photo by prunderground

Here’s a fun summary on the ones I find the most useful:

1) Wireless Bookmarks - need an easy way to keep track of all of your favorite links and not always have them be on the same computer or profile. You can login and see links anytime you want.

2) Mail Chimp – one of the easiest ways to get out a newsletter. Can’t beat how user-friendly their software is to use!

3) Flickr – it has it’s own social network. If you are an artist or photographer and aren’t on Flickr, you are missing out!

4) Skype – it’s amazing how much this has helped families businesses communicate for FREE. Have you tried their conference video calling yet?

5) More tools: I couldn’t leave out some favorites like Blinksale or Google Calendar. I use these tools almost daily! I love how Google Calendar is getting to have better integration on an iPhone as well!

Related Posts:

• Web 2.0 tools to die for

Have you checked out the latest version of Skype ? It’s pretty slick, the interface on my MacBook is such a huge improvement since the version they had a year ago.

I use Skype to talk to friends and family overseas, in different states, to talk to colleagues and much more. Skype is connecting people all around the world, here’s a story about how Skype allowed a Father in Iraq to experience his son’s birth via Skype and iPhone .

It’s such a fun tool to use for video conferencing. Using Skype reminds me of Blade Runner and how they would talk to each other through video. I have a 5 month old daughter and since my daughter’s grandparents live in different cities, Skype has allowed us to talk to them via web cams easily. It’s a fun way to watch her grow up and change each week and connect with her through voice and games.

I’ve been using Skype as a business tool for many years. I’ve been using it as my main phone line for my business since 2008. I was able to buy a phone number through my account as well as voice mail so if I miss a call, I can catch who called me. One of the best features that I like to use is having the app set up on my iPhone so even if I’m not at my computer, I can catch a Skype call on iPhone. For more business and freelance ideas using Skype, check out this article: http://freelancefolder.com/how-to-use-skype-to-win-clients-and-grow-your-freelancing-business/

Did you know that you can call for free when you call one Skype account to another Skype account? The latest version of Skype works on mobile phones and certain flat screens as well. They even have a feature that lets you do group video calling http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/features/allfeatures/group-video-calls/ On the Skype blog, there’s a section called “User Stories”: http://blogs.skype.com/play/user-stories/ Definitely a nice “pick-me-up” on how technology is helping to improve our lives.

Microsoft is looking to aquire Skype, let’s hope it stays a great tool. How does Skype help you in your business or personal life?

Related Posts:

• A creative solution for a business line

I tend to move back and forth with my laptop and office materials all the time and wanted a way to separate my business calls from my cell phone. It’s really good to keep work and play separate, right?

So my husband suggested Skype and after looking into it, I was super excited. I already had an account, where I talk to family members. I found I could get a phone number, (even one with a local area code!),  a voice mail service, and a monthly subscription that allows me to call anywhere in the US for around $15

skype_logo

After setting everything up, I bought a Plantronics headset with a USB plugin off of Amazon. I did a few configurations with my Skype account and set up my voice mail. I started switching my cell phone number to my new business Skype number and have been a happy camper since. This has been a great solution to help me keep track of business calls and save money in the process. I highly recommend this phone setup for other small business owners such as graphic designers or programmers that are on their computer a lot and need a business line.

Related Posts:

• Skype, connect with friends, family, colleagues, and clients