By Doug Devitre
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According to Gigaom.com, there are more than 650 million Skype users in the world. This simple online tool allows you to make Internet voice and video calls to anywhere. With Skype, you save telecommunication costs and time driving to meet people face to face, and you avoid potential miscommunication by seeing body language in addition to voice.

Real estate professionals can use Skype in a variety of ways to communicate with clients, network for referrals and share confidential information. It is easy to get started. However, if you have a strategy and clear vision on how you will use this tool, you can provide a whole new level of customer service than ever offered before.

I've actually made a call from 30,000 feet using the Wi-Fi connection on an airplane and the Skype iPhone application. The airlines charge outrageous fees for calls using the phone inside the plane, but the Wi-Fi connection was $9.99 unlimited.

Getting Started

First, you need a computer with a high-speed Internet connection for Skype to work smoothly. Also, the person you call must have a Skype account set up. If that person does not have Skype you can still call to a landline phone. However, the video feature is not available unless both parties have Skype.

I have found that you cannot dial into free teleconference services using Skype so it is best to use a landline. Also, if your Internet connection is slow the call will not have good reception.

At minimum you need a good microphone that picks up your voice. Ideally, each party should have a Web cam. If you choose a good webcam, the microphone should be included as one piece. My favorite is by Logitech, and the newest model is the Logitech 2 MP HD Webcam Pro 9000 with built-in microphone.

To make a call, simply call the person and tap the video button. Once the video call is enabled you will see the person, and they will see you. If this is not working correctly it could be that the camera is not connected properly or video call button was not pressed.

If you haven't tried Skype, you can download it here.

Here are six simple solutions to Skype in style:

Advanced Tip: Recorded Video Interviews   If you have the video screen capture software Camtasia you can record the audio and video of whatever displays on your screen. Skype gives you the ability to hold the call, and Camtasia saves the call to playback later, edit, or upload to YouTube or other video hosting services. To stand out from your competition, consider using Camtasia and Skype to interview your business partners, such as mortgage professionals, inspectors and title reps, to share with your clients via your blog or social networks.

1. Create your profile. Before you download Skype on your computer, you will need to create your free account. Create a username that is memorable to your name and business. Next, edit your profile similar to a simple Linkedin profile. Add a picture and a link to your Web site and/or blog. Insert your professional bio so people will know who you are when they find your profile — especially if you have a common name.

2. Import your database. You can add contacts one by one by searching for individuals. Or you can directly import your database into Skype. Search for individuals similar to prospecting for people using name, keywords, location and position. You can save valuable time by importing from your current database management software, such as Microsoft Outlook. The import will search for e-mail addresses of those profiles already created in Skype. The more Skype contacts you have the more money you will save by using this free tool.

3. Send instant messages. Instant messaging is a great way to send a favorite Web site to someone, text to be edited by a colleague or an informational video on YouTube to a client. The instant message is less formal than e-mail and can be a great way to communicate while you are multi-tasking on the phone. Also, it’s great because it does not require an immediate response from the other person. You can instant message multiple people on Skype at the same time, whereas phone calls and video calls are one on one.

4. Video conference with Skype. Skype calls are free as long as both computers have Skype installed. Also, you can make an unlimited number of outgoing phone calls for less than $30 a year. This includes other landline phones, mobile phones and domestic numbers. Check out the rates for international calls, which are a small fraction compared to traditional services.

5. Consider your presentation. Use a solid background, preferably in a lighter color, for a professional look.  If you use the “Go to Full Screen” option, you will see the other caller in a large window, with a small video window of what you look like on the other person’s screen. I suggest you click and drag this video to the top middle of the screen or just beneath the video camera. This will make it look like you are talking to them directly instead of looking down.

6. Screen share during your call. Screen sharing is one of my favorite features of Skype. You can share whatever appears on your screen, with the power to limit the view as you see fit. Real estate professionals can use this feature to review contracts, marketing efforts and market statistics in real time. Brokers can hold virtual training sessions with agents from anywhere in the world. Video screen sharing is very similar to attending a webinar except it only works (at the moment) for one computer to the next. In other words you can’t have 50 people Skype with you at the same time.

Doug Devitre of Doug Devitre International, Inc., helps real estate professionals, brokers and associations save money and time and create value using affordable technology solutions. He has spoken in more than 25 states in the U.S., as well as internationally. Join Doug on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to Doug’s blog to get the freshest ideas on how to use technology in real estate.