In preparation for my business trip to England, Scotland and Wales at the end of February I needed to get in touch with my UK bank. Thanks to the ease of Skype I was able to seamlessly contact the bank by phone. Oh how lovely to hear the Glaswegian accent of the woman at the service centre. It was so familiar and I knew I was in good hands.
At the conclusion of our conversation the call centre woman, who had become increasingly excited throughout our call, (not because of my account balance), asked me where from the States I was calling. When I told her San Francisco I could just imagine the smile on her face and the gleam in her eyes. "Oh lovely, what is the weather like there?" I told her the truth, sunny and warm. "Oh bring some of that sunshine with you when you visit" was her response. I asked her about the snow they are experiencing today and she told me it had blanketed the entire UK but hoped it would melt before I got there. "I can use a little snow" I told her.
Showing posts with label skype. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skype. Show all posts
February 2, 2009
June 17, 2008
Seamless Business Across Time Zones
Moving back to the States from London in early May one of my primary goals was to be able to continue consulting in both countries. Six weeks later I'm happy to say that its going well. Yesterday I proved it to myself when I called a program participant in Bristol, England to discuss content for a leadership session she was unable to attend. Of course she could tell I was American by my accent but she had no idea I was calling from Washington, DC. I walked her through the powerpoint presentations and answered her questions about content.
At the conclusion of our conversation she said, "I look forward to meeting you at tomorrow's session." She giggled delightfully when I told her that I wouldn't see her there because actually I am in DC and my associate Martin would be facilitating the session. "Oh my, what time is it in DC?" When I told her 8am she giggled more.
There are a few reasons I can make this happen. Technology of course is top of the list. I am using Skype's voice over internet for calls to other skype users as well as to phones. Email allows me to arrange meetings and share documents regardless of time zone. And then my ability to speak British English is huge. Because I know the lingo of The Third Sector in the UK and how British people use English I'm able to communicate clearly. Plus, of course, the exotic factor of an American voice and way of thinking keeps me interesting.
At the conclusion of our conversation she said, "I look forward to meeting you at tomorrow's session." She giggled delightfully when I told her that I wouldn't see her there because actually I am in DC and my associate Martin would be facilitating the session. "Oh my, what time is it in DC?" When I told her 8am she giggled more.
There are a few reasons I can make this happen. Technology of course is top of the list. I am using Skype's voice over internet for calls to other skype users as well as to phones. Email allows me to arrange meetings and share documents regardless of time zone. And then my ability to speak British English is huge. Because I know the lingo of The Third Sector in the UK and how British people use English I'm able to communicate clearly. Plus, of course, the exotic factor of an American voice and way of thinking keeps me interesting.
May 1, 2008
Friends Without Borders
Another goodbye today - this time my Saturday Morning Yoga Ladies from past and present. But this goodbye didn't make me said because I realized that I've made some amazing life-long friends in London as well as Houston and San Francisco.
I've been able to keep up my friendships across the planet through the Internet - emails, voice over Internet, skyping, vonage...I know we'll still be in touch. Plus, everyone is psyched about the Farm idea. I'm going to have to start booking slots!
Feeling the love.
I've been able to keep up my friendships across the planet through the Internet - emails, voice over Internet, skyping, vonage...I know we'll still be in touch. Plus, everyone is psyched about the Farm idea. I'm going to have to start booking slots!
Feeling the love.
November 30, 2007
Limitations of Technology
Okay, trying to communicate verbally via the internet is really not a reliable way to stay in touch with family and friends. I've been trying to conduct coaching sessions with friends and family to get practice on my new coaching skills and every time something really frustrating has occurred. Skype has died numerous times mid-conversation and now my vonage phone isn't working and I can't get my email account to come up.
I miss face-to-face conversations and old school telephone landlines.
I miss face-to-face conversations and old school telephone landlines.
October 4, 2007
Drowning in Tech Overload
Our vonage phone line died. My wireless internet connection is gone. The laptop is getting slower each day. I've had to buy a skype phone number and skype credit so that I can keep living my dual life of US/UK. It was all in balance but when the techie stuff went pear shaped I kinda lost the plot (how's that for British speak?)
The Skype sounds really computer-ised. Plus, I can't figure out how to type to people instead of calling them. In fact, I accidentally called my friend Lori at her job. My call was broadcast across the office. She managed to get me into the writing function. When I hung up, I called her again on the office loudspeaker.
London Calling.
Am I getting old or is this stuff just confusing?
The Skype sounds really computer-ised. Plus, I can't figure out how to type to people instead of calling them. In fact, I accidentally called my friend Lori at her job. My call was broadcast across the office. She managed to get me into the writing function. When I hung up, I called her again on the office loudspeaker.
London Calling.
Am I getting old or is this stuff just confusing?
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