I was ranting about using Skype the other day. I was explaining that I use the video calling feature to talk with others who are also on Skype. I’m in love with the video calls.
Skype video has become my primary means of communicating with my team when I’m out of the office (which is most of the time). I use it to talk with my wife when I’m on the road, and it’s the primary way I communicate with one of my close friends. I’m on it all day long.
During my Skype love rant, someone asked whether Skype made any difference when talking to clients. My response—it makes a huge difference.
Here’s the deal: most of our clients are taking an extreme position on some issue or another. We spend gobs of our time attempting to move them toward a more moderate, reasonable position. We usually have these conversations on the phone. As we speak with our clients, we collect data to assist us in guiding them. Unfortunately, our data collection is limited to one sense: we can only listen.
However, if you move the conversation to Skype video, you’re instantly collecting data and evaluating it with your ears plus your eyes. You’re picking up visual clues that you never would have observed on the phone. Your ability to collect data grows exponentially. Now you have far more information to assist you in responding to your clients. Really understanding where your clients are coming from helps you move your clients toward resolution more quickly. You win, and your clients win.
All you need to get started with Skype video calls is your computer, a webcam, and the free Skype software. Of course, your clients need the same setup on their end. Many computers now come with built-in webcams. Ask your clients whether they have one; if not, they can buy a webcam for as little as $30.
Try some free Skype video calls and see how they affect your client interactions. For me, it’s like the difference between night and day. Or better, the difference between radio and TV.
Related articles:
Lee Rosen has practiced family law for more than twenty years. With three offices, 