Business Phone Systems - 6 Strong Tips Before You Buy
By Blake Sanders
There are numerous reasons to consider upgrading your phone system. If your business is establishing a new system in a new location or locations, getting the right equipment and service may be the key to successful quality communication between your business, your partners, and your customers. Here are a few key determinants of selecting a system:
1. Do you want your system hosted (in a separate location) or on-site (at your work area)?
Many times newer businesses find it difficult to purchase equipment and maintain it on-site. This may be costly and could take up valuable workspace. Third party services may host equipment at a separate location and simply charge your company for use of the lines. This is convenient because once phones are programmed, any technical services to the phone system may be carried out from the host site (no paying a technician to come to your business).
2. Is your business operating from a single location or multiple locations?
Single location workstations may get by using traditional telephone systems. If your business communication needs are limited (in that you may only require voice mail and call waiting and the like), traditional phones may be set up to your phone line and your system may be up and running with little issue. For business operating multiple sites (two or more offices, business partnerships, home and office lines), Voice over IP (VoIP) is a more convenient technology. In essence, your "office" becomes anywhere that your programmed phone is connected to the internet. Employees may work at remote locations (temporary or long-term) and operate as if they were in the businesses phone system. This technology is widely available and is becoming exponentially cheaper.
3. Are your employees working remotely?
For these same reasons, your business may wish to utilize VoIP technology. This gives the employee the ability to work seamlessly off-site (as is often the case with sales persons). The availability of soft phones ("phones" that exist only as a software on your computer) also allow employees to operate while on the go.
4. Are you getting the right help?
The most important thing you can do for your business is find a partner in the communications field who can take on the role of a team member of your organization. Finding someone who can identify, understand, and resolve the needs of your business is absolutely vital to operating efficiently and effectively. Otherwise, your business may be paying (possibly too much!) for insignificant technology.
5. Are newer technologies a necessity?
It's always comforting to own the latest and greatest of any technology available. When it comes to voice and data communications, however, there is a vast infrastructure of tried and true technology that has been in operation for decades and won't be phasing out anytime soon. VoIP systems are the newest technology for business phone system functionality, but if your business needs only require a copper connection and a phone that dials, consider traditional systems.
6. How will my business relationships operate in the short and long term?
If your business is one that looks to close gaps in its value chain in the coming years, there are outstanding technologies that help to integrate the functions of your business and your constituents. For instance, will customers become a closer part of how I do business? Will they provide feedback and utilize self-service that I can use to add value to my business? Will my business partners (suppliers, retailers, distributors, etc) meld together with my company so as to leverage our service offering? These questions may reveal things about your business needs that may go unconsidered. Tighter communications between all that do business with you require the right equipment to satisfy those needs.
Taking into consideration the needs of your business before selecting a system may lead to ultimate success in your company's business endeavors. Implementing new voice and data systems can help firms to forge partnerships, improve image, control costs, stay connected, and maintain adaptability in growth. It is an unbeatable value that allows a business to venture out in a multitude of directions, or simply focus on efficient, productive business that puts the customer first while adding value to their experience. Adding a new phone line, utilizing voice mail and answering services, updating company voice and data systems, instituting on-hold music, or connecting multiple offices or locations can help any firm maintain high quality communication and stay competitive in the long run.
Article resource
Blake Sanders
ItsThePhoneMan.com
http://www.ItsThePhoneMan.com
Visit ItsThePhoneMan for more info on phone systems and data networks
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