By Stephanie Elman
Good communication is critical for small businesses that want to stay competitive in today's fast-paced world. Even if a company has an official website, some customers prefer to call and talk to someone in order to get the information they need. Small business phone systems play an important role in maintaining the link between quality customer service and customer satisfaction.
Another important factor that can make or break a company is image. A positive image can increase sales, boost employee morale, and send a company down the road to success. Convenient communication channels are part of that image, which is why many businesses provide a free business phone number for customers to use. A toll-free number gives customers peace of mind, knowing they can call from anywhere and at any time to get their problems solved.
When purchasing a calling plan for your office communication system, what should you look for? With so many options and features available, it's hard to decide exactly what you need. In order to avoid some common mistakes in choosing the right plan, keep the following points in mind:
Compare business phone systems. Obviously, cost is a big issue for many smaller companies, so it's tempting to opt for the least expensive plan. But don't forget about other essential considerations like setup and ease of use. Does the plan include features you need, such as a free business phone number and unlimited minutes?Are there hidden costs in the fine print?A smart solution is to find a balance between price and features.
Convenience is key. Just as your customers can benefit from the convenience of having a free business phone number to call, saving your employees time during the workday can yield benefits in terms of productivity. Some high-end small business phone systems come with standard voicemail-to-text features, allowing your employees to read messages via email rather than listening to them over the phone.
Call routing. If there's one thing that can really frustrate a customer, it's first getting routed to a message center,and then waiting days on end for a return call. Many service plans for small business phone systems offer intelligent call routing that can distribute calls outside the office network as well as inside. Your staff will never miss important calls or leads with intelligent routing.
Make a good first impression.The first response you offer via telephone may become the defining image of your company in customers' minds. If your communication system features an automated attendant with an exceptionally pleasant and professional voice, your customers are more likely to feel they are in good hands. A service package that includes auto attendant functions with easy message recording options is a must for today's businesses. Auto-Attendants can also expedite the process of talking to a human being and improve the customer experience.
Think long term. Flexibility is vital for businesses, especially expanding ones. As your company grows, a service plan that can adapt to your changing needs is crucial. Many plans tie you into a long-term contract that doesn't evolve along with your company. Be sure to hunt for a plan that will offer you the freedom to add features and users you might need at some point in the future.
Smart owners can't afford to cut corners when it comes to their small business phone systems. Although cost savings is a factor when making purchasing decisions, simplicity, quality, productivity and flexibility are just as important and contribute to both employee and customer satisfaction.When you choose the right communication system, you're taking the first step towards success.
Stephanie Elman is a writer for Phonebooth, providers of high quality small business phone systems. She explains how this service comes with a free business phone number, along with several other benefits.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephanie_Elman/971536
Good communication is critical for small businesses that want to stay competitive in today's fast-paced world. Even if a company has an official website, some customers prefer to call and talk to someone in order to get the information they need. Small business phone systems play an important role in maintaining the link between quality customer service and customer satisfaction.
Another important factor that can make or break a company is image. A positive image can increase sales, boost employee morale, and send a company down the road to success. Convenient communication channels are part of that image, which is why many businesses provide a free business phone number for customers to use. A toll-free number gives customers peace of mind, knowing they can call from anywhere and at any time to get their problems solved.
When purchasing a calling plan for your office communication system, what should you look for? With so many options and features available, it's hard to decide exactly what you need. In order to avoid some common mistakes in choosing the right plan, keep the following points in mind:
Compare business phone systems. Obviously, cost is a big issue for many smaller companies, so it's tempting to opt for the least expensive plan. But don't forget about other essential considerations like setup and ease of use. Does the plan include features you need, such as a free business phone number and unlimited minutes?Are there hidden costs in the fine print?A smart solution is to find a balance between price and features.
Convenience is key. Just as your customers can benefit from the convenience of having a free business phone number to call, saving your employees time during the workday can yield benefits in terms of productivity. Some high-end small business phone systems come with standard voicemail-to-text features, allowing your employees to read messages via email rather than listening to them over the phone.
Call routing. If there's one thing that can really frustrate a customer, it's first getting routed to a message center,and then waiting days on end for a return call. Many service plans for small business phone systems offer intelligent call routing that can distribute calls outside the office network as well as inside. Your staff will never miss important calls or leads with intelligent routing.
Make a good first impression.The first response you offer via telephone may become the defining image of your company in customers' minds. If your communication system features an automated attendant with an exceptionally pleasant and professional voice, your customers are more likely to feel they are in good hands. A service package that includes auto attendant functions with easy message recording options is a must for today's businesses. Auto-Attendants can also expedite the process of talking to a human being and improve the customer experience.
Think long term. Flexibility is vital for businesses, especially expanding ones. As your company grows, a service plan that can adapt to your changing needs is crucial. Many plans tie you into a long-term contract that doesn't evolve along with your company. Be sure to hunt for a plan that will offer you the freedom to add features and users you might need at some point in the future.
Smart owners can't afford to cut corners when it comes to their small business phone systems. Although cost savings is a factor when making purchasing decisions, simplicity, quality, productivity and flexibility are just as important and contribute to both employee and customer satisfaction.When you choose the right communication system, you're taking the first step towards success.
Stephanie Elman is a writer for Phonebooth, providers of high quality small business phone systems. She explains how this service comes with a free business phone number, along with several other benefits.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephanie_Elman/971536