Last but not least you must make sure that your your internet connection is suitable for voip. Sorry 56k'ers but dialup just isn't gonna cut it for voip. If you do have a broadband connection, head on down to http://www.testyourvoip.com and do a quick test.

2.Qualify a Specific Provider Your voip provider means everything when it comes to reliability and sound quality. You should choose a provider that has features that you need (call waiting, 3 way calling, extra lines, distinctive ring, etc.). One thing to definitely look into is 911 service that's offered and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions to customer service department of prospective provider. Number portability (if you need to keep your old number) is something else to be looked into. The rates should be competitive and don't forget to look at international rates if you do any international calling. The most important thing to look for in a voip provider is a money back guarantee. If there is no money back guarantee, then pass on that provider; just about all voip companies have a guarantee.

3.Research provider Just because everything looks OK from a customer service angle, service is cheap , and does what you need it to does not necessarily make it a good service. What does make a service good is if they have happy customers. The best way to do this would be to search better business bureau for complaints against company, search google with something like reviews, complaints, opinions, etc. A great place to get real world opinions on voip service is at forums at http://www.broadbandreports.com.

Effective listening should not be difficult but miscommunication is everywhere. We cannot control how other person receives and interprets what we are saying and we don’t always succeed in saying clearly what we mean, so chances of misunderstanding are high!

To avoid misunderstandings and save time and effort someone, preferably you should take responsibility for paraphrasing what has been said so that all parties are clear on what has been agreed.

Just as we are not taught to listen there must be question on how well we are taught to write. At school I hated writing because my teachers made it too complicated. I am very numerate and followed a scientific route in my early career. I had to make myself learn basics of writing later in life. I needed this ability for my work.

Ken Evoy of www.sitesell.com/wolves.html espouses much same sentiments in his excellent tutorials. Keeping it simple seems to be key. I hope I have got my points over clearly, if not we have another example of miscommunication.

Tip: It often needs an open mind to keep one’s mouth shut.

********************************************************************* Resource Box: Article by Michael Harrison, Author, Publisher and Business Consultant. Learn from an expert: Go to: http://www.be-your-own-business-expert.com/ ********************************************************************* **Attn: Ezine Editors / Site Owners / Webmasters / everyone** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site as long as you leave all links in place, do not modify content and include our resource box as listed above. You can use other articles similarly from http://www.be-your-own-business-expert.com/Articles.html