Using Skype for Family and for Business: Part II

<img src="http://download.skype.com/share/skypebuttons/buttons/call_green_white_153x63.png" style="border: none;" width="153" height="63" alt="Skype Me™!" />
In Part I of 'Using Skype for Family and for Business I reviewed the ways in which Skype has saved me money on phone bills over the years. In Part II I will review how to make money using Skype by offering virtual consultations.

<h4>How Skype Can MAKE You Money</h4>
Using Skype as a value added service to your business is becoming popular now. Offering video consultations via Skype broadens your reach, saves you on travel time, and allows you to do more thorough research on prospective clients.

When doing a quick Google search for "skype consultations" you will pull up no doubt a long list of plastic surgeons, hair dressers, life coaches, and interior designers who offer this service for free or as part of a 'one on one' appointment fee.

Check out Planb Salon
Planb describes their skype consultations as "a 15-minute video consultation with a planb master stylist, using SKYPE from your home computer."

<h4>How to Create a Skype Consultation Offering</h4>

1. Explain the service Manage the client's expectations by describing what topics you will cover, which questions you can answer, the amount of time they are reserving, and what they will leave the consultation knowing.


2. Outline the benefits Explain why a potential client would want to take advantage of having a virtual consultation. Some of the benefits might include: flexible hours to schedule, enjoy from the comfort of your home, and the ability to take advantage of a specialized skill you as the consultant possess without being confined to choosing based on geography. The benefits of a virtual consultation could also include a significant discount.


3. Cost associated If you are charging for your time make the payment process convenient for your client. Offer a payment plan that asks for a deposit when booking that automatically withdraws the remainder of the fee post appointment.


4. Make a form available Don't leave the information you collect up to the visitor. Provide forms that asks for specific information such as name, email, Skype ID, and a time/day he or she would like to schedule. Setup an autoresponder that acknowledges the request for appointment and make sure to follow up within 24 hours to confirm.


5. Test out their Skype connection upon booking Following up to the appointment request you will want to test their Skype connection, especially if the client has spent money on the upcoming appointment.


6. Consider Recording Using a screen recording tool or service, consider recording the appointment to use for an online video. After some editing, create an online show around the consultations you give.


7. Finally, provide a link to download Skype on the page Also consider providing links to resources for help in navigating and using the service.