How To Use Video Conferencing (EASY) for Your Direct Sales Business

From Jen Fong Speaks

I am SUPER excited to share with you that Skype has launched a beta version of its service which supports up to 5 video callers at a time.  (Windows only…Mac coming soon.)  Now if you’re not yet familiar with this service, you are REQUIRED to go download it after you finish this article.    Seriously, though, this service is SO easy to use and makes SO much sense for direct sellers, I can’t imagine a direct seller living without it!


You see, Skype allows you to have face to face conversations with people anywhere in the world.  Oh, and did I mention that it’s FREE to make those calls?  All you need is a computer with a webcam, and the Skype software, which you can download from their website for free.

OK now all you techno-phobes…don’t you all go freaking out on me at the thought of “video conferencing.”  Skype is so easy to use, my elementary school kids can do it.  We Skype regularly while I’m on the road.  We’ve even had dinners together on Skype.  It rocks.  So I want you to give yourself the benefit of the doubt here.  If you can use your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) you can Skype.

Here are some of the applications for direct sellers:

• Coaching calls – We all know how important body language is.  When you are coaching someone in your downline, imagine being able to see their face and their body language!  What kind of difference would that make?  HUGE!
• Team meetings - You’ve got a team meeting going on in someone’s living room, but someone on the team can’t make it because her husband has to work late and she doesn’t have a babysitter.  Guess what?  Now she can come…and participate…through Skype!
• Opportunity meetings – There are a couple applications here.  If you’re a leader training someone on your team how to conduct an opportunity interview, and they don’t live nearby, imagine being able to see one another as your team member watches you conduct that interview.  And it’s also a great way for someone who is good at recruiting to help others on the team bring people into their organizations.  One person does the presentation, and up to 4 others can ask questions and otherwise participate.
• Virtual presentations – Say your sister in Toledo totally wants to host a party for you, but you live in Alaska.  A challenge, right?  Not anymore!  Just login via Skype, and her friends can see your demo, ask questions, and enjoy the experience.  And if a couple friends can’t make it to your sister’s living room, well they can login too as part of the Skype meeting.  You can also use this technology for one on one presentations, calling on your upline to help you demonstrate if necessary.
• Sharing the convention experience – I’ve talked about this as a use for live streaming video before, but Skype now provides a great way for team members who can’t make it to convention to get a little taste of the experience.  Just gather all the team members at convention together at a certain time, log into Skype with your computer, and have your team members who couldn’t make it get just a taste of the excitement your team members in attendance are enjoying.  What a great way to encourage folks to make it next year!

The new version is in Beta right now, and therefore is free.  When the official version comes out, group calls will incur a charge.  But go download it right now, so you can take advantage of it while it’s free!
Do you use Skype?  How?  Would love to hear your ideas for using Skype for a direct selling business below!