Exploration
My exploration into creating video as a marketing tool for real estate has taken me down many roads, which I will be sharing with you.
One interesting path was exploring video conferencing programs such as TokBox, DimDim and Skype. More and more of my students in class tell me they are using Skype to communicate with their clients across the country and across the world.
Here are some business uses for Skype that were suggested by students.
• Return long distance phone calls to clients
• Check your voicemail when traveling
• Make business calls without cell coverage
It is even better if you set your client up with a Skype account because then it is free. Using your internet connection as a phone line is great. Using a webcam to make it a video conference is even better. using the chat function to send links is even betterer. Is that a word?
Video calls, like Skype-to-Skype calls are free, updating your clients is free, no matter where they are in the world. All you need is a webcam and software. You can also make calls to phones and mobiles at home and abroad at great rates too.
Here are the types of calls you can make:
SKYPE to SKYPE (free)
• SKYPE to Local or Long Distance
• SKYPE to International
• SKYPE with IPHONE (mobile)
• SKYPE with video
• Free, Pay as You Go, Monthly
Using Skype as a Social Networking tool
Skype-enabled audio and video are already infiltrating business settings, with users recording their Skype conversations and adding the recordings to their blogs as podcasts.
And the ultimate – the ability to see each others webcam and if necessary to record the call. A great software at pamela.biz will enable you to do this.
If we want to be successful with today’s buyer, we need to remember what is – and always has been – at the heart of the sale: People will only buy something from someone they trust.
Only the methods have changed. If you can’t meet them face to face, webcam to webcam will have to do.
AgentGenius.com is not affiliated with any of the aforementioned services or products.
Brandie Young
August 16, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Amy – Skype rocks! I work from a home office and it really helps me collaborate! Thanks for the other tips!
Debbie Norton
August 17, 2009 at 8:09 am
Amy – I just recently used skype to communicate with a client transfering to the US from Russia. All of our communication during the entire transaction was Skype to Skype, therefore FREE. I used virtual tours to show them the homes, we wrote the offer through e-mail, they flew in two days before the closing. SUCCESS!
Linsey Planeta
August 18, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Just began using it. Fumbling my way through it but I can see the potential benefits. Great tips here.
Missy Caulk
August 28, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I negotiated an offer to a client on a sabaticle in S. Africa on Skype. Love it.
Atlanta Real Estate
August 31, 2009 at 9:00 pm
It’s fun.
Useful for international communication. I used to talk to my brother all the time in Costa Rica (I’m in Atlanta).
Other than that, cell phones and unlimited plans take care of the USA pretty well.
RM
Gordon Baker
September 1, 2009 at 11:58 pm
I’ve used Skype and found it very useful in communicating with my sister and brother-in-law when they lived in Switzerland, and it saved everyone a ton of money.