How to Choose a Business Telephone Provider

How to Choose a Business Telephone Provider

Starting a business is a daunting task that will require a lot of time and effort. One decision that's just as important as the rest is choosing a telephone provider. Why is a telephone so important? Despite the reliance on e-mail, the phone is a crucial part of your business, allowing you to get in touch with clients and other businesses. If your telephone provider doesn't "provide," it's hard to do business.You first have to evaluate the size of your business and your needs. Are you the only employee working from home? If your business is only comprised of 2-3 people, you really won't have a use for an internet telephone or hosted PBX. However, once your company starts to expand, you will need to look into more sophisticated systems. Some questions you need to ask yourself are, "Do I need individual extensions with voicemail for each person?" "Do I want calls routed to people in remote locations?" Even the most basic small business providers can offer these features, plus many more. Once you have the basics covered, you need to decide if you want a few extras. Although they might cost a bit more money, they can give your business an advantage. Auto-attendant is a popular feature for most companies. This feature means an employee doesn't have to worry about answering the phone each time it rings. The calls can also be properly directed to the right person. I can't imagine a business without a conference feature. At some point in time, you'll need to talk to multiple people at once. Although not always necessary, call hunt is another helpful feature. Instead of the phone going directly to voicemail, it will be forwarded to another employee.The most important, and toughest, decision to make is what type of phone you want. Should you look for a VoIP provider or a hosted PBX system? VoIP is the ideal choice for small businesses. It's incredibly easy to setup and doesn't require a lot of equipment. Ensure that you have enough computer network bandwith so that you get the highest quality phone calls. Medium to large businesses can benefit more from a PBX phone. These systems are often much more sophisticated. There are several types of PBX phones, so do your research to find which is best for your company.Once you know the type of phone you need and the features you would like, begin to research several different telephone providers. Shop around for the best prices. The ideal company will offer you several beneficial features at no extra cost. It's also important to find a provider that will allow you to expand your phone system as your company grows. Lastly, find out if the telephone provider has a good reputation. Excellent customer service skills are key. You want to know that if a problem does arise, it will be solved quickly and efficiently. In today's world, communication is everything. Is your company prepared to answer the call?

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