A small business has the advantage of being able to pivot when it’s time to make changes. A large enterprise-sized company takes longer to respond to new trends.
Nowhere is this more evident than when a small business decides to go from a traditional PBX-hosted landline phone system in favor of an Internet-hosted VoIP system. Small- and medium-sized businesses can adapt quickly and get up and running much faster.
So why would a small business decide to upgrade its phone system to VoIP? Here is a list of reasons for nearly any business to make the switch to VoIP.
How Does A Small Business Benefit From VoIP?
You might think that the increased functionality and savings are only for enterprise businesses. But, when you visit a larger company, such as a bank, a big-box store, or a professional services company, look at the phones their employees use. If you see phones from Cisco, Poly, Yealink, or other VoIP brands, they’ve already made the switch. Your small business can take advantage of the multiple features and save money right away just like these enterprise businesses have and it will be even easier.
But the truth is, small businesses can enjoy the same benefits.
Today’s much faster Internet connections mean that call quality is infinitely better than in previous years. So not only is moving away from a legacy analog PBX system a step in the right direction, but it’s also a competitive advantage.
Increased security, scalability, and portability are just some of VoIP’s benefits for small businesses. Someone out of the office? Transfer those calls to their cell phone or a different team member. VoIP also eliminates the annoying “phone tag” when a customer can’t reach that team member. Someone else can help them quickly and easily, often without waiting for a callback.
Cost Savings
Cost savings come in many forms because of the nature of VoIP and are one of the best advantages. Installation and operation are considerably less expensive since there is less work involved. And even a sole proprietorship can look like a larger company with various departments.
Many small businesses don’t have the budget to have a full-time person answering calls. An auto-attendant ensures that calls get answers no matter who’s in the office, at a fraction of the cost of hiring someone.
The cost of making phone calls is dramatically lower. VoIP eliminates “Long distance” charges. Team members can call anywhere in the US and Canada at no extra charge. International calling also costs less.
Scalability
A PBX system requires not only the phones but hardwiring. For a small business, this can be a considerable expense. Adding a new phone line or extension can be expensive since it is labor-intensive to add the line and then the phone.
VoIP service requires a new handset and a new phone number. Because everything runs over the Internet connection, there is no hardwiring or actual labor involved. To add another phone line, the host accesses the interface and sets it up. No service call, no copper wiring, repair or maintenance, or other recurrent costs. You can add as few or as many as you need.
For temporary seasonal teammates, or if your business hires more people, it’s simple to add the phone lines you need. When the temporary need is over, such as after the holidays, it’s easy to turn those phone numbers off.
Mobility And Virtual Working
The pandemic forced many companies to quickly adapt to the virtual workforce. VoIP is an ideal solution for companies that need to set up teams remotely.
Even with VoIP, many companies still have desk phones for their employees. VoIP systems also enable teams to work remotely. Using a smartphone mobile app, or a desktop softphone app coupled with a headset mic, teammates can stay in touch with customers and each other wherever “the office” resides. With just one number, you can answer your “office number” from anywhere You have an Internet connection.
VoIP also integrates well with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoho CRM, and other collaboration tools. Team members who work partly or completely remotely can keep in touch. They can also confer with customers and clients anywhere, cutting or eliminating company travel expenses.
Advanced Features
One of the biggest advantages of VoIP over landlines is the number of features that come with VoIP that are either not available or cost extra when you have landline service.
- Call waiting
- Call recording
- Call forwarding
- Virtual receptionist
- Three-way calling
- Call conferencing
- Fax and voicemail to email
- Call routing
- Call screening
- Voicemail to Text Transcription
Features like these mean your company will never miss a call. Whether you’re in the office, at home, or traveling somewhere, a VoIP call system keeps you connected.
These VoIP standard features mean your company can also offer better customer service. You can also use VoIP’s exclusive features for marketing your business. Use them to provide flawless customer service and work to build your company’s brand image. Advanced VoIP features also give customers a better impression of your company.
VoIP’s enormous communication benefits can contribute to a companies increase in productivity and efficiency.
What About Disadvantages?
Because VIP runs on your Internet service, you need a stable Internet connection. That means that if your Internet goes down, your phone may not work. However, most providers offer a service that re-routes calls during a power outage. Call re-routing is one of Press 8’s standard VoIP features.
Calling 911 can be an issue since phones are not attached to a specific location. However, many providers also offer enhanced 911 service so that a caller does not have to confirm their location when calling. Enhanced 911 is also one of Press8 Telecom’s standard features.
Small businesses in rural areas that do not have good Internet connections may not benefit from VoIP services for their telecommunications. Check your Internet connection to make sure that it can support VoIP services if you decide to change.
How Can VoIP Benefit Your Small Business?
Upgrading to a VoIP system has a range of benefits for small businesses.
Secure calls, high quality, and lower cost for their monthly phone bill. A VoIP system costs less than a traditional phone service and saves your small business money every month on communications costs.
Contact Press8 Telecom today to discuss upgrading your small business phone system to a new, flexible VoIP system for less money than a traditional hosted PBX system. We’ll give you a free quote on the system that works for your company.
