No matter what product or service you offer, you'll find it difficult to meet your target metrics if you can't communicate with your clients and teams efficiently. This can easily derail your performance and lead to extended downtime. There's also something to be said about how this scenario impacts employee morale.
Leveraging a cloud-based business phone system is far more efficient than conventional options, but not everyone understands how to utilize this technology. We've written a brief guide with the key information you need to know about the benefits of VoIP before moving forward. Let's explore what you should keep in mind.
Affordability
This is one of the most notable attributes to keep in mind. Installing conventional phone systems is expensive and time-consuming, and it prevents you from investing money in other areas of your company.
In contrast, VoIP for business is far more cost-effective. A professional can streamline setup for your company and help you get up and running as soon as possible.
Scalability
As your company increases in size, its IT needs will grow proportionally. VoIP systems are renowned for their scalability, allowing you to tap into additional resources when necessary. This could mean the difference between whether you're able to maintain or grow your operations.
Flexibility
Conventional phone systems are rigid in comparison to VoIP technology. Adding new lines or reconfiguring existing ones is a complicated process. VoIP systems can handle these scenarios in minutes, resulting in little to no downtime when changes are required.
Having this level of flexibility can make major changes much less stressful. It's also easier to train your employees on new systems and practices.
Improved Productivity
There's something to be said about the substantial increase in productivity that comes with VoIP phone systems. The easier it is for your teams to communicate with each other and clients, the more you can boost your revenue.
This helps them handle customer needs and share important information internally. Many companies experience a substantial increase in productivity once they switch to a VoIP system.
Call Quality
Consider the last time you contacted a business and had difficulty hearing their sales or support team. Chances are you became frustrated and eventually chose a competitor.
This same scenario could happen to your company if you don't take the right steps. Using a VoIP phone system provides unparalleled call quality. Not only does this prevent miscommunication, but it also increases customer satisfaction by a large margin.
Hosting Conference Calls
One of the major disadvantages of working with conventional phone systems is hosting conference calls. These require a substantial amount of resources to facilitate, and it's something that many businesses struggle with. When using VoIP phone systems, hosting a conference call is a seamless experience.
You'll have no trouble maintaining call stability and clarity. Even a single interruption can cause an important business meeting to go awry. Keep this in mind when moving forward so you can take advantage of extra call stability.
Improved Security
Hackers are constantly looking for ways to compromise sensitive information. This is one of the many reasons the cybercrime industry is projected to cost the world over $10 trillion by the end of 2025. Using a VoIP system boasts improved security measures that help keep your sensitive information safe.
VoIP software is also easily updated, allowing you to defend against emerging threats. For example, hackers could exploit vulnerabilities in outdated VoIP software that allows them to listen in on key conversations.
It wouldn't be impossible for them to compromise your intellectual property and extort your business. A single data breach can irreparably damage your company's reputation, as well.
If your audience feels their data isn't protected at your organization, they'll work with another instead. This can cause a substantial loss in revenue that's difficult for your company to recover from.
Customer Support
No matter how well you prepare, there's a chance you'll encounter issues you can't overcome on your own. Dealing with these can be frustrating, and they often lead to extended downtime.
The last thing you want is to negatively impact your company's reputation. Working with a reputable professional provides access to comprehensive support.
It's not uncommon for companies to offer 24/7 customer service, as well. This is often in the form of chatbots or outsourced employees.
Finding a VoIP Provider
It's essential to check their reputation online to see what other people have to say before moving forward. This will offer valuable insight into what you can expect.
Pay attention to how they respond to negative feedback when making your assessment. It's best to avoid companies that get defensive or aggressive. It's also important to keep an eye out for fake reviews.
These are often posted in batches and contain many of the same keywords. Have they worked with plenty of clients like you in the past? If they don't understand your company's nuances, they'll have a difficult time helping you reach your goals.
Ideally, you'll work with someone who's been in the industry for at least a decade. Look into their pricing structure before making your decision, as well.
They should offer tiered pricing options that help you get the most out of what you spend. Ask if their plans are scalable, as well.
This allows you to accommodate busy seasons and avoid overspending when business is slow. With enough due diligence, you shouldn't have a problem finding the right choice for your situation.
Don't Overlook the Benefits of VoIP
When used correctly, the benefits of VoIP can help take your company's performance to the next level. The information in this guide will help ensure you get started on the right track and make the best decision for your situation.
Inline Networks offers comprehensive managed IT services to our clients. We've served businesses like yours for nearly 20 years, and we utilize contemporary technology to provide competitive results.
No matter the complexity of your project, we're here to help you find a solution. You'll learn more about how we can help when you schedule a call with us today.