The average American worker is only productive for about three hours per day.
We know that’s a number that you don’t like to hear — especially if you’re a small business owner.
One of the main reasons for this lack of productivity? Poor office communication, having to sit around to wait for phone calls to come in, or even crossed wires due to missed messages.
A VoIP phone system can help to change all of that.
But what is VoIP, and why do you need it? And how can it help you to ?
Keep on reading this post to find out.
What Is VoIP?
Before we get into anything else, let’s first make sure you’re clear on exactly what VoIP is, and how it’s different from a traditional phone system.
VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol.”
This means that, as opposed to over a standard phone line, you’re actually making calls over the Internet. This kind of a phone system actually converts your calls into digital communication. It sends the sounds over the Internet to your phone receiver.
Essentially, it works in much the same way an analog phone system does — except that you’re making and receiving calls online.
You can have as many phone lines as you’d like, and it’s a portable option that you can take anywhere with you.
You can also make VoIP calls on a variety of different digital devices. In other words? You’re no longer limited to just picking up the phone.
You can make calls over your computer, from your personal cellphone, from your tablet, or anything else that’s able to get an Internet connection.
So, aside from the convenience, what are the other reasons you should consider making the switch to VoIP?
The Benefits of VoIP
Now that you have a better understanding of what voice over IP actually is, let’s talk about how you can use it to benefit your company.
The biggest benefit is certainly the fact that it’s an excellent way to lower your overall operating cost. This is especially true for companies that make lots of long distance and even international business calls.
Because the calls are made over the Internet and not through a traditional phone line, you’ll pay the same rate no matter who you’re calling or where they’re located.
Additionally, voice over Internet Protocol systems also offers you greater flexibility. No one enjoys being chained to their desk all day, waiting for that all-important phone call to come in.
After all, 11 million Americans say that they work close to 60 hours a week already. When you use VoIP services, you can make and take calls anywhere there’s an Internet connection.
This also means you’ll be available to your clients on their schedule — not just between the hours of nine and five.
Plus, many VoIP phones offer features like call forwarding, call waiting, and even voicemail transcription services. This makes it much easier for you to keep track of who you need to follow up with, what was discussed, and much more.
In some cases, your phone system can even help you to track productivity in your office. You’ll be able to see who was on the phone, the number of calls they made, the length of these calls, and much more.
This way, you can identify your top talent. You can also figure out where things are going wrong within your company.
Other VoIP Features to Lookout For
When you’re in the market for the top VoIP phone, call waiting is just one of the many features you should be on the lookout for.
Today’s VoIP phone systems come loaded with a variety of attractive features designed to make your life even easier.
Look for an Internet phone service provider that also offers video conferencing abilities. This way, you can see clients face-to-face — without ever having to leave your office.
Additionally, lots of VoIP phones have features that set up conference calls and send out reminders to participants. This saves you tons of time — and ensures that everyone is on the same page about .
Furthermore, lots of VoIP systems offer call recording. Especially if you’re in the midst of a meeting with high-profile clients or executives, it can be tough to remember everything you discussed.
Call recording makes it much easier. It also helps to increase accountability at your company.
You can even choose your own virtual number. This helps to better protect your privacy, and make even make it easier for your clients and leads to contact you.
Finally, look for a system that offers a customizable reception console. This isn’t just about saving your company money by preventing the need to hire an in-person receptionist.
It also helps to streamline your business, prioritize your calls and clients, and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Are You Ready to Switch to a VoIP Phone?
We hope that this post has helped you to learn more about not only what a VoIP phone system does, but also how it can help to make things easier when it comes to office communication.
Remember to ask a specific VoIP provider about the additional features they have to offer. Also, follow up on the kind of support they provide if something goes wrong.
Want more advice about how to improve communication between yourself, your clients, and your employees? Need to understand how you can get more out of every day?
Want to create a more ?
Keep checking back with us to learn more about how to make your business the best it can be.
