Workspace Blog

Using Skype for Your Job Interview: Jeff Garber of 360 Job Interview On What You Need To Know

An increasing number of employers are leveraging Skype video to conduct face-to-face job interviews. This is often a first step to screen out candidates who seemed "good on paper" but didn't have what the employer really needed. Employers feel that a Skype job video interview provides a cost-effective way to see the candidate interact with new technology, express themselves on video (an increasingly important task today) and deal with a complex situation.

Recently I had the opportunity to talk with Jeff Garber, the CEO of 360JobInterview about this powerful use of Skype. His company specializes in coaching job seekers on how to present their "best foot forward" in that all-important job interview. They use Skype extensively to connect job seekers with highly-trainer coaches and counselors through Skype video. This gives the job seeker a place to get assistance and improve their video presentation skills.

Here are two versions of the video interview. First, a shorter version for the "time-pressed with a hectic schedule but need to see this" and a longer, "rich information-packed version." Both are provided here for your convenience.

First, here's the time-compressed version (4:47):

And here is the full, rich-detail version for maximum benefit (13:29):

In the interview Garber shared with me some pointers that can help you the next time you're looking for a job --- or just presenting yourself on Skype. In the spirit of "dig your well before you're thirsty" it is good to know about these tips, and keep them handy, before you have that next important Skype video interview or presentation.

Tips To Improve Your Skype Video Job Interview

• Be familiar with the technology of Skype. Today many companies around the world are using Skype as a tool to connect. Video is the preferred tool of many employers. Garber says it it critical that the potential candidate shows a comfort level with what Skype can do and how to deal with the technology.


• Spend time with Skype prior to the interview. Don't begin your practice with your first job interview. Practice with Skype before the interview. Play with it. Learn how it works and what it can do. This way you will increase your familiarity with Skype and how to make it work best for you. Your job interview is one time you can't afford to wing it. Practice diligently.


• Be prepared --- this is a real interview. Just because the interview is done over Skype doesn't mean it isn't serious business. You need to approach it with all the seriousness and preparation you would give to a live, in-person meeting.


• Convey that you are comfortable. As you practice you'll be more comfortable with the medium and how to present yourself best over video. Showing comfort while on camera comes across well and employers often assume you would do the same on the job.


• Dress appropriately. Dress according to the culture and how a job candidate should appear. This is not the time for tank tops or beachwear. Also, Garber makes an interesting comment to dress from head to toe. Many think that since they'll be on camera they don't have to dress up top and bottom. He cautions that you never know when you might have to stand up during the interview. If that happens, you don't want the potential employer to see that you're wearing cut-offs with business attire on top!


• Make sure the lighting is good. One of the most important features of video is lighting. If necessary, get a lamp that can be in front of you (halogen lamps often work well for this). You might also want to consider a trip to a photo store to get a small lighting kit if you will be presenting in a particularly dark environment.


• For women, make-up should be appropriate. Yes, you're on video and you want to look your best. Often some tips from image or make-up experts can assist in this area. Let them know you've got a video interview and you want to look your best.


• Consider a back-up computer. Sometimes computers don't work as they should. If yours crashes, it would be very good to have a second computer standing by "just in case." This also shows your perspective employer that you plan ahead and can handle emergencies.


• Plan for ethernet connection, not Wi-Fi. We often use Wi-Fi for connections but when it comes to video, ethernet is usually a more reliable source. For your important interview, take the steps beforehand to make an ethernet connection work. Test it and note your speed (go to speedtest.net to check). You'll be glad you did.


• Take steps to eliminate potential noise. Garber suggests letting your dog visit next door if you have a dog who tends to bark often and loudly. This is business. It is not the time to have your dog hurt your chances at the ideal job. Turn off cell phones and don't answer during the interview! Take the time before the job interview to think about potential "noise bombs" which could portray you in a bad way.


• Create a clear, uncluttered environment. You don't want stacks of books or messy paper visible in the video. A clear, uncluttered environment shows organization and the ability to get work done. This conveys a good impression to employers.


• If an emergency happens, be comfortable and deal with it comfortably. Sometimes an ambulance or jet can make a loud noise. There is nothing you can do to stop that but you can do everything to convey control and composure to recover and move on from the disruption. Remember to focus on your video interview and don't let distractions detour you from a successful job interview.

These tips can help you to present yourself in the best light possible for that big job interview. Skype is being used more and more and it provides the ability to connect job candidates with their potential employers.

Since Skype has become an essential part of the process of the job interview, it is wise to add these skills and others to your repertoire of essential job skills for today.

Celebrate Earth Day By Giving Your Business a Boost

Friday, April 22 is Earth Day. It is a time to think about the precious resources we have and what we can do to preserve and sustain the planet. What if there were ways you could not only help save the environment, but also get a boost to your business productivity and bottom-line profit? Would that be of interest to you?

A practice that is gaining more and more acceptance among businesses is remote working. When workers are allowed to operate in a more flexible environment they are able to derive a lot of benefits personally. Their employer is also able to get many benefits --- not the least of which is substantial cost savings!

Employees are looking for ways to save costs as we see gas prices rising. In the U.S., prices have already broken through the $4.00 a gallon threshold and many are predicting $5.00 or higher by summer. Saving gas by telecommuting not only saves money but also reduces carbon footprints and helps the environment.

In a recent survey done by Dice.com, a tech job site, 25% of 937 IT pros surveyed in Mid-March said they would accept up to a 10 percent pay cut to telecommute in light of soaring gas prices. One could only imagine how that percentage would increase as the price of gas increases.

In the past, many felt the answer to congestion and traffic was to pour more asphalt and concrete, building more lanes for more cars. Today, a growing number are questioning that line of thinking preferring instead to have more workers use tools like Skype that enable professionals to stay connected, collaborate and generally effectively get work done from home or wherever they are. Many believe that money should be invested in greater bandwidth rather than concrete and asphalt.

Still another benefit is that remote working often leads to happier employees. According to Skype's Living Workplace study, 67% of professionals agree that flexible remote working helps businesses to attract potential employees. In addition, the survey revealed that flexibility to work outside of the office is among the top three determinants of job satisfaction. Discover more about the Living Workplace here.

Earth Day is a time to recognize ways to save the environment and boost our environmental consciousness. Working remotely is an easy way to do your part and get started, in an efficient way that saves costs, saves gasoline, and boosts productivity.

The New Living Workplace

Today, new technologies in the workplace are taking hold. We have more forms of communication in the workplace then ever before - e-mail, landline calls, instant messages, texts, video calls, social media, mobile calls, VoIP, SMS, conferencing and more.

This adoption of so many types of new technologies isn't necessarily happening as a matter of IT policy or top-down control; it's happening due to the broader acceptance of employees bringing their own personal technology into the workplace. The advent of so many different tools has not only shifted the way we communicate and collaborate but is also shifting the way we work. Most significantly, it's reducing the need to be in a traditional office to work effectively.

Skype commissioned a survey with InCites Research in December 2010 to look at these trends. The survey results were analyzed and packaged by GigaOm Pro, and it's now available to you in a report for download from Skype's new Living Workplace website.

Why do I call it The Living Workplace? Because the notion of work is being re-invented. How we communicate and collaborate is at the crux of this change, and is driven by new technology. This Living Workplace is open and flexible. It supports remote working, where it doesn't matter if you're at your office, home, an airport or a coffee shop. It acknowledges that your personal and work lives co-exist, and it understands that being able to bring your personal technology choices into the workplace can help you and your business achieve the best possible results.

So, check out the downloadable report, and learn more about the Living Workplace.

You can follow Skype Enterprise on Twitter at @skypeenterprise, as well as keep track of the discussion about the Living Workplace on Twitter by searching for #livingworkplace.

Soaring Gas Prices Make Workers "Rethink Their Commute"

If you have filled your gas tank lately, you likely have felt the sting at the pump, with gas prices having reached over $4 a gallon in many areas around the U.S. Earlier this week, President Obama outlined plans for reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil, but made it clear that there are no "quick fixes" to the soaring gas prices.While we work toward these longer term solutions, staggering transportation costs are leading workers to "rethink" their commute.

Telecommuting is no longer just for those in geographically dispersed areas. More employers than ever are employing remote work policies. In fact, 62 percent of companies in a recent survey reported allowing remote workers.

New technological advancements, such as Skype video calling, are minimizing the need to be physically present in an office. They are empowering more people than ever to work from locations other than the physical corporate office, such as at home or from the local coffee shop. Allowing employees to work remotely not only helps employees save money on gas and transportation, but also many employers are recognizing that flexible working environments promote increased collaboration (getting work done), while helping decrease employee turnover.

Working remotely even one day a week using technologies like Skype may even provide an immediate boost to the bottom-line. With Skype's new Group Video Calling feature, it becomes easy to communicate and collaborate across dispersed locations. While it may require some adjustments from a physical meeting, the advantages have reached the tipping point for many businesses. As more workers in an enterprise can get productive work accomplished from remote locations, they can get more done, lower office overhead costs and, yes, even save money on gas.

This "quick fix" solves the immediate need to save money on gas, while also helping give your business a competitive advantage. Your organization will become more nimble, more collaborative, and respond faster to customer needs, as well as become known as a place that highly creative workers who need a more flexible living workplace will want to work.

What do you think? We welcome your thoughts and comments here on this post.

A Cost-Effective Way To Gain a Competitive Advantage for the Enterprise

Businesses are always looking for a way to gain a competitive advantage.  When it can be done at a huge savings in cost --- and increase in employee morale --- it is a real winner.  

One way that many businesses today are gaining a strong competitive advantage is by being open to remote workers.  

Previous Thinking

In the past many employers felt they needed to "keep an eye on those people."  This view is exemplified with employers who want to make sure that people are at their desks, working hard during company time.  Punching a clock was a big part of this mentality and regimen.  As long as someone was at their desk and appeared to be working, the boss would relax.  

The problem with that approach is that what is measured is an activity, not customer-oriented results.  Yes, someone can be at their desk for the specified time but not get as much done.  In fact, when a great part of work is dependent upon being creative, being at the desk can be an impediment to that.  

What Business Needs Today 

Today, in a world of "insanely great" products (think Apple), or the always-connected Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube tools, creativity and connection are critical.  In addition to that, real work often gets done through collaboration.  Successful collaboration is measured by results achieved, not mere activity.  Work gets done through effective collaboration.  

Peter Drucker told us about the concept of knowledge workers back in the 1950's.  Today's successful business needs not only knowledge workers but creative innovators who come up with dazzling products and services to delight customers and keep them loyal. Somehow having a galley of workers chained to their desks doesn't necessarily create delighted customers.  

Competitive Advantage Today 

By embracing the concept of the remote worker, businesses can get a serious competitive advantage.  First, there is the cost savings of less office space needed.  And if this is coupled with encouraging people to use their own technology tools and access what is needed "in the cloud" work can be managed better, training time decreases, support costs drop and other benefits emerge.  A strong benefit is a happier workforce who realize they are responsible for productivity and results.  

Today there is fierce competition among tech companies to find and keep the best and brightest brains.  Often the smartest and most innovate workers want and need that ability to operate remotely --- at least some of the time.  Being open to remote workers can reflect in serious bottom-line benefits.  

This doesn't mean that employees live completely away from everyone all the time.  Usually the best results come from flexibility that allows workers to operate remotely some of the time.  Other times they travel to the office for company and department meetings, employee collaboration, office socializing and other activities from time to time.  

Tools like Skype provide the ability to not only talk with others (we've had this since telephones were invented!) but to see each other through the value of video, screen sharing and on-going text chats about projects.  Much of what was done only at the office can now be done through video collaboration.  More work gets done, workers are more productive and the cost-savings can make even the most frugal accountants smile!  

How to Measure Success

I can hear some old-school bosses saying, "Yes, that sounds nice, Terry, but if they are on company time, I want to know what they are doing."  

Really?  Does it matter what they are doing at any given time as long as they are meeting the results and goals you have established?  Do you really care how much time it took to develop that great software which saves you time and gets more done?  Do you really care how long it took to build that new car you really like?  Most people are interested in the quality of the final product and the value they get from it at the right price.  Well, if that is what customers are interested in and it is why they buy, that is where successful businesses focus their efforts.  

Success is measured by mutually-agreed upon goals and objectives.  Think deliverables within a given time frame.  How those deliverables come about is up to the creativity of the worker.  A remote workplace provides flexibility to meet real-world demands from life.  Think about emergencies that come up for all of us.  Think about lifestyle choices and work/family balance.  Supporting remote workers facilitates this for employees and allows them to act like adults!  

No, this is not a laissez-faire approach.  Being serious about results and time frames for development is critical.  Occasionally employers will need to remind employees that a given task needs to be completed by a given time and date or that employee might want to find success with another employer.  Being "hard on results and easy on people" has been a good management principle for a long time.  Treating people like adults with both freedoms and responsibilities makes a lot of sense when working with creative, innovative employees.  

Successful companies measure success by achievement of specific results within a specific timeframe --- not by time spent sitting at a desk.  

Living Workplace = Bottom Line Benefits and Competitive Advantage 

Being more open to remote workers provides a competitive advantage in a world where brainpower matters more than ever.  It is a proven cost-saving approach to business.  It is a powerful way to attract and retain the best employees.  

Being open to remote workers can be the secret sauce to propel your company forward to the next level.

Using Skype For Your Next Presentation

Skype is great for connecting one to one. However, many people don't realize the benefits of using Skype as a tool for professional business presentations.

This past week I had the opportunity to speak to a group of professional speakers, coaches and authors in New York City. I didn't have to get on a plane or go through the "TSA dance" either! I stayed comfortably in my home and had an error-free, smooth-flowing presentation to the group.

They got lots of information on how to use Skype for making professional business presentations (something they can use in their own work). They also had the opportunity to ask direct questions. We had a great time laughing and learning. At the conclusion the audience loved the opportunity --- and I did too!

Think about how you can present using Skype when you have a sales presentation, or a team meeting. I was using the one-to-one connection from me to the one location where they had a few hundred people. You can also use Skype's new Group Video Calling (GVC) feature to connect up to 10 parties (including the host) via video. This premium service requires at least one party have a subscription of US$8.99/ month so it is a great value.

There are other reasons to have this tool ready for business. Skype can save the day in the event of delays, mishaps, disasters and anything that can prevent you from physically being in a given location. We are acutely aware of natural disasters which can and do prevent travel. We also know about inevitable mechanical problems, weather delays and cancellations. Having a tool like Skype "in your hip pocket" for those "just in case" times can save the day!

Here are a few tips that can help as you prepare for your next presentation using Skype (all born out of battle-hardened, real-world experience!):

1. Plan and Prepare. Don't wait till the day of your presentation to test. Check it out at least one day before --- from the actual room where the event will be, if possible. Sometimes connections can be good in one place and abysmal in another.
2. Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi. If you have the choice, go with Ethernet. It is a stronger, more reliable connection in most cases. Yes, you can do it with Wi-Fi in some cases but I've had too many where it crashed because everyone else was also using Wi-Fi for their laptop computers, Smartphones, etc. etc. and the Wi-Fi signal was drained to precious little for the presentation computer.
3. Position a Chair Up Front By The Computer. You want interaction with the group. Invite participants to come up to the computer and talk with you through the webcam. This changes the dynamics from a "Watch the video on the screen" to a lively interactive and more rich experience.
4. Use Skype's Screen Share Option. This will give you the ability to have your PowerPoint or Keynote presentation slides for the group. Practice these in advance as they can hang up in some cases. However, when they work, they are dazzling! Skype can give your business a strong competitive advantage. Not only that, if you have the ability to make a powerful, successful presentation without the time, money and effort of travel, everyone wins.

Sounds like a good reason to use it! But please, don't let my competition know about it!

An Exciting Keynote for Skype at Enterprise Connect and News with Citrix

I'm David Gurlé, vice president and general manager of Skype Enterprise. Today, I'm here at Enterprise Connect 2011 in Orlando, Florida, and I've just finished my keynote address about Skype's game-changing role in doing business, as well as the changing landscape of the enterprise communications ecosystem.

What it comes down to is this. Technology is changing the way we do business. Employees are bringing their own technology into the workplace, mobility is creating a lot more flexibility than ever to be wherever you want to be to get work done, and the advent of cloud-based computing is also breaking down barriers and enabling people to communicate, access information, and be more productive in new and powerful ways. This is the new way of doing things in business.

Skype is helping to lead this shift in the workplace as more and more people are using and adopting Skype for business purposes. Business is about 'doing' and 'doing' is about collaboration, and that is what Skype is all about. Skype creates connected ecosystems of colleagues, clients, vendors, and partners. We help you overcome the traditional barriers of communication and allow you to access your network of the important people you have real relationships with to get work done.

These are some of the important points I made today at Enterprise Connect, which is an exciting place to be. Skype Enterprise has made some big strides forward over the last year in expanding its enterprise offering. In May 2010, we rolled out Skype Manager, a Web-based management tool that helps businesses harness the power of Skype in an enterprise. At the end of August 2010, we rolled Skype Connect 1.0 out of beta to enable IP-PBX or UC-based systems to connect to Skype. We announced a strategic partnership with Avaya in September 2010. And, most recently, in January 2011, we launched a new Skype Business client for Windows with Group Video Calling.

Today at Enterprise Connect, we took another big step forward by announcing a strategic partnership with Citrix, a global leader in virtual computing and Web collaboration and the provider of one of the most popular, easy-to-use Web conferencing solutions on the market today. We think our business customers will be excited about this because it means toward the end of this year, we will be adding Citrix's GoToMeeting capabilities to the Skype Enterprise desktop experience. This will further enhance Skype's collaboration solutions with a variety of new Web conferencing and audio features.

Already, Skype users can experience high-quality and cost-effective instant messaging, voice and video calling, group video calling, file sharing and more. The addition of GoToMeeting capabilities will allow Skype's business users to quickly set up online meetings with an audio conferencing bridge that enables users to join via Skype or through public switched telephone network (PSTN) phone numbers.

Joining me to talk about this announcement today - Brett Caine, senior vice president and general manager of Citrix's Online Services Division. Check out this video of us sharing the news:

We know you couldn't agree more that adding these features to Skype for setting up and joining meetings will be a welcome addition. We are now working on bringing you the most advanced enterprise collaboration tool ever and we can't wait to share further details with you about the product and its commercial release in the next few months. So, stay tuned.

Survey on Skype Use by Businesses - Your Chance To Be Involved

A recent survey by a Scottish University student indicates increased Skype usage by businesses in Scotland. Emma Duncan, a business and technology major from the University of Edinburgh said that she is conducting a survey now of Scottish businesses who are using Skype.

Most businesses responding to her survey indicated they use Skype, particularly for international calls. 50% of those responding indicate they use the video capabilities of Skype to connect with customers, vendors and colleagues for collaboration.

Ms. Duncan also said that most businesses are using the free services of Skype (like audio and video communication) and are not aware of other paid services like Group Video Calling, Skype Out (phone calls from Skype to regular landline and mobile phones) or Skype Manager (office account management of usage). She said that increased education on the availability of these services would likely increase interest in using these products.

The research was conducted to determine if Skype has become a core communications vehicle for businesses with 10 employees or less. The results are pending further participation in the survey.

Results need to be tabulated soon and a few days remain before it is concluded. Ms. Duncan can be reached via email at E.L.Duncan@sms.ed.ac.uk. She requests participation in her survey by going to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3GH9LMH.
So, how are you using Skype? You can express your voice by participating in the survey. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3GH9LMH and complete the survey so your voice can be heard.

Skype Access and Worksnug Pro - Must-Have Tools

Skype Access and Worksnug Pro For Mobile Travelers -
Must-Have Tools for the Seasoned Road Warrior

by Terry L. Brock

Business travelers can relate to the problems of getting access to the Internet when on the road. If you're in a city or airport where you need fast access to the Net, it can be a traumatic experience.

I recently had a chance to talk with Shadi Mahassel who oversees Skype Access and he told me about a couple of new developments that Skype has for business travelers to make life on the road much more tolerable.

Skype is expanding its partnership with Wi-Fi providers around the world to help business travelers use their Skype credits for Internet Access. The service, Skype Access, allows Skype users to find an authorized Skype partner who provides Wi-Fi in over 1/2 million hubspots around the world.

This means that you can go into a certified Skype provider and get access to the Net quickly by using your Skype credits, often at a lower cost than through other means. For instance, at Heathrow airport, the minimum charge is 20 GBP to get access to Wi-Fi for the day. With Skype Access you can access the Net to make Skype calls, check your email, check a reservation other Net activities for only 19 cents/minute. If you only need a few minutes use, this approach is much more economical --- and time-saving for you, especially when you are on the go.

This saves time in completing online forms and registering (often very time-consuming) for Wi-fi access through other providers. It can be much cheaper, particularly for quick access to the Net before you have to run and jump on another airplane. Also, when you use your Skype credits you don't risk exposing your credit card over an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. With online criminal activity on the rise, this is a wise security step.

Communication is the lifeblood of business, and internet access is a must-have Without it you lose business, miss out on opportunities and in general have a less than desirable experience. Skype Access is a business tool to have when traveling so you can log into the Net quickly and easily, pay for the charge conveniently with your existing Skype credits and get the job done.

This is a way to eliminate those problems that can occur when you're on the road. Using this with a Skype Manager account gives the ability to track which employees used specific amounts of money at specific locations. For auditing expenses it is a powerful time saver and business expense manager.

Business travelers will also want to get the new Worksnug Pro app that is available on the Apple App store for free. This app can be just what the weary, battle-scarred road warrior needs. It acts like a trusted advisor when looking for a place to connect to the Net, relax, get some coffee or snacks and get a healthy, safe and comfortable place. Skype has partnered with Worksnug to provide this service to business travelers.

Worksnug Pro is an excellent example of where social networking and social media meet the needs of business travelers. Many business travelers look for convenient locations for accessing the Net, locating good restaurants, coffee shops and more. With Worksnug Pro, you tap into the opinions of others who have been there before. Worksnug is an on-going process to build a community of users worldwide who rate the places they visit sharing important information with others.

This free app on your iPhone, iPad or iTouch can connect you to the community of users who have visited various stores, shops, restaurants and other needed environments for the business traveler. Instead of wondering if it is too loud, too dirty, if the bathrooms are cleaned and a host of other important questions, today's savvy business traveler can find the best place near them.

Go to the app store through iTunes and download this free app. The next time you're looking for a really good cup of coffee, a great chicken sandwich or a safe, comfortable Internet Cafe, you'll be glad you have this app working for you.

Group Video Calling Demo - Terry Brock Interviews Matt Jordan

Group Video Calling (GVC) will transform your business. Watch this video to see it as Matt Jordan explains to Terry Brock what GVC can do for you and your business.

Enjoy!

Terry Brock
Chief Skype Enterprise Blogger

Dan Burrus Interviews Terry Brock about Transformation vs. Change

Transformation is about more than change. It is about a revolution in what you're doing and how you're doing it. In business we leverage technology to accomplish not only the same thing faster but different objectives to serve and help customers.

In this interview best-selling author Dan Burrus interviews me about the differences between transformation and change. Note how you can change the way you do business and serve your customers easier, more profitably and better. This is an interview you want to watch all the way through for the gems that can help you in your business.

Chris Brogan Talks with Terry Brock about Collaboration with Technology

Collaboration among people is what get work done. Recently I had the opportunity to interview one of the smartest --- and nicest --- guys I know, Chris Brogan. He has insights that are down-to-earth and profound. Listen to this very wise man as he talks about what he is using now to get his work done.

Chris is a best-selling co-author of the book Trust Agents (with Julien Smith). I've read their book and loved it. In it, they lay out practical ways you can implement social media for business and grow your business. The world is different today from what it was even a few short years ago. Watch this video and learn specific ways you can improve what you're doing by embracing hte right technologies and implementing sound decisions.

Peter Parkes on his Top 3 Skype Tools For Business

Watch this video where Peter Parkes, Skype Blogger-in-Chief shares his preferred top 3 Skype tools. Peter knows Skype. Peter helps a lot of people to get more out of Skype. Watch this short video and discover how you can blend these tools into your life.

Thanx, Peter!

Terry
Skype Chief Enterprise Blogger

CompUSA Show How to Blend Technology and Customer Service

CompUSA is a place that is changing with the times to meet the needs of customers. Recently, at the Consumer Electronics Show, I was able to interview Lonny Paul, VP of Marketing and Strategic Innovation. In this video he demonstrated technology they use to find out how they blend technology with the human side of caring for customers.

Even if you're not in retail, you can benefit from this idea. Think about how you can take technology, like Skype, to reach customers more. We look forward to hearing your comments.

Terry Brock
Chief Skype Enterprise Blogger

Significant increase in the number of people online

In the last hour, we’ve seen evidence of a significant increase in the number of people online. Because of the way the Skype software works, it’s not possible for anyone to obtain an exact figure, but we now estimate it to be over 10 million.

Please note that some features may not work as reliably as expected – peoples’ online status may be slow to update, and instant messages might not be delivered as quickly as they are normally. Group video calling will take longer to return to normal.

Leverage Skype Mobile Tools For a Competitive Advantage

Skype mobile gives you the power to operate from just about anywhere at just about any time. In a fast-paced, competitive business world, this gives you a distinct advantage over the competition.

In this interview I had the opportunity to interview Alex Abrahentes, the Creative Director for Lucha Libre USA. This a a TV show on MTV2 that features Mexican Wrestling. It is fun, entertaining and demands a lot of those involved to produce it. Alex relies on Skype mobile applications to get this done.

As you watch this video "listen between the lines" to what he is using and think about how you could use this in your own fast-paced work schedule. By leveraging the right technology, in the right place, at the right time, you get a strong competitive advantage. Alex knows what to do and how to do it. In this video he shares with you how to make it happen.

Pay particular attention to what Alex says about how they used Skype in the hiring process. This one tip can make your time investment worth it whether you are looking for a job or in the process of hiring someone.

Enjoy!

Terry Brock, Chief Skype Enterprise Blogger

Connecting People & Technology

Technology is not just about circuits, microchips and wires. It is about connecting people. Connecting people is what helps to drive tools like social media and yes, Skype. These tools help drive the "Living Workplace," which provides flexibility for people to work where they want, regardless of geography.

At GigaOm's first Net:Work Conference yesterday, I was introduced to another company that provides tools for facilitating the Living Workplace: oDesk, which allows businesses and contractors to connect. They say they are changing how the world works and this is evidenced by their 2% monthly growth. In a world economy that is experiencing a tumultuous recession, oDesk provides benefits for both sides of the business/contractor equation. The principles they deploy illustrate how work is done now and will be done in the future.

oDesk has carefully thought through the process of a business hiring a contractor for computer work from both ends of the spectrum. A business can look for those contractors who register themselves as experts in given areas. It can verify the expertise of that contractor by what others have said in the past and the ratings the contractor has earned. A business can also see the rates charged by a particular contractor as compared with others who are registered in a particular area of expertise.

I recently had the chance to talk with Gary Swart, the CEO of oDesk. He explained to me how a business can go to their website, and look for those who have expertise in a given field. This solves a key problem for businesses - finding competent people to do specific tasks. Of course, the benefit of using oDesk is that you don't hire someone full time. A business can test their skills and determine how it is to work with them. A business won't incur the costs of employing a new worker but instead will only pay for the time they are under contract.

Another advantage to using the oDesk system is that the business can chose to pay by the hour or by the project. There are pros and cons to each method and each business has the option to select the optimal candidate. Also, rates given are negotiable. A business can accept the stated rate of a contractor or offer a different figure.

Swart told me they encourage both parties to get to know each other using Skype (video calling is preferred, but not required). The "date before you marry" process can work well so that both parties feel comfortable with the relationship before it is confirmed.

From the contractor's point of view, oDesk provides a lot of opportunities for work, which might not be available otherwise. Swart shared how they have helped laid off autoworkers in Flint, Michigan. oDesk helped train many workers in Java programming. Afterwards, these newly-trained Java programmers could choose to stay in Flint where they have family, friends and homes while making money from around the world. This is a prime example of leveraging technology to take what could have been a dire situation and start a new way of life.

Many businesses and contractors chose to work together and stay with oDesk because of the mutual benefits. oDesk receives 10% of the gross that the contractor charges.

This is a great example of how to leverage technology for connecting people. The real benefit of a service like oDesk is that both parties win, work gets done and both parties have benefits they wouldn't have otherwise. Sounds like a great way to make it through a tough recession --- or any economy!

Your thoughts? Leave comments here on the Skype Business Blog.

The Future of Work

A new survey reveals how businesses are using different forms of communication and the shift towards more flexible and remote work environments.

It used to be that the average worker would report to work and earn a salary based on performance and attendance; yet time spent at the office has become almost irrelevant as an indicator of a worker’s value or their output.

The workplace today is radically shifting as remote working becomes more widely accepted and tech-savvy workers are increasingly bringing their own personal technology choices into the workplace. A new generation of communication and collaboration tools are empowering businesses of all sizes to enable a more flexible and productive workforce.

To better understand the evolution of the changing workplace and how different forms of communication are being used in business, Skype commissioned a survey through Incites Research, which surveyed 1,000 technology-enabled professionals in the US, including 500 business end users and 500 technology decision makers across small, medium and large size businesses.

Today at the GigaOm Network Future of Work conference, these survey results will be revealed by workshop moderator, Michael Wolf, VP of Research at GigaOm, and will be discussed among a group of panelists from Skype and other companies.

Among the most interesting takeaways of the living workplace survey:

• Flexible and remote work environments have become commonly accepted and are important for hiring and productivity, with 62 percent of reporting firms employing remote workers.
• Remote workers are spending, on average, 40 percent of their time away from their office.
• Two-thirds (67 percent) of organizations allow their workers to bring in their own personal technology into the workplace.
• Respondents of the survey said they are harnessing many different modes of business communication. The two communications tools expected to have a decline in usage in the next year are e-mail and landline phones, while the communications tool that is expected to have the biggest gain in usage next year is video calling.
• And yet, the two most indispensible communications tools that have the highest usage in business are e-mail and mobile phones.

The survey presentation to be shared at today’s GigaOm conference is available here:

While all of these finding are quite interesting, I think it boils down to this – the transformation of the workplace is being enabled by communications tools of all kinds – from mobiles, VoIP, social media, to video calling.

These technologies are truly bridging the divide between dispersed workforces in different locations, across many geographies, which ultimately empowers businesses to grow faster, scale, and save on costs. It is making a big difference in the way information is shared, ideas are communicated, and how work is getting is done, and that, in itself, can give businesses an edge in a hyper –competitive global business environment.