Skype is tool you should have in your kit

Last night I used Skype to go over a contract with clients. Skype (pronounced /ˈskaɪp/) is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-based user account system. Skype has also become popular for its additional features which include instant messaging, file transfer, and video conferencing. The network is operated by Skype Limited, which has its headquarters in Luxembourg and is partly owned by eBay.

So, your cell phone is dead, but you have your laptop and you are near Wi-Fi. You can make a call using Skype. Calls to other Skype users are free.

That, however, is not the best benefit. You can video call a client (family, friends, whoever) and if there are multiple clients, you can talk to all of them on the same screen.

Best of all, it's free! All your client has to do is sign up for the same free service. If they have Skype and you have it too, there is no cost to call each other. Even for video calls.

This is cutting edge technology, and it makes you up-to-speed with the tech-savvy buyer or seller.

Other agents have touted how Skype has worked for them. Right here on Activerain another REALTOR® explains How I sold a house using Skype (TM)...

Now we have also seen a lot of advertising about how one carrier can have mobile face-to-face calls over the other, and recently, Verizon announced it is offering the iPhone. Skype also just announced its mobile app: http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-mobile/download/

I found a number of associated apps at File Guru that also allows you to record calls, institute an answering machine, and other things you can do with Skype here. Check out this site. There are plenty of real estate gadgets. Pretty cool. Looks like there are lots of other apps and gadgets that can make life easier.

I prefer to use Skype in my office because my office computer has multiple screens. So, if I use my laptop for a Skype call, my clients can view my screens if I want to show them something. However, using multiple screens can be problematic if you are on just one computer. Some of the issues associated with Windows XP need addressing, and here is an article that can help.

ou can place an automatic link for clients to click right through to you on your website. I have an example on my site at www.SandpointID.net.

Here is a great article on eHow on How to Add a Skype Call Me Button to a Website.

Finally, even REALTOR® Magazine printed an article titled 4 Reasons You Should Try Skype.

In short, if it is free, makes your life easier, puts you face-to-face with your clients, and makes you look like you are part of the newer, savvy class of agents, it can't be bad.

While technology is a great tool, it simply cannot be a substitute for the touch of seeing your clients and being seen. That personal touch is what separates successful agents from the rest of the pack.

This is a great tool, plus, even those who have trouble with tech can do it.

Gary Lirette, featured in Where To Retire magazine and host of the Tuesday noon local radio shows: North Idaho Business as well as North Idaho Arts.

E-mail Gary or call 208-610-1384
Read Gary's Blogs

 

Tomlinson Sandpoint Sotheby's International Realty

200 Main Street
Sandpoint, Idaho

208-255-3474

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