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[David Holcroft Contribution Level: 1]

Calling leads on Skype?

Would it be a good idea to use Skype when calling global prospects?
Or dose the call quality suffer and make it unprofessional?

[BetterNetworker Admin]

I love skype, and have had nothing but great results with it. Personally, the few times I've talked to someone else when they used skype on the other end, the quality sounded better to me than standard phone to phone.

You want to get a good headset to make calls - one with an ear piece and a microphone. And assuming you have a good internet connection, you'll get great results. Skypes calling plans are VERY cheap. I think the unlimited in the US is like 3 bucks a month and global rates are very cheap as well.

Several manufacturers also make physical hardware for skype, cordless phones, etc.

I use skype for just about everything, including a "desk" line.

J

[Keya Williams Contribution Level: 1]

What a timely post. Just yesterday I was "attempting" to call a customer overseas and was having a lot of trouble. My husband suggested I used some sort of internet phone.

I'm so technically challenged I really didn't realize there was something inexpensive like that for me to use. But I realize more that I need this because many of my customers and prospects are from around the world.

Thanks for the great info

keya

[BetterNetworker Admin]

No problem. Skype is really very easy to use, and its so cheap (with no contracts).

I was able to set up 3 months of a skype-in number (a real local telephone number people can call me at) and the 2.99 a month unlimited us calling for like 30 bucks total. Complete with voicemail, conf calling, etc.

I've used it a few times for overseas calls and it worked well. I'm sure the mileage varies on calling certain countries and systems, but its worth a shot to see what kind of results you get.

Now if I only were getting a commission for this post. Oh well.

[David Holcroft Contribution Level: 1]

Thanks for that priceless information Jason, i will just need to upgrade my headset then start doing some "Black Belt Recruiting"

[Ilka Flood Company: Isagenix Corporation Contribution Level: 4]

I love Skype. I think it's absolutely perfect to use to make global calls. I use it all the time to call leads overseas and in Canada. Never had any problems with sound quality. Ehm, except for one time when I accidentally muted my new headset

Have a nice day!

...and happy calling

Ilka ;o)

[Forest Marie Contribution Level: 4]

Skype can have its issues from time to time, but overall I've found it to be pretty rock solid.

If you high speed connection is struggling though or doing some massive streaming, you may find a few break ups.

If you have a choice, you use a regular landline, at least on the initial call.

[Roosevelt Cooper Contribution Level: 2]

If your internet connection is up to speed, absolutely.
The only downside to calling leads with Skype is the caller id function.
I don't know if any of you experienced this, but on caller id, Skype calls appear as "Unavailable"
Not sure how international people view this but I know a lot of Americans opt not to answer calls that are unavailable.

[Lawrence Tam Company: Numis Network Contribution Level: 3]

Might be time to jump on skype with the flood of Canadian people coming into my list

[BetterNetworker Admin]

Actually they've rolled out caller ID for the US and several other countries:

http://skypejournal.com/blog/2008/06/fi ... r_nor.html

You can change this setting in your account settings on skype.com. Its not enabled by default.