VoIP technology brings loads of power-packed features that any small business can benefit from. As per Kevin Werbach’s article “Using VoIP to Compete” published in the Harvard Business Review: “VoIP isn’t just a new technology for making old-fashioned calls cheaper… What makes it so potent is that it turns speech into digital data packets that can be stored, searched, manipulated, copied, combined with other data, and distributed to virtually any device that connects to the Internet.”
Now, if you’re a busy soul and have no time to read the full article, we can cut the story extremely short by stating that if your business has a phone, your business needs VoIP! Period!
Now, for the detail-mongers, let’s read further to gather more info regarding VoIP and its benefits for small businesses.
Advancement in Technology brings VoIP in Picture
With recent shifts in business methodologies, a significant rise in the popularity of cloud-based technologies was observed. Forbes stresses on the importance of digital and cloud-based technologies for small businesses or start-ups. One major reason could be cost-effectiveness that a number of companies are shunning the traditional phone system for VoIP phones. Internet solutions like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones are coming out be the future of business communications already.
For businesses, great communication is the key to success. VoIP phone system provides quick connectivity which is a business necessity for any organisation which has to manage multiple calls at the same time. We already know that VoIP employs software which records your voice, codes it into a digital signal, and sends it as a data packet via the internet within the blink of an eye. Studies suggest that one-third of all businesses are using VoIP phone systems, and most of them have 50 employees or less.
Here’s what you need to know about VoIP to decide if it’s right for your business. So, let’s turn to the advantages now.
Perks of VoIP for Small Businesses
Right since the inception of VoIP in 1995, it has been constantly climbing the ladder of popularity due to multiple reasons including lower costs, reliability, flexibility, customisation, virtual receptionists, voicemail-to-email, conference calling, call forwarding, call recording, on-hold music, instant messaging, missed alerts and what not! The benefits of VoIP are numerous.
Remote connectivity
VoIP acts like a life-saver to small businesses, start-ups, and employees who work remotely or in multiple locations. However, it’s the one-stop communication gateway for businesses of all sizes. VoIP phones allow employees to communicate from anywhere super conveniently. Majority of VoIP service providers give phone apps which alert the employees whenever a customer or client calls the business phone line. Also, letting them make outgoing calls from the business line via mobile phones.
Simple set-up
No need for businesses to install special equipment. With cloud-hosted VoIP phone solutions, small businesses don’t have to spend on equipment or professionals who are generally required to manage it.
Nothing costly
VoIP phone systems are extremely pocket-friendly, especially if you compare them with traditional phones. With that, businesses don’t even have to maintain separate networks for phones and data which save them extra money! Employees can carry on with limitless calls, all at relatively lower prices. The businesses can choose from a range of packages as per budget and business needs.
Regular updates
VoIP technology is continually evolving, with compelling new benefits being developed for small businesses. For example, some new wireless PDA/phone combination devices allow you to use your VoIP service whenever you’re near a Wi-Fi network and use your cell phone service when you’re not.
Multiple calls
VoIP allows multiple calls at one go, such as conference calls, group calls, etc. It makes it easy for remote employees to collaborate with each other and efficiently communicate with clients.
Extra useful features
Be ready to enjoy a plethora of amazing features and services with futuristic VoIP technology. The most useful of them all are: fax, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, call blocking, 411 directory, last number redial etc.
Portability
Take VoIP wherever you go! That’s right. As long as you have internet access, you are good to go. VoIP phones let you make and receive calls from multiple devices which may include your own smartphone from anywhere in the whole wide world.
Call recording
VoIP phone systems let you record important calls as and when required. Call recording feature makes sure you don’t end up missing any important message. Not only this, VoIP allows you to review call logs in order to determine the insights as to which is the most busy time of the day when clients call the most, how long are the calls and other relevant stats.
Quick accessibility
VoIP phones allow 24/7 connectivity to employees empowering them to access information easily and whenever they wish. This feature is also useful for customers as they can reach out to the support team in no time.
Automated assistance
Manage with VoIP automatic responses whenever your business phone lines are tackling traffic. Cater to frequently asked queries with ease even post working hours. Offer your clients the most seamless business experience by announcing opening and closing hours.
Enhanced team work
VoIP makes it easy for clients and businesses to connect with each other. Other than that, it allows the remote team and office employees to collaborate with each other effectively with video conferences and group meetings over a single network ultimately enhancing productivity.
Conclusion
Size of your business is not what you must worry about if you have decided to use VoIP. VoIP phone service is consumer friendly, not costly at all, and extremely scalable. You are definitely going to enjoy this sophisticated communication technology as it gives you the freedom of communicating from wherever you are, any time of the day, with no extra spending. VoIP phones shall significantly reduce your telecommunications costs while increasing productivity. However, before selecting any VoIP service provider it is imperative that you check the reviews in order to make the best decision.