| Which Phone System Features Fit My Business Needs? |
| by Gabby Hyman, writer |
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| While business owners always dream of success, many small businesses don't anticipate how fast their business will actually grow. If you offer solid products and efficient services to your customers, you'll build a loyal clientele that brings fresh business your way. |
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| Planning your communications systems wisely, scaling for future growth, and making prudent choices for phone system features can make all the difference between growing client satisfaction and clients who leave your business. |
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How to Define Your Phone System Needs
Whether you install the latest voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) business system, or decide on a multiple line-based system, you need to answer some tough questions before you commit to a solution. Most business phone system providers offer options for scalability, service menus, and expansion. Ask yourself:
- How many customers do you deal with each day?
- How many employees are dedicated to customer service?
- Do you make and receive local, long-distance, and international calls?
- Are you charged by the minute for phone calls?
- Do you have unanticipated spikes in customer contact?
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Immediate VOIP Savings
Measured-rate service charges can bust your budget. Many small businesses are switching to VOIP telephone systems that offer flat service rates without separate charges for local, long-distance, or international calls. One benefit of a business VOIP system is that it can be bundled with computer telephony integration (CTI) systems that route calls, track your business interactions, and provide pop screen information about your client. If your work force spends time on the road, you may want automatic call forwarding. |
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| Private branch exchange (PBX) and key systems can expand your ability to field more calls over standard service plans--a good system if you have around 30 or so employees and extensions. Key system units provide your employees with multiple incoming and outgoing lines and PBX systems can be expanded if you grow. Again, ask yourself how quickly will your business grow, and by how much? |
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| When evaluating providers, consider the range of options for voicemail, audio conferencing, call waiting, call blocking, or toll-free numbers. Are you prepared for a sudden jump in clientele? If you skimp on customer service now, will you get another opportunity later? |
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About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK. |
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