Free Long Distance Calling

I am usually wary of offers of free stuff.  However, when my international colleagues, from all over the world started recommending skype, I was intrigued.  When I first signed up to the voice over internet protocol, I ordered the cheapest headset available since I figured I would use skype rarely and was skeptical over dropped calls and poor sound quality.  Since signing on several years ago, I have upgraded to a lighter more comfortable headset, and I use the service everyday, sometimes for hours at a time.

Not only do I save money by calling over the internet, but I’ve found that it shifts the way in which I think about conducting business.  Previously, I would avoid making frequent international calls due to cost issues, and I would try to conduct a lot of things by email.  Now, with free calls if both sides use the service, I schedule calls regularly.  In addition, rather than having to relay a message 2 or 3 times, everyone can conference in at the same time.

Although free phone calls may seem like a minor thing, I think they also help me to stay connected with everyone while working from home, and the discipline of regular calls is immensely helpful in time management in my home office (which doubles as a kitchen table).  I’ve found that VOIP works for me.

see more at Works for Me Wednesday