VoIP: Your Freelance Resource

Freelancing is no longer something that is done by someone for local companies, organizations or people. Freelancing has today become a global phenomena where a person can get connected and get work from any corner of the world and do it while working in part of the world. In such a scenario, communication has become the most important aspect of freelancing.  With communication gaining such kind of importance, there are several options that one has today if they wish to pursue communication with their clients. One such resource for freelancers is VoIP, or voice over internet protocol

What is VoIP?

VoIP is basically a feature that allows one to have voice transmission via internet protocols, and therefore the internet. To use VoIP all you need to do is to download any of the software that offers VoIP services. Commonly, your favorite instant messenger will offer such services.  Also, there are special software and hardware that you can buy and use if you wish to get better quality at a price. There are VoIP phones available, which enable you to hold conferences with people with only the phone.

How do I use VoIP?

You first have to download any of the instant messengers, like GTalk, Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger or Skype.  All these programs offer voice over internet services. You need to have a sound card installed into the machine, as well as a microphone. That is not of an issue because most computers today have an inbuilt sound card and you can get a microphone within $20 or INR 600.  Basically, if your computer can play music, you can listen to a voice conversation, however to speak to the user, you would need to have a microphone. 

How is VoIP a freelance resource?:

Communication, simple. There are many assignments that you will get from foreign countries and it would not be economically feasible to cal them up and have a chat with them. Also, sometimes it is simpler to get your point across or understand the clients brief over voice. It is at these times that having a VoIP comes useful.