(*minor exaggeration*)

Unfortunately I can’t think of anything else except:

Uninstalling Skype, then installing it again from scratch.

But if the issue persists after this then I would suggest checking the Skype Heartbeat for updates and advice.

Very useful, glad I didn’t miss this…. now all I have to do is understand it…

B

There’s no doubt that clear communication and a shared vision, both internally and with external providers, is often the lacking ingredient.

Both clients and providers tend to try and minimise the time spent on the procurement or tendering process. The reality is that skimping on this more often that not leads to a false economy.

It’s certainly up to the experts (freelancers or companies) to educate and guide their clients – after all that’s what we’re paid for. In fact we’ve found a client’s response to our requests for further information and our preliminary feedback is a great litmus test for whether or not we’re the right company for them.

In terms of providers using the latest buzzword or fad to cajole clients into spending that adds little or no value – again I sadly have to agree. Social media is the SEO of yesterday, and probably the content strategy of tomorrow. Without a thoroughly researched and validated strategy behind it, any tool or technique, is unlikely to offer any long-term value.

I think what you touched on above is actually also reflective of what some digital agencies push – the idea that social media (in all its glory), is a must for all organisations. In these scenarios clients are more or less encouraged to jump on the bandwagon. Instead, they should be considering how social media might fit in alignment with existing communication strategies. Social media should be an option in the communications/marketing mix for organisations, not something that is pre-determined add-on.

There are some agencies now pitching their services on how social media can be used for recruitment and they are reluctant to believe that, a)it is not something that is required within a given organisations recruitment strategy or requirements and, b)that the person they are speaking to might be very familiar with the possibilities offered (or not) by social media platforms.

When I work with external agencies and consultants, I find the best approach is to take time over it unless, of course, the requirement is very simply defined and time is of the essence. All parties should know what is expected of them.

That said, I can imagine some people/organisations simply want to try and get everything in to a brief so that they can get an idea of costs. At this time, no one is throwing money away but it is not always clear how much complex services and consultancy might cost. As such, the type of brief you refer to might be more of a fact-finding mission on the part of the client in question.

I think the kind of brief guide you are proposing would be a useful tool to many companies seeking a variety of services. In this scenario the consultant has a role to play in educating the client.

very useful piece of information about alpha, beta and official release. I wasn’t familiar with alpha release, now just have learned. Also, the info about the gmail is very interesting.

Nice article. Thanks for sharing.