Using Skype as a second line
09/07/2010 send to a friend
Kids picking up the phone while you're on an important call is one of the risks and the joys of working from home! Save yourself from further embarrassment by installing a second line. But did you know you can do it on the cheap using Skype? Here's how.
Setting up an additional phone line is sensible when you work at home, but it can be costly and it can take a bit of time.
Using Internet phone software Skype makes it easy and cheap - and you can use it as second line in a matter of minutes.
- Visit www.skype.com, download the free software and set-up a free account, if you don't already have one.
- Calls are free as long as the caller and the receiver are both using Skype. But set up an online number and anyone can call you whether they use Skype or not. You can even pick a number from over 25 countries, so if you do a lot of work in the US, for example, you can choose an American number.
- An online number costs €15 for 3 months or €50 for a full year. You can save up to 50% on this cost with a monthly subscription that also allows you to call landlines and mobile phones as well, for a fraction of the cost of a landline provider. Subscriptions range from £3.99 to £7.99 per month.
- To make the most of your Skype line, consider buying a handset or headset from the Skype Shop.
- As well as providing you with a second line, Skype allows you to make video calls and instant message your Skype contacts - both for free!
Get started at www.skype.com
San Sharma
San is community manager at Enterprise Nation, as well as the voice of @e_nation on Twitter.
Photo credit: wrumsby
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Comments
Author: Sam McArthur
Date: 09/07/2010
Comment: This is a great post and it's something I did recently for my business. I've had an 0845 number for sometime redirecting to my home landline number, which wasn't always convenient as it could be work or personal calls. I decided I needed to separate home and work life so bought a Skype number for a year and my 0845 number now redirects to my Skype number. I've also bought an Ipevo handset for Skype which works just like a normal telephone so I don't have to talk at the computer!
Website: www.forty-first.co.uk
Author: John Randall
Date: 09/07/2010
Comment: Another option (cost's £2.50 p/m) is a service that BT offer. You can have a second number on your original line.
When called it rings using a different tone so you can differentiate between business and personal calls.
I have found it to be extremely effective and a low cost alternative to having an actual second line installed.
Thanks,
John
Website: www.bouncycastleshire.co.uk