Startup expenses for a bootstrapping entrepreneur can be overwhelming since most of us start a business with little money .
It’s a challenge because you want to use the best services and tools but you don’t want to run out of money too quickly so you look for ways to get things done cheaply.
The problem is, the old saying “You Get What You Pay For” is usually true and you don’t want to take chances with your business.
But there is good news, there are some exceptions that will keep your startup expenses to a minimum without sacrificing quality. Skype is one of those exceptions.
What is it Skype?
Skype is a free software program that provides VoIP (voice over the internet) Telephone Service, Video Telephone Service, Instant messaging, and more.
The awesome thing about Skype is that it allows you to make phone calls to anyone in the world for free if the person you are calling is using Skype too.
But don’t worry, even if the person you are calling is NOT using Skype, the rates are SUPER cheap.
You can pay by the minute or you can buy a monthly “subscription” that gives you unlimited calls in the United States for the unbelievably low price of $2.99 per month!
What’s so great about Skype?
1. It’s FREE
2. It’s Easy To Use
3. The Sound Quality Is Excellent
4. You Can Make A Phone Call With The Click Of A Button
5. You Can Add Your Outlook Contacts In One Easy Step
How Do I use Skype?
You need Skype on your computer + one of the options below.
Note: These are my Amazon Affiliate links to the Best Rated Headsets and Phones for Skype. If you click on the link and make a purchase I will get a commission which helps to keep site running. So if you do, thank you!
1. USB or Bluetooth Headset
Best Rated USB: Plantronics .Audio 655 USB Multimedia Headset
Best Rated Bluetooth: FREETALK Everyman Wireless
2. Webcam with a built in speaker.
Best Rated: Logitech 2 MP Webcam Pro 9000 with Built-in Microphone
3. Plug-In Phone
Best Rated: Belkin F1PP010EN-SK Desktop Internet Phone for Skype
Best Rated “Travel” Phone: Philips VOIP1511B/37 Skype Travel Phone
4. Video Phone
Best Rated: ASUS Skype Videophone Touch SV1TW
How Do I Make A Phone Call With Skype?
Step 1: Download and install the Skype software
a. Go to www.skype.com
b. Click on the “Get Skype” button at the top of the page
Step 2: Download Skype Software
For PC Users: Click on the Green button that says “Get Skype For Windows”.
For Mac Users: At the top of the page just under the words “Get Skype” you will see the words “On Your Computer”, click on those words. On the right-hand side you will see Mac OS X, click on that to download Skype for Mac.
Step 3: Once you have downloaded the software you need to run the installation. Once it’s done installing, you are ready to use Skype!
How To Make A Phone Call
1. Go to your list of programs and open Skype.
2. Click on the button that says “Call Phones”
3. That will bring up a phone keypad. Just dial the number you want to call by using your mouse to select the numbers on the dial pad.
4. After you have entered the numbers, just hit the green button that says “Call” and you are making a phone call with Skype!
4. To hang up the call just hit the red button on the keypad.
Tip: If you want to add your Outlook contacts to Skype, you can do that very easily by clicking on “Contacts” on the Skype menu and then scroll down and click on “Show Outlook Contacts”.
That’s it! Now you’re ready to begin using Skype!
How about you? What free or low cost tools are you using to keep your business startup expenses to a minimum?
