Skype

I don't know about anyone else but I prefer to speak with potential buyers (when I'm interviewing or hired) and potential providers (when I'm interviewing or hiring) via chat.  One of the reasons for this is it prevents any issues on tasks not being done to the specifications of buyers (when I'm a provider) or providers (when I'm a buyer).  This is my one big complaint about Google, there is no archiving feature for conversations. I try to stick with Skype Chat or Yahoo chat and/or email for all contact regarding assignments.

Doreen

G talk which is also a feature of gmail does archive it messages which can be reviewed again at any time. 

I've never used the GoogleTalk client itself, but logging GTalk chats certainly works if you use a multi-protocol client such as Adium (Mac) or Digsby (PC). That way you can be on all the different chat networks at once and talk to all them using the same program - and keep all your transcripts together in one place as well. 

(OK, they don't work with Skype, so you do have to keep that one open on it's own if you want to use it - but the main point of Skype is the voice capability)

yeah, I always insist on chat for logging. in fact I dont do voice chat at all.

I need to have my Virtual Assistant to make calls to the US Landlines, and Mobiles to schedule appointments for me there fore I am looking for a cost-effective way to do that. However, I am not sure how that work with me in the US, VA - in the Philippines, and my clients in the US. Any suggestions?

Sarah