Skype is a great choice for freelancers, solopreneurs, and microbusinesses, since it provides the option of having a company or work number. The application has become enormously popular for a variety of reasons, from low cost to portability to its ease of use. Freelancers and solopreneurs—and those on the go—will especially appreciate these features.
Here are five reasons why you should consider using Skype for your communications needs:
1. In most cases, it’s free. There is no charge to call other Skype users. It’s even possible to have an online meeting with a few participants, or to do video conferencing, at no charge. The catch is that you can only have a video conference with one other user on the free plan. Otherwise, there are no monthly fees to pay unless ,of course, you choose the monthly plan. You could save even more money off your usual monthly phone bill by suggesting to those you call frequently that they should also join Skype.
For a small monthly fee you can call a non-Skype phone like a landline or cell phone. In this case there are several options, including a pay-as-you-go plan. And, international calls are often much cheaper through Skype than through most other services. Additionally, there’s a free instant messaging service to contact other Skype users.
2. It’s easy to set up and get started. It doesn’t matter what level of technical sophistication you have, the application is very easy to configure and to start making calls. One of the best features is a test phone number that you call to verify that everything is properly set up and ready to go. You can adjust the volume of your computer’s microphone and speakers (or optional handset) for optimum performance.
3. You can use it practically anywhere. The only restriction is that you need an Internet connection. Desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablet computers all have Skype apps that can be downloaded and installed.
A very handy option and one worth considering, especially if you do a lot of traveling. For a small monthly fee you can even subscribe to a Skype phone number. You can choose that number from online lists of what’s available. Certainly, using your computing device for calls probably isn’t as handy as your smart phone—but if your phone got lost or stolen, damaged or just had a dead battery, you’d have a backup emergency number. This way, those who needed to could still get in touch. You could also have that number forward to a home phone, cell phone, or office phone if you're offline or away from your computer.
While traveling, Skype was a valuable tool, especially when my Window's mobile phone's charging port connector got damaged. Phone calls were made and received through a laptop while in the car, in restaurants, and in hotel rooms. Some might have been forced to forego appointments and cancel meetings; but with Skype, business kept right on going and didn’t even slow down.
4. It could be more reliable than your smart phone.