More Than Just a Status Update: Facebook Video Chat

More Than Just a Status Update: Facebook Video Chat

These days, there are so many ways to keep in touch with clients, colleagues, family, and friends; sometimes it’s hard to keep them straight!  Instead of a distant voice in your ear or words in a chat window, there’s a way to be face to face – probably at your fingertips already and you don’t even realize it.

Facebook Video Calling allows you to chat in real-time, face-to-face.  You can even multi-task – use text chat and other Facebook features while video conferencing with the person on the other end.  This is especially helpful when you’re dealing with clients who aren’t local; interfacing with other agents on offers and counter-offers; or coordinating inspections and improvements with contractors.  Chances are, you’re already friends with a lot of these people on Facebook… why not take full advantage of the features Facebook has to offer?

To make the most of Video Calling, you and the recipient will need a webcam and microphone (starting at around $30).  After you’ve opened a Facebook chat session with the recipient, click the Video Camera icon.  The first time you do this, you have to download and install Facebook’s Video Chat software; at the same time, you’ll find out who of your other Facebook friends are already enabled for Video Calling.  And if the recipient doesn’t have a webcam?  Never fear!  They’ll still be able to see and hear you – you just won’t be able to see them.