthly subscription fee of $4.95).

InnerPass's most useful features are, Virtual Meeting Rooms (which make it simple to share links and files with anyone in the room), Contact management within its list system (helpful for separating business from personal contacts), and Screen Sharing (for live demos or presentations).

ArtiSans has already implemented the use of Skype to their daily way of doing business. ArtiSans employees have a daily web-conference to increase company communication and to be sure everyone is on the same page about what needs to be done. It is a great way for us to meet daily without having to interrupt the flow of our business away from the office/studio. Also, Skype allows us to hold meetings with vendors and clients who are not local. By using Skype to conference with them, we don't have to spend money on travel, and can meet quicker to resolve any issues or communicate on a project.

Skype and RADAR
As you can see I come back around to RADAR from any subject! I plan to initiate Skype into my process of communicating with RADAR advocates. When new advocates sign up I'll be able to speak to them more personally, and will be able to attach a face to the name of the new advocate. This will help us transition from being "strangers" to having a easy working relationship. Also, for ArtiSans, Skype will allow us to have advocates in different parts of the country, while maintaining a personal connection with them. Also, Skype is a great way to be able to speak with bands, get to know them and update them on their project, in a more personal way.

So I highly suggest you try out Skype if your computer has the capabilities for it (most newer, i.e. last few years, computers do). It'll change the way that you communicate.

www.skype.com