These days, there are so many ways to keep in touch with clients, colleagues, family, and friends. 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.

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 so 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 will have to download and install Facebook’s Video Chat software. Upon doing this, you’ll find out who of your other Facebook friends are already enabled for Video Calling.  Even if the recipient doesn’t have a webcam, they will still be able to see and hear you – you just won’t be able to see them.

Don’t be afraid to take advantage of this tool.  It’s a powerful (and inexpensive) way to maintain personal connections – and could very well be the difference between you and the “other” agent.  After all, Facebook is about more than just status