The “best” phone system for a small business can vary depending on your specific needs and budget. However, implementing a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system still remains a popular choice due to its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and feature-rich options. Below, we outline the steps to choose a VoIP provider for your business.
Leveraging VoIP Technology
VoIP is a technology that allows you to make voice calls over the internet, instead of through a traditional phone line. They provide crystal-clear voice quality, integration with other business systems as well as the ability to operate and work remotely. VoIP services can be used on various devices and often include features like voicemail, call forwarding and video conferencing. It’s crucial to consider your business requirements and compare solution providers’ offerings, pricing and customer service before making an investment. The following are some considerations that can help, before choosing and implementing your VoIP phone system.
Identify your business needs
First, you’ll need to determine the number of lines your business needs, such as the number of concurrent calls you expect your business to handle. Also, consider features like voicemail, call-forwarding, video-conferencing, auto-attendant etc., that significantly improve productivity. Lastly, decide on whether you’d like a virtual or on-premise (physically located at your place of business) solution.
Choosing a Service Provider
Looking for a reputable solutions provider can feel overwhelming. Start by asking for customer references for businesses that are like yours in both industry and size, which can help narrow your options. Consider the features you need at a price point that fits your budget and remember to include factors like reliability, scalability and customer service.
Setting Up Your VoIP System
This involves a clear understanding of your business requirements and objectives. Discuss your overall system requirements with your solutions provider to determine the best approach in configuring and installing hardware (like VoIP phones) and software to make this process smooth as possible. If you don’t have an IT team, it might be beneficial to hire a professional to help with this process, if you’re not tech-savvy.
Monitor and Make Adjustments
Regularly review your VoIP phone system’s performance and adjust as necessary. This could involve adding or removing lines, changing features, or optimizing settings for better call quality.
Remember, the specifics can vary depending on the solutions provider you work with and the system you choose. With careful planning and setup, a VoIP phone system can be a powerful communications and productivity tool for your small business.
