Insights Archives - Phone.com https://www.phone.com/category/insights/ Communicate Better Mon, 30 Sep 2024 17:58:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.phone.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-Favicon-32x32.png Insights Archives - Phone.com https://www.phone.com/category/insights/ 32 32 The Evolution of Voice over Internet Protocol: Uncovering the Innovators https://www.phone.com/the-evolution-of-voice-over-internet-protocol-uncovering-the-innovators/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 11:00:45 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=105824 In today’s interconnected world, where communication plays a vital role, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has emerged as a revolutionary technology that has transformed the way we make phone calls. Instead of relying on traditional telephone lines, VoIP enables voice communication over the internet. But who were the visionaries behind this game-changing invention? In this […]

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In today’s interconnected world, where communication plays a vital role, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has emerged as a revolutionary technology that has transformed the way we make phone calls. Instead of relying on traditional telephone lines, VoIP enables voice communication over the internet. But who were the visionaries behind this game-changing invention? In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of VoIP and the individuals who played significant roles in its creation.

 

The Emergence of VoIP

 

VoIP, in its earliest form, can be traced back to the early 1970s. The initial concept of transmitting voice signals over data networks can be attributed to Danny Cohen, an Israeli-American computer scientist. Cohen developed a system known as Network Voice Protocol (NVP), which allowed voice communication through packet-switched networks. While NVP laid the foundation for VoIP, it lacked the necessary infrastructure and widespread internet access to become a practical solution at the time.

 

The Invention of Internet Telephony

 

The true breakthrough in VoIP came in the mid-1990s when two engineers, Alon Cohen and Lior Haramaty, founded VocalTec Communications. VocalTec is often credited with creating the first Internet Telephony software, introducing the world to the concept of making phone calls over the internet. Their groundbreaking product, called “InternetPhone,” was launched in 1995 and allowed users to communicate through voice signals transmitted via IP networks.

 

With the introduction of InternetPhone, the telecommunications landscape began to experience a seismic shift. For the first time, individuals could make long-distance calls at significantly reduced costs compared to traditional telephony providers. However, due to the limited bandwidth and relatively slow internet connections of the time, the audio quality of these early VoIP calls was often subpar.

 

Standardization and Advancements

 

As the potential of VoIP started to gain recognition, industry standards were necessary to ensure its widespread adoption and interoperability. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) played a crucial role in this process. In 1996, the ITU developed the H.323 protocol, a set of standards that defined audio, video, and data communication over IP networks. This protocol formed the foundation for VoIP technology to evolve further. Over the next decade, several other key players made significant contributions to the development of VoIP. 

 

Further Innovations and Mainstream Adoption

 

As VoIP continued to evolve, numerous companies made contributions to its development. These developments included conferencing via video and phone, the VOIP desktop phone and improved softphone and PBX solutions, just to name a few.


Overall, the development of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been instrumental in transforming the way we communicate. By harnessing the power of the internet, VoIP has made long-distance and international calling more accessible and affordable than ever before. It has empowered businesses with cost-effective communication solutions, enabled remote collaboration, and opened up new avenues for innovation and productivity. Moreover, VoIP has bridged the gap between traditional telephony and digital technologies, paving the way for unified communications and integration with other applications. As VoIP continues to evolve and adapt to emerging technologies, its importance will only grow, shaping the future of communication and connecting people across the globe in a seamless and efficient manner.

 
Today, in his role as CTO of Phone.com Alon Cohen continues to innovate as new technologies such as artificial intelligence introduce a host of new ways to improve business communications and data mining. Co-founding VocalTec’s software  not only enabled voice communication over the internet but also lead to the birth of VoIP as a popular communication technology. Alon Cohen’s contributions to the development of VoIP  will continue to have a significant impact on modern day telecommunication for years to come. 
 
 

 

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2021: The Best Virtual Phone Systems https://www.phone.com/2021-the-best-virtual-phone-systems/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:35:31 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=97286   In 2020, communicating with customers became even more of a priority for businesses. Small businesses saw some of the greatest losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, 45% of small businesses had earned less than half of their regular revenue as of October 2020. For many small businesses, staying in touch with customers and maintaining […]

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In 2020, communicating with customers became even more of a priority for businesses.

Small businesses saw some of the greatest losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, 45% of small businesses had earned less than half of their regular revenue as of October 2020.

For many small businesses, staying in touch with customers and maintaining relationships was essential to staying afloat in the crisis.

In 2021, one of the best tools to help your business better communicate with customers is a virtual phone system. Here are the best virtual phone systems that you can start using for your business.

Key Features in the Best Virtual Phone Systems

There’s a lot to consider when you’re choosing a virtual phone system. Each system comes with a unique set of features and each system is designed to meet different needs.

So how do you know whether you’re getting the right system that matches your business’s needs?

It helps to know what features are industry standard. In 2021, most virtual phone systems will include features such as:

  • Call forwarding
  • Call routing
  • Call recording
  • CRM integration
  • Call analytics reporting
  • Toll-free/local/vanity number selection

There are various virtual phone systems that go above and beyond these standard features. For small businesses, it’s important to make sure your virtual system at least includes these core features.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Phone System

What are the biggest needs in your small business call management?

Answering this question will help you determine what the most important unique features are, aside from the standard ones.

If your business uses various work apps, you may want a virtual phone system that includes integrations with those work apps.

Or, if you need to hold meetings with clients, there are phone systems that include web conferencing features. Some other general factors to consider are:

  • Convenience
  • Price
  • User-friendliness
  • Scalability
  • Call quality
  • Range of features

Understanding your business’s unique workflow will help you determine what system will best fit your needs.

Price is one of the most important factors, but it’s not the only one you should consider. Whatever virtual phone system you choose, be sure to consider the system’s range of features and workflow convenience.

What Is a VoIP System?

A virtual phone system allows users to make calls from any device IP connectivity.

VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol” and they allow you to make calls via the internet using any device that uses data or network connectivity.

For this reason, VoIP is sometimes called broadband or IP telephony. VoIP converts your voice into a digital signal that transmits via the internet.

How Does it Work?

Users can make calls from devices such as computers or VoIP phones. There’s also the option to connect a traditional telephone to a phone adapter that converts signals over the internet.

Phone adapters connect traditional phones to a network in the same way that a modem connects a computer to a network.

Because VoIP operates on network connectivity, users can also make wireless calls after connecting to hot-spots.

If you’re constantly on the go, a VoIP allows you to manage your business calls regardless of location. The only requirement is a strong network.

VoIP is often a better alternative to hybrid phone systems or PBX systems, which require server hardware and technical support.

Although businesses use these, VoIP systems are more ideal for small businesses. Since VoIP systems are largely cloud-based, they eliminate the need for this hardware and the maintenance costs that come with it.

Common Problems With Virtual Phone Systems

Free systems like Google Voice can offer a good launching pad. However, Google Voice lacks an array of standard must-have features that most paid virtual phone systems include.

Instead of using these tools, it’s entirely possible to find virtual systems with affordable basic plans. Most basic plans cost over $15 per user, per month.

Not all virtual phone systems are created equal, so here are some standout systems that have unique advantages over others.

Systems With Detailed Analytics

Analytics help you measure the success of your call management. They’re essential to improving the overall process and creating insights about your customer experience.

A virtual phone system should report basic metrics such as call duration. It should also record the routing channels and forwarding channels for each call.

Depending on your business needs, it may be better to find a lower cost for a basic plan that has metered minutes. Or, you could find a plan that doesn’t limit your calling minutes.

A Balanced Virtual Phone System

It’s hard to find the right virtual phone system that suits all of your needs. That’s why it’s important to focus on the key features you need and the return on investment you expect from the platform.

Based on price alone, Phone.com offers one of the best plans. Users who just need a basic phone system can get started for $11.99 per month for each user.

Most platforms charge anything upwards of $15.99 for basic plans that include only some of the standard features.

However, Phone.com provides users with over 50 call features with just the basic plan. In addition to the standard features, these 50 features include unique features to help you expand your call management.

Unique Phone.com Features

Number porting is a special feature that many other virtual phone systems don’t include. Not all systems allow you to keep the same number you’ve used for business.

However, Phone.com allows users to continue using their local, toll-free, or international numbers. In addition, there are no port-in fees for businesses that want to keep their numbers.

Text-to-Greeting is a unique feature that offers customizable audio messages which you can send to customers. These come with sound effects and automated voicings to read the texts.

Phone.com also provides instant Email Notifications whenever users receive a voicemail. The email includes an audio file of the voicemail so you can listen to it as you receive the email and forward it easily.

Fax compatibility is another feature that can be an unexpected advantage. If you’ve used faxing for your business in the past, you can integrate your fax machine with Phone.com to continue using it.

These are just a few out of the 50 standout features.

Choosing From the Best Virtual Phone Systems

Although these are some of the best virtual phone systems of 2021, you’ll need to choose the one that’s best for your small business.

A virtual phone system should integrate with your workflow and automate certain parts of it.

At Phone.com, we’re committed to helping you better communicate with your customers through call management. To see if Phone.com is right for your business, you can request a demo today.

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9 Things To Know About Phone Systems for Law Firms https://www.phone.com/9-things-you-should-know-about-business-phone-systems-for-law-firms/ Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:30:33 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=96264 Did you know that, according to the American Bar Association, between 2008 and 2018, there was a 15% increase in the number of US lawyers? If you run a law firm, then this figure must come as no surprise to you, given the growth of the law industry in the US. If your law firm has also […]

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Did you know that, according to the American Bar Association, between 2008 and 2018, there was a 15% increase in the number of US lawyers? If you run a law firm, then this figure must come as no surprise to you, given the growth of the law industry in the US.

If your law firm has also been growing, then you might be thinking of using a business phone service to make communications within your office and with clients. However, you might have many questions such as:

“How can I use a business phone service?”

“What are the benefits of having a business phone service installed in my law firm?”

“What are the best business phone service solutions for my law firm?”

“How do I decide what my law firm needs when it comes to a business phone service?”

Having so many questions can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling so many other responsibilities when running your law firm. That’s why we’ve put together this communications guide for law firms. By giving you all the information you need to know about business phone systems, you’ll know all you need to know to choose the right system for you.

Read on to learn more.

1. Your Law Firm Needs a Business Phone Service

The first thing you should know about business phone systems is that you need to install one if you want your law firm to be as efficient and client-friendly as possible. Even though it can be easier to resist change and continue doing things the way you already are, there are many ways that a small business phone system will revolutionize how you run your law firm.

This is because an office phone system simplifies the way you use your phones in your law firm, streamlining every element. This simplified the administrative side of running your law firm, which means you can spend more time increasing billable hours and taking on more clients.

Because of many elements we’ll now cover, from making it possible to track your conversations to guaranteed security, your law firm will benefit from having a business phone system.

2. You Can Track and Transcribe Phone Conversations

With a business phone system, you can track and transcribe phone conversations. This makes it much easier for you to keep track of everything your client is telling you when you’re speaking on the phone. Instead of having to jot everything down on a yellow legal pad, you can rely on the phone system to track and transcribe everything for you.

This is because of cloud-based technology. Everything is automatically and securely stored so that you can access it later. Depending on which service you end up using, there’s data you can store in addition to the call itself, such as who made the call and when it was made.

If you need to play any part of the conversation back to your colleagues in a meeting, you can also do this. Even if you prefer to take notes while speaking on the phone, having everything recorded exactly as it appeared will help you have the exact words said for when you are negotiating settlements or preparing for a trial.

3. Support Your Support Staff

Having a multi-line phone system also helps you support your support staff. Because support staff members are often ready to jot down anything you ask them to while on a call or to answer phones when you can’t, having a business phone service means they don’t have to do this as often.

At a law firm, support staff members are an integral part of your team. They don’t only answer phones; they also do other essential tasks such as reviewing briefs and helping you with your cases. This is especially so with legal assistants and paralegals.

By making it less necessary for them to man the phones, they can help you with other tasks. This, in turn, frees up your schedule, making it possible for you to do better on the tasks at hand and to serve new clients.

4. You Can Work From Anywhere

With a business phone service, you can work from anywhere. This is because everything is cloud-based, so your business phone number can be accessed from both your office and anywhere else.

While it has always been possible to make calls or check your email from home, there were limitations when it came to logging conversations, transcribing calls, or recording calls while out of the office. Additionally, you would have to be in the office to check your voicemail.

With your business phone service, all of this is automated. In addition to being able to work from home, you can also have access to what you need while you’re in the courtroom.

5. Ensure Confidentiality and Security

One of the worries you might have with so much being on the cloud is the confidentiality and security of the calls you make with a business phone service. After all, as a lawyer, confidentiality is a big part of what you promise to your clients. It’s also a legal requirement and is one of the things that define integrity in your industry.

However, you don’t need to worry about this at all. The best cloud-based business phone services make it impossible for anyone who isn’t authorized to access recordings, transcriptions, or case data.

The only people who can are you and the team members of your law firm you’ve given access to. This is another benefit. If there’s anyone you want to give access to this information to, you can do so easily. This can be a much simpler process than with other security-based technologies.

6. You Can Combine with Case Management Software

Another benefit of using a business phone service is that you can combine it with case management software in order to understand how well your law firm is doing. When you combine these two technologies, you can analyze every element of your calls, including:

  • What percentage of calls lead to a client taking you on as their lawyer
  • How many calls (and which ones) are related to specific cases
  • Knowing when inbound calls and client touchpoints occurred
  • Knowing information about calls such as time and date
  • Knowing how to organize calls with keywords and case types

As you can see, by combining these two technologies, you have a powerful set of resources. This will free up your time doing much of this administrative work, making it possible for you to serve more clients and run your law firm more smoothly.

7. There are Additional Benefits

There are additional benefits to using a business phone service. Depending on how your law firm functions, you can benefit significantly from these. From call transfer to on hold software, here are some additional benefits:

  • Call transfer, which means your office assistant can help you with other tasks and gets clients connected to you faster
  • Call queuing, which makes it possible to keep your clients on hold until you’re ready to speak to them
  • Team collaboration and management, which means you can have team calls and make it easy to include team members if you need their help in the middle of a case
  • Smart call forwarding, which means clients can reach you at your office cell phone when they’re calling the office, making it easier for you to work from home (this is especially useful during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
  • Voicemail to email, which means you can receive email transcription version of voicemails left for you
  • On hold music, which means that your clients will have something enjoyable to listen to while they wait for you to be available

As you can see, many of these additional benefits make your law office run more smoothly. In addition to having more time to manage more cases, this might eventually save you money, since you won’t have to hire that new paralegal after all.

8. You Have To Ask the Right Questions

When you’re deciding whether a business phone service is the right choice for your law firm, there are several questions you have to ask yourself to know if you need it. Additionally, these questions will help you decide which phone system is right for you.

The Features of Different Systems

The first question you’ll want to ask yourself is, “What features do I need my business phone service to have?” You might already an idea from what we’ve covered in this article. The answer to this question will help you decide if you want your system to be cloud-based or to exist on-premises.

The Type of Service

The next question you should ask is, “What type of service am I looking for?” The answer to this question will help you decide if you want a virtual, VoIP, or landline system. Do you prefer your law office to use desk telephones, using landlines provided by regional or local phone companies? Or do you prefer to work with an Internet-based company?

9. You Need to Think Carefully

When you’re choosing the right business phone service for your law firm, you need to think carefully about your choice. Unfortunately, there aren’t any free trials available. Additionally, making the shift to a business phone service makes many changes needed, such as:

  • Purchasing new phones
  • Creating new messages for outgoing messages and voicemail
  • Transferring any information you have saved from your current system, some of which may be confidential or key to a current case
  • Porting your current number

These are some pretty big changes. As a law firm, you need to be reliable, so you can’t have any mistakes happen once you make the switch. So, if you choose to install a business phone service, you need to plan this entire transformation of technology with a careful schedule and an idea of how long it will take.

Additionally, you should take a moment to assess how much you would benefit from making this change. We believe that most law firms would benefit from using this new technology, but you’ll still want to think about this in-depth.

What Does Your Firm Need?

You need to think about what specific features your firm would need. Additionally, you need to think about specific people in your firm. What features will they benefit from the most? Even though you might get excited about a feature that helps you specifically, it may be worth investing in a business phone service that helps run the office as a whole more smoothly.

Ask for a Demo

Even though you can’t get a free trial, you can ask providers for a demo of their services. We recommend doing this so that you can decide what works best for you. You can also speak with a representative and ask more questions about how your law firm specifically can benefit from a business phone system.

Need More Information?

Do you need more information on how a business phone service can help you run your law firm? Maybe you want to know more about the different options out there or want help setting up a business phone system in your law firm.

Whatever your questions or needs might be, we’re here to help. Here at Phone.com, we’re professionals in setting up a variety of phone systems. We offer all the features you need and work with many professionals. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.

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How Real Estate Agents Benefit From a Virtual Phone System https://www.phone.com/how-real-estate-agents-benefit-from-a-virtual-phone-system/ Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:28:28 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=96262 Buyers and sellers revealed that communication skills are one of the most valued traits in a great real estate agent. With this in mind, receiving out of office messages can cause consumers to jump to conclusions about your professionalism. They may even seek a different agent, all based on a missed call or two. Of course, we […]

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Buyers and sellers revealed that communication skills are one of the most valued traits in a great real estate agent.

With this in mind, receiving out of office messages can cause consumers to jump to conclusions about your professionalism. They may even seek a different agent, all based on a missed call or two.

Of course, we know there are many reasons you’ve missed a call. With the inability to take your business phone with you on the go, your availability for calls is restricted. This is where a virtual phone system comes in.

If you are tired of losing clients and sales due to poor phone management and an inadequate phone answering service, it’s time to make the change. Follow along to discover how using a virtual phone system can be the perfect fit for your real estate agent needs.

What Is a Virtual Phone System?

virtual phone system is a replacement for those clunky, chorded down business phone systems. While many real estate offices have a receptionist to field calls, having a phone call sent to your office while you are out is highly ineffective.

Instead of operating on a physical phone board, a virtual phone uses the internet to make your number and all associated services mobile. This process acts as a cloud phone system, allowing you to access your messages, contacts, and calls from anywhere at any time.

This allows for a more prompt response to inquires without having to visit the office or rely on a receptionist to relay messages.

So why is this system ideal for real estate agents? Let’s take a look at the features that can elevate your business and simplify your calls.

Mobile Integration

The best business phone system is the one you can hold in your pocket. Stationary phones cause delayed responses and ineffective use of time. You can waste valuable business hours driving to and from the office between showings.

The glory of shifting to a virtual phone number is your ability to access it from any device, including your existing mobile phone. Both android and IOS users can download the app right to their device and access it with the touch of a button.

You can review your dashboard, field incoming calls, or return text messages right from the app. This means you can quickly send off a text between showings, listen to a message on your way to your next appointment, or even answer a call at home.

Personal Privacy

Many real estate agents choose to use their personal mobile phone for their business phone or adopt a second phone for work. While these solutions do allow you to take work beyond the walls of your office, they do present distinct downfalls.

If you are using your personal phone, you face the problem of your private phone number being available for anyone at any time. This can cause an increase in the number of spam calls you to receive and take away from your personal phone use.

Without knowing which calls are personal or business, you’ll likely find yourself struggling with calls in the evening. You may even face being interrupted during that overdue phone call to your folks.

Alternatively, carrying around a second phone can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. You may find yourself struggling to switch back and forth, or forgetting the one phone at locations altogether.

A virtual phone system allows you to tie your business phone and personal phone together without sacrificing privacy. You’ll get a business phone number or port an existing number to the system, allowing you to keep work and personal calls separated and secure.

Professional Greeting and Busy Message

Another problem many agents face with a personal device is the unprofessionalism of a personal greeting. Because you are doubling up on the purpose of your number, your leads may be listening to a greeting that doesn’t send a great first impression.

Beyond this, with all calls leading to one number, your mailbox is likely to fill up faster than the average mobile user. This will see you losing leads simply because they could not leave a message for you to get back to them when you’re free.

Even if you do have a receptionist to direct your calls, a busy tone can be a deterrent and busy offices can cause phone calls to be rushed and unfocused.

Virtual phone systems allow you to set specific, professional greetings. Whether you are off showing a home, or on the other line with a buyer, clients can feel confident in your professionalism.

Do Not Disturb

Just like any other worker, you deserve the chance to enjoy your evening and take a break from work. A virtual phone system will allow you to do just that without having to power off your personal phone.

Simply log on to your dashboard and set your incoming calls to ‘do not disturb’. Say goodbye to phone calls that disrupt your dinner or wake you at ridiculous hours. You can even use this feature to block work calls while you are on holiday or in an important meeting.

This way you can still use your mobile while you are ‘out of office’ without facing the wall of inquires.

Caller ID and Address Book

The number of calls you receive can cause confusion when returning messages or keeping up with sellers. A virtual phone system can alleviate the confusion by providing caller ID and simple saving options.

With just the click of a button, you can save your ongoing clients in your system for a simple ‘dial by name’ feature. You’ll know before you even answer that the Smith’s have a counteroffer or those buyers you showed around yesterday are ready to make a move.

Keep your contacts organized and even block calls from spammers and solicitors.

Texting

Texting has become one of the most popular ways to communicate, with 52% of consumers revealing they would rather text than call a business. Texting facilitates better communication with your leads, allowing them to choose how to reach you. Beyond this, it also allows you to review past messages and keep up with conversations.

Not to mention, sending a text is often much easier to fit into your schedule than performing a lengthy phone conversation.

For this reason, our virtual phone system has an integrated text platform that utilizes the same number as your call line. This makes it simple for buyers and sellers to get in touch with you via text if your line is busy.

You’ll be better equipped to return messages and keep their business while you’re unavailable.

Voicemail to Email

You may be listening to messages on the go and don’t have a pen and paper handy, or perhaps you didn’t quite catch each number. If you struggle to keep your messages straight this feature is a fantastic option.

Allow missed calls to be recorded into your voicemail box and transcribed to text. You’ll then receive an email, letting you know you’ve missed a call, and regurgitating the information they left. You can then determine if this call needs an urgent response, or whether it can wait until business hours.

With simplicity like this, there’s no reason to miss out on another sale. Say goodbye to lost scrap papers with scribbled numbers and hello to efficient, organized messages.

Conference Calls

This feature is incredibly handy for dealing with other real estate agents or multiple clients. For back and forth conversations with many recipients, repetitive calls and updates can be exhausting. Instead, you’ll have the option to add another individual to the call and open up the conversation.

This can save you valuable time when the sellers of a home are not together but both need to be contacted. Rather than calling each one and relaying information, you can host easier, more fluid communication among the team.

Have multiple agents accessed a listing? No problem. Keep everyone in the loop with a high-quality conference call and reduce the risk of details being lost in translation.

Fax from Phone

While it’s great to meet up with buyers and sellers to handle forms and paperwork, this isn’t always possible. You may have a conflicting schedule, or constant interruptions could cause the selling process to be drawn out longer than necessary.

In these instances, it can be much more effective to fax over documents for review and touch base with any questions. Unfortunately, having a mobile office or simply not having a fax machine can derail this effort.

Virtual phone systems on the other hand will open up your ability to send important documents and faxes right from your computer. Just attach your document and send it straight to your client’s fax. They’ll be able to review and sign without any unnecessary steps.

Cloud Phone System

Forgot your phone in the car or left it at home? Having a virtual phone system makes it easy to access any information you need wherever you are. Simply log on from a computer, tablet, or mobile and respond to calls, send texts, and listen to voicemails.

This cloud phone system feature means you’ll be able to find a contact from any device with the touch of a button. You can even forward information without switching back and forth between phone and computer.

Even on an overseas vacation, you’ll be able to view your phone activity and handle any business that needs attention without sacrificing time away.

Analytics

Thanks to a detailed analytics system built right into your virtual number, you can gain a better understanding of your client base.

Gather insights on call length, high traffic times, and even review your incoming vs outgoing call schedule. These analytics will allow you to make more educated decisions when returning calls and even adjust your schedule to accommodate.

For example, if you know that 3 pm is statistically your busiest time for incoming calls, you can schedule viewings around that time to ensure you are free for leads. If you see a large number of calls receiving a busy signal, you can even introduce virtual receptionists to help manage these high volume times.

Phone Answering Service

Once your virtual phone number is up and running, you’ll have the option to request a phone answering service right from your new number.

This service supplies you with a live virtual receptionist that can professionally receive and direct calls. This can be fantastic for multiple agents at an establishment, or even for your own high volume call times.

The live receptionist will assist with appointment scheduling and call forwarding, ensuring a while glover service your clients will love. Not only will each call receive a prompt answer, but any spam callers will be blocked and removed before reaching your business.

Your virtual receptionist will filter irrelevant calls to assist in better time management and productive conversations.

Virtual Phone Numbers for Real Estate Agents

Now that you know the amazing features that a virtual phone system has to offer for your real estate business, you can set forth with confidence. Choose the best business phone system for your needs with a virtual phone number.

From a professional business number to text message integration, you’ll give your leads the impression of great communication rather than poor phone skills.

Ready to get started with your virtual phone system and start boosting your revenue? Get in touch with us today to secure the best business phone system for real estate agents and reap the benefits of simplified communication.

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10 Benefits of a Virtual Phone System https://www.phone.com/10-benefits-of-a-virtual-phone-system/ Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:05:45 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=94189 Whether you’re a multi-national company or a small start-up, every business has one thing in common: you need to be reachable by telephone. When it comes to securing telephone lines, entrepreneurs used to only have the option of landlines. These telephone systems are confined to an office space, and they are slow to adopt upgrades […]

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Whether you’re a multi-national company or a small start-up, every business has one thing in common: you need to be reachable by telephone.

When it comes to securing telephone lines, entrepreneurs used to only have the option of landlines. These telephone systems are confined to an office space, and they are slow to adopt upgrades and changes. More and more businesses are choosing to go with virtual phone systems, also known as VoIPs (Voice Over Internet Protocols).

A virtual phone system stands out from its competitors because of its technological superiority. Keep reading for the top ten benefits of using a virtual phone system.

1. A Virtual Phone System is Easy to Set Up

A VoIP solution needs only one thing to work proficiently: reliable internet access. If you have fast internet, setting up a virtual phone system is easy.

Unlike landline hardware, which requires a lengthy and burdensome setup, VoIPs start working for you as soon as they are installed. All you have to do is choose from your provider’s inventory of phone numbers to get started.

Not only is the initial set-up easy, but so are updates and changes you may need to make to your system. Phone.com believes that the best virtual phone system will update automatically. This means that you always have access to the latest and most efficient technology.

And when you need to make changes to your phone tree, it couldn’t be easier. Let’s say you have a change in staffing at your business and need to change the user for a particular phone number. Simply reassign the number yourself and the change will take effect immediately.

This cuts out long wait times and unnecessary delays in your service.

2. It is Usable on Personal Smartphones

One of the first questions that people like to ask when considering a VoIP is how they are supposed to use it without the hardware that comes with landlines. A VoIP is usable on smartphones to make for easy and efficient implementation.

You will be able to differentiate work calls and personal calls on your cellphone without trouble. This means that clients will see you calling from your work line, and won’t have access to your personal cell phone number.

But this way, you don’t have to carry a second phone or be tied to a landline. Anywhere that you have access to the internet, you can make or receive work phone calls.

In this way, you are able to free your employees from being tied to their work desks. This is especially useful for companies that require employees to make sales visits, or for people who are frequently out of the office. You shouldn’t have to worry that while you’re out doing your job, you’re missing more calls from potential clients.

3. It is More Affordable

Price isn’t everything, but it counts for a lot. Because a VoIP relies solely on the internet, it is by far cheaper than a conventional landline. Choosing a VoIP means that you can cut down on your monthly overhead.

Depending on your company’s size and needs, you can choose from different plans with your provider. This helps you customize your investment accordingly.

Any business could stand to benefit from cutting their costs. But this affordability makes VoIPs especially useful for small or new companies, which have to minimize their expenses in every way possible.

As most entrepreneurs are aware, the cheaper option isn’t always the best option. It’s usually better to pay more for more features. But fortunately, a virtual phone system allows companies to cut costs without compromising on service or features.

In fact, in addition to all of the benefits offered by a standard phone tree, a VoIP offers more and newer technology. This makes virtual phone systems more cost-efficient in the short and long term. We’ll explore more of those features in the following sections.

4. It Implements Advanced Technology

A virtual phone system has many added benefits in comparison to a standard phone tree. One of these benefits is that a VoIP system has access to new and advanced technology as it is developed.

This advanced technology allows you to manage your entire system from your smartphone. Instead of trying to make changes through a complicated hardware system, you can use your VoIP’s easy to use interface.

Additionally, all updates and upgrades happen automatically. This means that you don’t need to wait or pay for an upgrade in order to get better service. Your system won’t grow faulty or out of date.

Current technology also allows you to use your VoIP for more than just phone calls. You can text, conference, or video chat from anywhere with reliable internet. This allows for easy and direct communication with your clients and your team.

One key consumer concern is that their audio quality or connectivity will be challenged if they switch over to a VoIP. However, quality VoIP systems provide clear audio and easy connection as long as there is reliable internet.

5. Works From Anywhere

Perhaps the most noteworthy benefit of using a VoIP is that it is accessible from anywhere that has reliable internet service or cellular data coverage. In today’s world, this is an invaluable asset. As more and more people are forced to work from home, they still need to be able to reach their clients and customers.

For businesses that depend on landlines, this change has been difficult. Their customers either cannot reach them, or communication is unnecessarily delayed. People are having to make work calls using their home or personal cell phone number, which can seem weird or unprofessional to clients.

But with VoIP, it doesn’t matter if your team is in the office or not. As long as they are somewhere with reliable internet, they will be reachable. In times like these, a VoIP helps your team sidestep an unnecessary interruption to workflow.

This is also great news for new start-ups who don’t have an office space yet. Some companies choose to never have a formal work environment. If this is the case, you can use a VoIP to create a professional phone line without having to physically set one up somewhere.

Shared workspaces are also increasingly common. If your business only plans to occupy a space for a short period, there is no sense in installing phone system hardware. Invest in a phone system that will move with you.

6. VoIP’s Still Use a Common Phone Line

This brings us to the next point. Even though your team doesn’t have to be in the same place, they still have access to the same phone line. One phone number will reach your business, while different extensions will divert the call to different devices.

Your team can all be in the office, or half of them can be working from home. As far as the phone system is concerned, it is all the same.

Additionally, this feature is useful for companies that are split over multiple different cities or countries. Because a VoIP depends on the internet, you can be anywhere in the world and still have a localized phone number. This inspires trust and familiarity with your clients.

It also makes contacting you easier for your clients. One nice aspect of having a common phone line is that you can set up an auto-assistant to answer every phone call for you. They can then direct the caller down the appropriate channel.

This conveys an invaluable sense of professionalism to your clients.

7. It Conveys Professionalism

As was stated in the last point, a VoIP allows your company to maintain a sleek and professional exterior even when located in various places. With an auto-assistant, every phone call will get answered and directed to the correct place.

Even if a caller has to leave a message once they are delivered to the correct extension, they at least know they have been connected with the right employee. That employee can call them back at their earliest convenience.

A phone call is often the first window into your business that a potential customer receives. Therefore, you want to make a good first impression.

If you are a new or small business, conveying the streamlined professionalism of a larger company can help you stand apart. Many VoIPs offer auto-assistants, automated greetings, and hold music to make your clients feel heard and taken care of. Even if your business is just comprised of one person (you), your clients will feel like they are dealing with an established enterprise.

So in addition to helping you answer phone calls, the best virtual phone system for small businesses will create an appealing image of your company for the outside world. Conveying professionalism builds trust with your clientele.

This is essential brand building material. If you are a new business or trying to grow your customer base, streamlining your phone system is a good first step.

8. You Won’t Miss Calls

As was mentioned before, a virtual phone system gives you the opportunity to set up an auto assistant. This ensures that no calls get missed.

But in addition to that, you can set up your individual line to notify you about a call on any device you might be using. As long as it’s connected to the internet, it can notify you of a call. Your laptop, tablet, or wristwatch can let you know a call is coming in.

But, we all miss calls occasionally. That is when follow up timing becomes important. You should never let your clients wait days for a return call simply because you missed their voicemail.

A VoIP system will forward their voicemail to your email, ensuring that you don’t miss their message. This guarantees quick follow up and further drives home an image of professionalism to your clients.

9. No Long Term Commitment

Typically, virtual phone systems require less of a long-term commitment than standard landlines. Landlines require you to buy and install hardware and equipment. This means that even if you get a short term contract, changing out this equipment would be more hassle than it is worth.

A virtual phone system doesn’t require as much of a commitment. This is because it requires no additional hardware, and is more cost-effective than a landline. Likely, all of your staff already has a smartphone they can use for work.

As was said before, the only thing you really need to invest in is a reliable internet service, assuming you do have people working from an office. Otherwise, people can use their home internet.

But if you do have an office, it’s almost inevitable that you’d purchase internet for space anyway.

10. It is Reliable for Both You and Your Customers

VoIP provides reliable service not just for you, but for your clientele as well. Too often, calls get dropped or aren’t received due to gaps in a landline system. But with a virtual phone system, you ensure that your customer’s needs are taken care of.

VoIP helps you do your job from anywhere, and at any time. This makes it so that you can rely on your phone system to help you get your job done.

Phone Systems for the Future

Looking towards the future, there will be an increasing need to be able to take work calls from anywhere. When that’s the case, you need a phone system that will be dependable for both you and your clients. That’s why a virtual phone system may well be the answer.

Are you still curious about why a virtual phone system can be good for your business? Click here to find out more.

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Why You Need a Small Business Phone System https://www.phone.com/why-you-absolutely-need-a-small-business-phone-system/ Tue, 15 Dec 2020 22:53:35 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=94187 Communication is a vital component of any business, and a reliable phone system is a necessity. To ensure reliability in your communications, forget about old fashioned phone systems. A cloud-based small business phone system comes with several benefits that your business can implement. Here are some of the reasons why small businesses need a phone […]

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Communication is a vital component of any business, and a reliable phone system is a necessity.

To ensure reliability in your communications, forget about old fashioned phone systems. A cloud-based small business phone system comes with several benefits that your business can implement.

Here are some of the reasons why small businesses need a phone system.

Small Business Phone System Saves Money

As a small business, you need to save as much as you can and use the rest of the money to grow your business. A phone system is one of the ways your business can save some money.

Unlike traditional telephone systems, virtual phone systems for small businesses don’t come with hefty costs. You’re going to do everything online, and your provider will take care of all the maintenance needs.

To get the biggest savings, you can start with a phone system plan that offers a limited number of monthly minutes. Once your business grows, you can upgrade your plan to unlimited calling. You can also make long-distance international calls at a low cost saving more in the process.

Wonderful Customer Service

One of the things that give a business a good reputation is incredible customer service. Your customers need to find you, and you should attend to their queries on time. But this will only happen if you have a phone system at your disposal.

A phone system gives your employees an easy time staying in touch with clients wherever they are. With a virtual system, your customer care team can stay in touch with the clients using several devices and serve customer needs without fail. You can text, make a voice call, fax, or arrange a conference call at your convenience.

Small Business Phone System Is Scalable

One advantage of a business phone system is that it grows with your business. As a small business person, you know that your business won’t stay the same forever. You need software and tools to scale your business growth, and a phone system is one of them.

You can minimize or maximize a virtual phone system to your liking. In case you need to have additional staff, all you have to do is expand your phone system. Forget the traditional system where need an elaborate setup for this.

With the new business phone system, all you need to do is give your provider a call. Others simply need a simple plug into your computer network, and you add additional workers to your system. Your IT department won’t have to do any complex tasks

Unified Communication System

If your business is going to operate several branches, it undoubtedly needs some form of unity in its communication. Business phone systems ensure you can unite all your branches in a unified communication system. You can have all your staff connected with a single phone system.

This way, your business can ensure convenience and affordability. The system comes fully equipped with all the useful features needed for conference calling, messaging, and voicemail that everyone in different departments can access.

Cloud-based solutions are crafted in a way that they can understand your communication needs and your business’s health. You have the liberty to analyze phone data records that can help your business make some important decisions regarding staffing and operation.

Get Access to Advanced Phone Features

Many small business owners think that the fancy features of enterprise-class phone systems are out of reach due to cost, but that’s not the case at all.

The best phone systems for small businesses include features like call handling rules, automated attendants, hold music, Do Not Disturb, e911, voicemail to email notifications, text messaging, dial-by-name, and more.

You can even add advanced features such as call recording, voicemail transcription, video meetings, and international numbers.

Ensures Business have a Reliable Disaster Recovery and Emergency Management

With a secured business phone system, you don’t have to worry about disruptions that keep your team away from the office, such as weather events, fires, or construction. Calls can instantly be routed to other devices and your team can work from anywhere. The phone system comes with a working recovery system that your business can rely on in such tricky situations.

Ask your provider if they can help eliminate downtime that’s likely to occur in the event of a disaster. They should also explain whether the system can be rerouted to a different location without any problems. With a reliable phone system provider, downtime will not result in any inconveniences for your business.

Modern Phone Systems Are Mobile Friendly

If your staff is on the go, a mobile-friendly phone system will be of help. If you have staff that travels a lot or some of your people prefer working from home, you need a system that will blend nicely with your way of work.  The workplace is more widespread than ever, and it won’t be logical for you to run a business without mobile devices.

Using mobile phones for your business doesn’t mean you have to carry several devices around. Technology enables you to use your business phone number on your personal mobile device. You’ll have different software in one device and enjoy all the features you need for business and personal use.

Mobile workers will appreciate features such as digital voicemail that you can send through mail, VoIP, and call forwarding. All these will be available in the software. Before choosing an office phone system, make sure your provider explains how you’ll be implementing will blend with your mobile way of work.

Small Business Mobile Phone System Equals Streamlined Workflow

There is nothing you need for a small business owner than a smooth workflow. Running a business at its early stages involves a lot of work and can be so stressful. That’s not going to be the case if you have a business phone system.

A business phone number will make it easy for your business to add new contacts, new users, and a new business branch. The phone system removes all the complications as far as implementing changes to the system is concerned. This ensures no one goes through a stressful situation.

With streamlined operations, you’re sure that your business will start seeing lots of success. You’ll have not only a streamlined system but also a simplified communication between departments. All the departments ensure easier remote team collaboration and help develop strategies that can help grow your business.

With a streamlined workflow, you’re also going to have a motivated and more productive workforce. Your team will not waste a lot of time concentrating on little things such as queuing and call routing that a simple platform can handle. You have the time to concentrate on more important aspects of your business hence ensure efficiency and productivity.

Reduced Pressure on the Employees

Running a growing business comes with a lot of pressure, and finding something that can ease that will be of great help. The business phone system works wonderfully to ensure you and your employees work under minimal pressure. You and your employees can handle a routine call and are able to attend to client needs anytime, anywhere.

Cloud-based phone systems come with reliable support from the provider. This means your employees won’t have to deal with troubleshooting issues or even bother the IT technician. This also means the support system will solve all the issues that arise, and business won’t come to a standstill.

Helps Business Project a Professional Image

When running a small business, you need to portray a professional image. The right business phone system can help you ensure that.

The phone system can help your business employ automated assistants and call notification settings. With all these done carefully and professionally, your business will keep track of the customer needs and fulfill them on time.

Even if you’re running your business all by yourself, a cloud phone system will still see you as a pro and help you portray a professional image.  All these features will help you provide top-notch and flexible customer service that results in loyalty.

Keep Your Personal Information Private

For a small business, sometimes it becomes difficult to put your private information away from the business. This way, sometimes, you might find yourself mixing your personal information with business data. Remember, your clients are going to have access to your phone number.

This means your customers can call you on your phone at any time. If they call on your personal phone, they can ruin important moments such as a vacation with your family. You need to separate your personal phone from that of your business phone numbers to avoid such problems.

With a small business phone number in place, you can keep your personal information private and still stay in touch with your customers. You should also ensure your employees don’t risk your proprietary data by using their devices for business matters.

Secure the Future of Your Business With a Phone System

A small business phone system is more than embracing technology. Your business should treat this like an asset that will see your business gain more than it expects. The phone system comes with reduced costs, improved productivity, and satisfied customers.

A business phone system will grow with your business, your employees, and your customers. The scalability of this system makes it ideal for any business that’s growing as it allows room for expansion. This new system is all about convenience, efficiency, and productivity, and these are basically what your business needs to operate.

So, do you need access to all the business phone features that only big enterprises have been able to use? Phone.com will ensure you get that for your small business right when you need it most. Get in touch with our team, and let’s help you make this possible.

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What Is a Virtual Phone System and How Do You Get the Best One? https://www.phone.com/what-is-a-virtual-phone-system-and-how-do-you-get-the-best-one/ Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:27:01 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=93945 A virtual phone system offers business professionals more freedom to travel and work from anywhere in the world without having to worry about missing an important call. Not to mention the much-needed capability to work remotely due to the pandemic. Many virtual phone systems allow you to transfer an incoming call to another employee so that you […]

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A virtual phone system offers business professionals more freedom to travel and work from anywhere in the world without having to worry about missing an important call. Not to mention the much-needed capability to work remotely due to the pandemic.

Many virtual phone systems allow you to transfer an incoming call to another employee so that you minimize the risk of losing another important client.

If you’re interested in adding or upgrading your business to a virtual phone system, phone.com has many plans at affordable prices to assist your business.

Still asking yourself, “What is a virtual phone system?” Then continue to read on to learn more about what they are and how your business can benefit from upgrading to a virtual phone system.

What Is a Virtual Phone System?

virtual phone system is a cloud-based telephone system that allows your employees to send and receive calls from anywhere in the world using a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile device.

It can provide your business organization with the flexibility and mobility needed for remote and non-traditional office structures and requires no hardware installation. The entire system is delivered across the internet through a software application created by the company you choose to subscribe to.

How Does a Virtual Phone System Work?

Like any professional business phone system, a virtual phone system works by utilizing a toll-free or local phone number to connect you directly with your customers. You can still use custom call menu options to help direct your callers to a specific department or individual within your business.

The real magic occurs when you receive a call. You can choose to answer that call at your desk or send it to another landline, laptop, or mobile device. This feature helps mask your real location from your callers, and they won’t know whether you are in the office or working remotely. You can still redirect calls to other business employees if you’re too busy to take the call yourself.

Also, you can direct a call to another employee’s phone if you’re too busy. If you aren’t available to take a call, you can choose to have your voicemail transcribed to texts sent directly to your business email address. This saves you valuable time accessing, reading, and responding to urgent missed calls from anywhere you find yourself working.

What Types of Virtual Phone Systems Exist?

As a small business owner, you will have several different types of virtual phone systems to choose from.

The main types of virtual phone systems are:

  • Cloud-Based System
  • Private Cloud System
  • All Virtual System
  • Hosted Phone System
  • On-Site PBX System

There are subtle differences between these services, but they are powered remotely from the cloud rather than from your physical office. All incoming customer calls go to a remote desk phone, laptop, or other mobile devices.

Feel free to take a look at the features our business phone systems can provide.

What Are the Advantages of a Virtual Phone System?

Choosing the right business phone system can seem overwhelming at first, especially for the small business owner needing to establish a virtual phone system for the first time. Rest assured that phone.com can provide you with the virtual phone system you need at a cost you can afford, along with the many built-in advantages our virtual phone systems provide.

Advantages to having a phone.com virtual phone system for your small business include the following:

  • Easy Setup Process
  • Low Operating Costs
  • Adjustable VoIP Numbers
  • Multiple Device Support
  • Route Your Calls Anywhere
  • Measure Call Analytics
  • Voicemail to Email

How Your Business Could Benefit From a Virtual Phone System

By now, you understand several advantages a virtual phone system can bring to your small business. Still, if you’re not convinced yet, we have a few added, behind-the-scenes benefits of upgrading your business to a virtual phone system.

If you find yourself in one of the categories below, it may be worth switching over your business to a virtual phone system:

  • Your business is simply paying too much for a wired phone service that doesn’t offer you a fraction of the benefits of a virtual phone system.
  • Your wired phone system is continuously unreliable. You are losing valuable calls and waiting too long for existing engineers to fix the problem with your communication lines.
  • You have employee team members that work remotely. Maybe this is because you are a lean startup or a small business transitioning to a remote team due to the recent Coronavirus pandemic.
  • Your business uses various communications applications that include Google Hangouts, Slack, WhatsApp, or Google Voice.
  • You require multiple team members to be a part of one conference call but can’t do so with your current wired telephone system.

Looking for a Virtual Phone System That Works for Your Business?

We hope that you’re no longer asking the question “What is a virtual phone system?” We don’t want you using an outdated, wired phone system anymore.

We understand that the world of remote work is changing, and your company may be having to shift to a remote workforce to cope with the current Coronavirus pandemic. We understand that you need a virtual phone system that offers you features and new updates that help you change how you do business.

It very well may be that the future workforce for many businesses will consist of a decentralized group of handpicked employees that live around the globe—opening up businesses to a world of talent, not just local.

No matter your reasons for upgrading to a virtual phone system, phone.com can assist you. We have base packages starting from just $11.99 a month. You can rest assured that the small price you pay will provide a huge benefit to your team and your customers’ growth.

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10 Benefits of the Best Phone System for Small Business https://www.phone.com/10-features-and-benefits-of-the-best-phone-system-for-small-business/ Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:17 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=93941 From incoming customer calls to tracking down your suppliers, your phone is the lifeline of your business. You’re on the run, juggling all the tasks that come along with being a small business owner, and having a stationary business phone is just not an option. The problem is, using your personal phone number is proving […]

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From incoming customer calls to tracking down your suppliers, your phone is the lifeline of your business.

You’re on the run, juggling all the tasks that come along with being a small business owner, and having a stationary business phone is just not an option. The problem is, using your personal phone number is proving to be difficult and even unprofessional.

You’re ready to make a change but your business is your baby and that deserves the best phone system for small business. It’s time for a virtual business phone.

Follow along and learn 10 of the best features and benefits of choosing this virtual solution for your business phone needs.

1. On-The-Go Capabilities

With a virtual phone, you can take the office with you wherever you go. You’ll have a more professional number without limiting your working location. Whether you prefer to use your computer or your smartphone, just click on the app and you’re open for business.

You won’t even need to carry 2 phones around. The entire system can be run with your personal device but no one will ever know your private number.

2. Address Book

You can easily sync your contacts right to the app and save these numbers for future calls. No need to flip back and forth or look up numbers each time. You can even dial by name.

You can save the numbers right from your caller ID and never mix up call-backs again. Let’s face it, there is nothing worse than hearing an unfamiliar voice pick up and realizing you’ve called back a customer instead of the electrician.

3. Call Waiting and Hold Music

Had an increase in calls? No problem! This system can handle call waiting and even entertain your customers with hold music while you switch lines.

You won’t have that awkward silent gap or the “are you still there?” conversation anymore. You can have confidence that no call will be left behind.

4. Call Analytics

This can be especially helpful when your business growing. With call analytics, you can see measurements like how long each call lasts, how many return calls are coming in, and even what times you receive higher traffic.

This way you can decide when it’s time to bring on some help or train your employees to shorten up those lengthy inquiries.

Get the most out of your team by using these metrics to help you with your scheduling. Reduce the amount of time you are paying your employees to wait around or optimize their time by rearranging task loads.

5. Video Conferencing

Whether you are team iPhone or team Android, you won’t have to jump around trying to find a video option that supports all parties anymore.

This system supports video conferencing so that you can take your business meetings on the go from any device. With high-quality audio and video, you won’t miss a moment of that important conference.

6. Text Messaging

If your client needs a quick reminder message for their appointment or the plumber asks you to text your address, you can text away with no worries. Often sending a text means giving out your personal number, but with the best virtual phone system for small business, you can do it all from the same place.

In a world where texting is more comfortable than picking up the phone, you can maximize your response with this handy feature. Handle incoming questions, schedule meetings, or confirm appointments all with the same number.

7. Click-to-Call

If a customer looks you up online and has to remember your number or use copy and paste to place the call, they are more likely to give up or decide to call when they have a pen and paper handy (if they remember).

A click-to-call button on your webpage is shown to deliver an ROI of 143%. This could be a substantial revenue increase just by providing an easy route to call.

The business phone system provides you with an embed code that you can use for your website. This means that the fancy button on your site is easy to install and you can start reaping the benefits asap.

8. Do Not Disturb

Late-night calls can put a real damper on family time. Luckily, you can use the do not disturb function and avoid incoming interruptions. We know you are a hard worker, but even you deserve some downtime!

Perhaps you’ve got an important call or you are attending a big event. No problem. Just click the button and all incoming calls will either be directed to voicemail or the next available person if you have employees.

This is especially helpful in multi-office settings so you can avoid an awkward call-transfer interruption.

9. Fax From Phone

Even with the rise of email, there are still industries or occasions that require a fax. If these instances are few and far between or you work from multiple locations, you’ve probably decided that installing a fax machine isn’t the best use of business dollars.

Believe it or not, your virtual phone can even handle this. Simply upload the document you need and send it right to the fax.

10. Voicemail Accessibility

You can listen to your voicemails directly on the app, or you can have them emailed to you as an mp3. Don’t have time to log on and listen? This system can take those voice messages and convert them to text for your ease.

Away from work? You’ll get an email notification each time a message is left at your business number. This email will also include the message so you can go ahead and send it on for your staff to answer or pass on the information to another contact.

Get the Best Phone System for Small Business

With these features and so many more, you can be confident that choosing the virtual business phone system is right for you. From optimizing your systems to growing with you, this is hands down the best phone system for small business.

Ready to make the switch? Select a plan that suits your business needs today and get on your way to a seamless business phone experience.

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Choosing a Small Business Phone Service Provider: Top Tips to Remember https://www.phone.com/choosing-a-small-business-phone-service-provider-top-tips-to-remember/ Mon, 16 Nov 2020 23:52:33 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=93939 Did you know that 60% of customers prefer to connect with a small business on the phone. This makes small business phone service one of the most significant aspects of your business. It’s understandable that as a small business, you may be looking at a phone service provider as an added expense. However, it’s essential if you […]

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Did you know that 60% of customers prefer to connect with a small business on the phone. This makes small business phone service one of the most significant aspects of your business.

It’s understandable that as a small business, you may be looking at a phone service provider as an added expense. However, it’s essential if you want to enjoy seamless communication between co-workers, employees, and customers. Cloud-based business phone services will allow you to do so much more than just make phone calls because you’ll be using the internet.

These systems use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and you’ll get extra features such as caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, and call forwarding.

You can also alternate mobile phones, desk phones, and computers to make and receive calls. The biggest hurdle is perhaps finding the best phone service provider. Here are some tips that will help you make an informed decision.

Consider How the Phones Will Be Used

One of the most significant considerations you have to make is the kind of phone usage your small business needs. Look for small business phone service providers that are willing to accommodate multiple types of phone plans based on necessity. Subdivide your workforce by the type of responsibilities they have and the calling habits of every role.

For instance, a customer service representative will need more access to speakerphones, multiple phone lines, hold and transfer capabilities, as well as hands-free options. On the other hand, an intern could make very few calls, and hence a phone number forwarded to their mobile device would be sufficient. Consider any off-site workers you may have that could benefit from “follow me” services.

Reliability

As a small business, your limited budget does not allow you to invest in services that will disappoint you in the long run. For this reason, it’s essential that you look for reliability when searching for small business phone services.

Search third-party reviews on the internet from trusted tech publications. Check what current and past customers of the phone service provider have to say about their services.

Check what Industries the company serves more, and which companies utilize their services. Learning about their current customers will give you insight into how reliable their services are. Check how many customers rely on them for more insight.

Price

One of the most significant concerns you’re most likely to have is pricing. It’s a significant factor when it comes to recurrent services such as business phone services. The prices, of course, vary based on the company you choose and the features you want incorporated for your business.

Before you search for the best phone service providers for small businesses, you need to understand how many phones (if any) and phone numbers you’ll need. Think about how many employees telecommute, and your business plans in terms of expanding.

The most important thing is for you to keep in mind that this is a business investment. You need to align your budget with your business needs.

How Customers Connect With You

When choosing the best small business phone service, think about the customer experience. When thinking about incoming calls, consider whether you want your customers to hear a dial by department directory.

Do you want to give certain customers priority over others? Would you like the ability to reroute incoming calls to mobile devices or online voicemail?

You can test out the system by calling your company and experiencing the process that your customers go through when they call you. Consider the kind of attributes of automated systems and prompts you’ve heard when making calls to other companies.

What do you like and don’t like about them? This will help you generate a list of the features that you know your customers would appreciate and what you would like to avoid.

Network and Equipment

Current phone systems and networks have evolved with technology and offer so many features. To grow your business, it’s important that you look for a small business phone service provider that’s not just a leader but an innovator. A company that’ll provide you with reliable services and enhanced features that will help you be more productive.

Look for the best small business phone service provider that will provide services specifically for your size and type of business. As a small business, there’s a high chance that you don’t need sophisticated phone systems.

Look for a company that will give you the right kind of setup that will be of use. A sophisticated system may cost you a lot of money for features that you won’t even use.

Customer Services

When choosing the best small business phone service, or an internet phone service for small business, it’s imperative for you to consider the customer services the company provides. What would happen if there was a service outage? What kind of impact would it have on your business and your company’s reputation?

What will happen to your bottom line if your customers cannot get to you when they need you? It’s vital to make sure that the service provider will be available to rectify any issues that come up, so you can prevent losing customers. Check whether the customer services are available 24/7, especially if your business runs on nights and weekends.

Choosing the Best Small Business Phone Service

Are you currently in the market for the best small business phone service? Make sure you consider all these tips above to find the right one. Consider the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities the service provides to find the most ideal company.

Even better, get in touch with us and we’ll be more than glad to offer you professional small business phone services.

The post Choosing a Small Business Phone Service Provider: Top Tips to Remember appeared first on Phone.com.

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What Is a Virtual Phone Number and How Does It Work? https://www.phone.com/what-is-a-virtual-phone-number-and-how-does-it-work/ Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:08:50 +0000 https://www.phone.com/?p=93749 It’s no secret that customers don’t want to be sitting on hold for hours on end. In fact, most customers will hang up if they don’t speak to a live person within 11 minutes. Even with social media and live chat options, phone calls are still at an all-time high. It’s not something that you can […]

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It’s no secret that customers don’t want to be sitting on hold for hours on end. In fact, most customers will hang up if they don’t speak to a live person within 11 minutes.

Even with social media and live chat options, phone calls are still at an all-time high. It’s not something that you can write off when thinking about how customers can communicate with your business.

The old ways of using a regular telephone number just aren’t cutting it anymore. But the good news is that there’s a new player that can make phone communication easy.

What is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number is a phone number that offers complete flexibility. It connects your calls through the internet.

Essentially, it’s a phone number that doesn’t require the use of telephone lines. With a virtual number, you don’t have to buy anything special. You simply use the hardware you already have and the number is forwarded to your device. You can also make outgoing calls from the number.

How Does a Virtual Phone Number Work?

A virtual phone number can do everything that a regular phone number can do. The difference is that it offers much more flexibility than your traditional phone number.

 

A virtual US phone number can be much more flexible and easy to use. Your number isn’t fixed to an address and you can customize it the way you want.

The virtual phone number doesn’t require the use of phone lines. Instead, calls are made over the internet.

That means that all you need to get up and running is a mobile device or computer and a reliable internet connection or mobile data.

If you have a device that you no longer want the phone number to forward to, then you can easily remove it. You have complete control over the system.

With these positive differences, it’s easy to see why so many businesses are making the switch. A virtual phone number can make running your business much easier.

Why Should I Get A Virtual Phone Number?

There are so many benefits to a virtual phone number that traditional numbers just can’t provide. It can be a great option for all businesses, whether you work within the office or from home.

The control you have is great, but here are other reasons that virtual phone numbers can benefit you.

No Location Restrictions

Do you conduct your business worldwide? Do customers from around the globe need to contact your business by phone?

If so, virtual phone numbers can be especially beneficial for you.

These numbers can be used from anywhere around the world with no extra charges. If your office is in one state, but you want to focus on receiving customer calls from another, you can do so easily.

You can use any area code without hassle with a virtual phone number.

The same can be said for international calls. If you’d prefer a toll-free number can get one as well.

No matter where your calls are coming from, you can rely on a virtual phone number to get it done.

Calls Can Be Answered From Anywhere

As long as you have a reliable connection, you can answer calls on your device.

If you’re a busy small business owner, this can really benefit you. You don’t have to be in the office to receive your important calls.

If you’re in another country and have access to hotel Wi-Fi, you can receive your calls with no extra charges.

It’s also perfect for offices that have virtual or work-from-home employees. As long as they have a Wi-Fi connection, they’ll be able to receive and call outbound as well.

Use Almost Any Device

While it’s true that you won’t have to buy new hardware for your virtual phone number, you do need to have it already. More than 5 billion people have cell phones, so you likely already have what you need.

However, you can also use the number on other devices as well. You can use them on your cell phone, home phone, or even on your computer. This offers complete flexibility when it comes to using your virtual phone number.

Keep Your Current Number

Sometimes, it’s possible to port your current phone number. This would allow you to use the same number without changing it.

You can often do this with your virtual phone number as well.

It Has Many Functions

When you have a traditional phone number, you can only do a few things with it. You’re typically limited to phone calls and text messages.

A virtual phone number can provide you with many other services that a traditional phone number can’t.

This includes your typical text messaging and phone calls, but it can also allow you to accept faxes and set-up a voicemail.

This is what makes these numbers so useful, especially when it comes to running your business.

Looking to Get a Virtual Phone Number for Your Business?

Virtual phone numbers can be helpful to your business in many ways. If you need flexibility for yourself or your employees, it can be one of the best ways to do this.

At Phone.com, we make it easy to get started with a virtual phone number. Take your customer service to the next level by answering phone calls wherever you are.

If you’re looking to get started, give us a call today!

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