| p>If you're setting up a business phone system, you've | | | | callers over the phone would probably prefer VoIP |
| probably already realized one thing -- your business | | | | service with hold music and queued calling. |
| network will have very little in common with the | | | | 3. Count to (and on) 800. |
| system you use at home. In other words, you're not in | | | | Investing in a VoIP hosted phone system is the perfect |
| Kansas anymore. Feeling lost? Not to worry. Our | | | | time to get your company set up with a business toll |
| handy checklist should give you an idea of what to | | | | free number. Even if all of your clients are local, a toll |
| look for in a business phone service: | | | | free number (beginning 1-800, -877, etc.) will increase |
| 1. Go VoIP (or go home) | | | | the credibility of your business. Believe it or not, toll free |
| Your standard phone system might work just fine at | | | | numbers have been shown to increase consumer |
| home, but for most businesses, investing in a VoIP | | | | confidence and, in some cases, even boost sales. Plus, |
| network is a wiser decision. Short for Voice-over IP, | | | | most VoIP providers offer vanity numbers as well, so |
| VoIP technology makes it possible to send and receive | | | | you can create a memorable number featuring your |
| phone calls over your office's high speed internet | | | | company's name. If you already have a business toll |
| connection -- you know, that thing you're already | | | | free number, be sure to find a VoIP provider that can |
| paying for. Plus, VoIP service allows for free | | | | transfer your number to your new account. |
| in-network calls, affordable long distance, and a variety | | | | 4. Plan for the future. |
| of other features. | | | | In business, anything can happen. In the next five years |
| 2. Speaking of features | | | | your business could double in size, or perhaps be |
| Features are an important part of any VoIP hosted | | | | reduced to a much smaller staff. To prepare for the |
| phone system, and they can help you tell a good deal | | | | unpredictable, choose a VoIP business phone system |
| from a great deal when you're shopping around for | | | | with a flexible plan that will accommodate your |
| providers. There are a few basic features that every | | | | changing needs. Even if your company winds up |
| company should offer -- conference calling, voicemail, | | | | opening a new branch on the other side of the |
| call screening, and call forwarding, to name a few. | | | | country, the right VoIP provider will be able to expand |
| After these basics, consider the needs of your specific | | | | your network to include both locations. |
| business. For example, a company with a large | | | | Follow these four tips, and you'll be well on your way |
| amount of international clients might require a plan with | | | | to investing in a business phone system that will allow |
| free long distance. Alternatively, a business that | | | | your company to prosper. |
| provides most of its customer service to domestic | | | | |