As a small business owner, you must consistently make tough decisions that affect the present and future livelihood of your company. From choosing a name and logo to leasing office space, hiring and firing personnel, and managing daily operations, your actions play a significant role in determining whether your enterprise succeeds or fails.
Because each success or failure is magnified in smaller firms, there really aren't any minor decisions to speak of. Everything requires thoughtful deliberation, including the selection of your telecommunication system. Today's small business phone plans are so varied that it's essential to research all the options available to ensure you choose a plan that is both flexible and budget-friendly.
Before you start to compare business phone systems, however, it would help to have an idea of what kinds of features to look for. Low prices alone shouldn't drive every decision-especially one that impacts your ability to deal with customers. As you search for the most flexible plan, keep the following five tips in mind.
Business Phone Options
1.Don't sign any contracts.
There are enough reliable providers out there offering no-contract service that it simply doesn't make sense to lock yourself into a long-term commitment. Instead, look for a deal that allows you to opt out at any time without penalty so you can take advantage of better rates or quickly switch providers if you're dissatisfied with the service.
2. Don't buy unnecessary equipment.
For many service providers, the real profits come from selling expensive equipment to go along with their small business phone plans. Some business phone providers offer plans that work with existing devices and affordable phones without buying additional hardware. To save money, look for a plan that may work with your existing phones, but most importantly, doesn't cost you a fortune in additional hardware or routers.
3. Insist on intelligent call routing.
As you compare business phone systems, you should dismiss those that are not capable of intelligent call routing. This feature is an absolute must in modern offices where employees don't have the luxury of sitting at a desk all day. Call routing allows you to direct incoming calls to cell phones, specific extensions, or even home numbers to ensure customers and clients reach the right person at the right time.
4. Expect customizable communication options.
Important deals are brokered not only in your conference room, but also on golf courses, in restaurants, and at ballgames. As such, small business phone plans must allow you to fully customize calling options so that you can communicate in your own style. This means being able to have calls go right to your cell phone, desk, or any other extension without requiring the caller to take any extra steps. They simply call the same number as usual, and the system takes care of the rest.
5. Demand the ability to add/remove users.
This is another essential option to look for when you compare business phone systems. Almost every plan out there calculates charges based on the number of users, so having the ability to manage user lists on your own can help you save money by eliminating charges for numbers you no longer use.
Flexible small business phone plans that give you these features and capabilities can help you deal with customers more efficiently, make your staff more productive, and improve your bottom line. Selecting a good, affordable telephone plan is one decision smart managers won't hesitate to make.
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