With nearly 90% of all businesses now relying on some form of conference calling for customer contact, there are just a few companies dominating the scene. With Skype being integrated into several office software suites, it takes up the biggest portion of the market. But that doesn't mean a Skype conference call is without its problems.

When Microsoft bought Skype for $8 billion about 7 years ago, it ended up replacing most of its similar software with Skype-branded tools. Because Skype was already a household name, beloved by people who make lots of international calls, it had a built-in market. But for many users, it has allowed Skype to be lazy about fixing major functionality issues.

While Skype is a good tool for home and social use, it's not the ideal tool for the professional world. Here are 7 reasons why you should avoid making a Skype conference call for work.

1. No Call Recording

If you're in a high-stakes industry or making calls about legal matters, a Skype conference call won't do. Skype doesn't allow callers to record their calls.

Some industries and companies require that their calls be recorded for reasons of accountability. Others like to have a record in case there are any last minute changes made to a business agreement. A recorded call allows you to have a record of what decisions were made.

If you're just making calls within your own company's departments, recording can be a replacement tonote-takingg. If someone needs to see a presentation about a proposal or a new feature, call recording allows those conversations to be transmitted to others. Getting everyone on the same page can streamline communication and improve productivity.

2. It's Not Consistently Reliable

Having a strong connection is probably the most important quality a conference calling service should have. Making sure that your video is clear and that no one has to repeat themselves are must-haves for conference calling.

Making a Skype conference call isn't always an exercise in quality. If you've got a high-profile client on the line, the last thing you want to do is to roll the dice on how good your connection is.

If your video or audio connection seems unreliable, you'll seem unreliable in the end. This could reflect poorly on your brand and make you seem like an unreliable company in the business ecosystem.

3. You Need An Account

Unlike lots of other conference calling applications, Skype requires that everyone who uses it has an account with Skype. Asking the people you work with to take the time to make an account is at the least annoying and at the worst, can inconvenience them.

If they spend an hour trying to get their account set up, they'll show up to your meeting in a crummy mood. This can have a real and negative effect on your business.

Other conference call software requires a temporary password to get in on the call. This allows for a smooth and seamless experience for your clients, no matter what the subject matter is.

4. You Need Marketing Tools

Some conference call tools allow you to market, promote, or at least customize your profile to help get your name out there. Even if you've been a lifelong user and advocate of Skype, their tools don't include any marketing at all.

Switching to another service means you'll have access to new tools, a new network and even a new way of working. While there will be a learning curve as there is with any new software, it's probably worth it.

If you can increase productivity with your conference call tool, why not take advantage of that possibility.

5. Irritation Creates Perceptions

If your clients are hearing random crackling, noises, or echoes whenever they call you, that influences how they feel about your company. Branding is all about perception. If the vibe you're giving off is that you're only interested in the free solution, you're not listening to your customers.

There are lots of options that have better technology and better customer service. If you have any issues, you need them resolved before they cost you money.

6. A Real Number Seems More Legit

While some people have business Skype profiles, some people will call you from their personal Skype calling profile. This takes away from the legitimacy of the interaction that could have otherwise been saved.

Conference call companies allow you to have a real number for everyone to call in to. This gives off the idea that you've got a downtown office somewhere where you'll be holding the conference call.

Project an air of legitimacy by using a real number and embracing another conference call solution other than Skype.

7. You Need To Grow

Skype can't help you to grow. Skype is intended for companies with next to no calling needs. It can be sued for specific events, but won't offer expanded resources as your business grows and expands.

If you start to usee international customers, you want to be able to communicate effectively and on a low budget. Services that offer multiple calling solutions are an ideal antidote to dealing with Skype. Break out of the limited range of Skype and try a conference call company.

A Skype Conference Call Isn't For Enterprises While you might have all of the best intentions by using one of the most widely used communications apps online, it's not ideal for a growing enterprise. Ultimately it sends a perception that your company isn't doing as well as you'd like. It also shows that you don't use custom tools to set you apart from your competitors.

IF you're looking to take your conference calling up a notch, contact us for more information on how to switch from Skype.