Phone Services for Business

  Today’s business world relies on technology, and to be successful, your business must be able to keep up with the trends and technologies ...

 

Today’s business world relies on technology, and to be successful, your business must be able to keep up with the trends and technologies in use today. 

One of the most important technologies in use today is communication technology, which allows your employees to communicate with each other and clients effectively. 

In fact, 85% of small businesses that use phone services report increased sales (YooBusiness). With all of the choices you have when it comes to phone services, it can be difficult to determine which one will give you the best value for your money while meeting all of your business’s communication needs.

VoIP vs. landline

There are a number of potential benefits to choosing VoIP over a landline, including flexibility and cost. If you need to cancel your service, it is as easy as turning off your internet router. 

You won't have to deal with the cancellation penalties on a monthly basis when there is an issue with the phone service itself. When you compare VoIP vs. landline pricing, they usually offer quite similar rates.

Finding the right service provider

One of the first steps to launching a business is figuring out how to keep your phone lines connected. 

We've done the research and determined that, based on your needs, one of these three services will be perfect for you. •T-Mobile's cheapest plan offers 2GB data with unlimited texting and 200 minutes of talk time for $25/month. 

•Verizon Wireless' most affordable plan offers 500MB data with unlimited texting and 150 minutes of talk time for $25/month. 

•Verizon Wireless' most expensive plan offers 4GB data with unlimited texting and 750 minutes of talk time for $45/month.

Switching over your office phones

There are a number of great options to choose from when it comes to switching over your office phones. One option is Ooma Office, which charges an initial monthly fee of $19.99 and then $9.99 a month thereafter, with unlimited calling and voicemail included. 

You can also opt for Vonage if you're looking for free calls in the U.S., or Broadvoice if you need more than one line to handle overflow call volume on days with more inbound than outbound traffic.

Mobile calls on business plans

We have taken a look at some of the best cell phone plans for business and come up with some options that are perfect for companies on the go. 

Some come with unlimited talk and text, so you won't ever miss another phone call. Plus, since phones these days can do so much more than just make calls, it's smart to be able to work remotely or on-the-go with your team.

Unified Communication - Single Number Reach

To ensure your business stays connected and can reach every employee, Unified Communication solutions give you a single number that reaches all users.

But there are other benefits too - you get additional features like call recording, online meetings, interactive voicemail and more. As an added bonus, the cost of these services is often tax deductible!

Get set up with multiple devices (and stay within budget!)

Choose your device type based on your budget and needs. Landlines provide professional appearances, but can be costly to maintain in an age of mobile phones. 

Cell phones are cheaper to maintain but not as professional-looking, so they are best used when you need to take the occasional call outside of your office or home. 

Voice over IP (VoIP) is an excellent middle ground with prices ranging from $30-70 per month.

Troubleshooting tips when you're getting started

When you're starting your business, it's important to get all the tools and services you need in order to succeed. 

One of the most important services to think about is a phone service that can help you stay connected with your customers and potential clients. 

If you're still not sure which service is best for your business, take a look at these three tips to find out more about each one.

Do I need a PBX?

Every business owner has different needs and budget. So it is hard to answer this question with a definitive yes or no. In order to determine if you need a PBX, we recommend that you take the following steps 

1) Consider how many lines are needed. 

2) Determine the cost of each line. 

3) Determine if the phone lines will be used for inbound calls only or both inbound and outbound calls.

Establish an internal calling structure (i.e., ring groups and queues).

You want to make sure your staff can talk to each other or call you with ease. The best way to achieve this is through an internal calling structure. 

An internal calling structure is a system that makes it easier for your team members to connect with one another and leaves you more time to do important things like focus on the direction of the company or handle emergency situations that come up.