As a receptionist, I've had the privilege of answering many a business phone call. If you own a company that is just starting out, it's a huge time-saver to have someone filtering calls for you. If you're wondering whether or not you should have a business phone system in place, you've come to the right place!
When you're just starting out, it is likely you're using your personal cell phone to keep in touch with your clients/customers. This is understandable and even acceptable for a time since setting everything in order takes time. But with the auto-dialers, after hours calls, etc., in the long-run, investing in a business phone system is going to be your best option.
Below, we'll go into more detail on the 3 main reasons we would highly encourage you to switch to a business phone. Of course there are more reasons than these listed, but this will give you a good perception of why this is the best course of action.
#1 Spam Calls/Auto Dialers are Mostly Blocked.
It happens to the best of us.
We're going about our work and before we know it, the phone has rung and we hear the voice on the other end telling about the best offer that apparently there ever was since the dawn of time.
Just like that, precious moments have been wasted. Not to mention the time it takes to get refocused because, wow, that cruise sounded like fun....Now, where were we?
The truth is, most of us don't have the time for those inconveniences.
Declining a call from an unknown number shouldn't be an option either because answering incoming calls is vital to your company's reputation of quality customer service. Plus, it isn't worth the risk losing a potential customer or client.
When you have a business phone system, whether you have a live receptionist who directs and filters the calls, or an automatic answering system where the customer selects a certain department (i.e. "For Customer Service, dial 3."), this will eliminate most of the auto-dialers and spam calls wanting to claim your telephone wires because an auto-dialer doesn't heed to the commands to select which department to speak to.
#2 You Can Turn Off Your Business Phone After Hours
While having your business phone be mobile is very convenient so that you can assist a customer away from your desk, it also can create some inconveniences as well.
For example, it you're working during the day, receiving phone calls is to be expected. But after you're home, there's a good chance you need a break from the day's events at work. But unless you silence your phone or keep it our of earshot, you'll probably hear it ringing and have a distracted family night.
"At work, you're making a living to support your family financially. At quitting time, you go home so your can support your family relationally."
Or if you live alone, you can go home and enjoy a nice evening without work distractions or to hang out with friends.
Having a business phone will help you a ton when it comes to freeing distractions after hours. The phones shut off at closing time and go directly to voicemail if someone calls in.
If you own a business, whether or not you have a business phone or use your cell phone, have some business hours posted onto your website as many websites do (if you have one). This will be a helpful reference to customers. It's also good to have your hours stated on your voicemail recording as well.
#3 Transferring Calls
One of the best reasons to have a business phone system is so you can easily transfer calls from one person to the next. This is true for the receptionist as well as the other employees who have their own phone/take phone calls.
Whenever there's more than one person in the workplace answering phone calls, something should be set up where you can transfer the call from your phone to another person's inside the company.
What if...You can have both with one system?!
Oh yes, there's a way!
We've covered the basics of why you need a business phone, and we've learned that using your mobile phone as your business phone isn't a good option long term. But what if you have to work from home or while on a business trip? Surely there are options if you need to work from elsewhere, right?
Of course! And that's why we're pleased to tell you that this is more than a possibility. It's a reality!
Below, Jonas Troyer, Owner and CEO of Troyer Websites shares his thoughts on why you should not use your mobile device as a business phone long term and the benefits of the system we're using!
Here at Troyer Websites, a few different systems have been used over the years. Right now we use one where you can download an app on your mobile device that will connect with your business phone. With it, you're enabled to answer phone calls directly from your cell phone or desktop. You can also switch to one or the other while on the phone with the client or customer. You can even text from your business phone number!
In conclusion...
If you're looking for a phone system that works well for your business and you'd like to speak to someone about which business phone system would be the best option, you may reach out to Troyer Websites to get some advice on the matter. We'd love to help!
No matter what business phone system you use, remember to get the most out of a great business phone system, customer service is key! The golden Rule will do wonders when it comes to relating with the people we come in contact with.
Best wishes with finding a business phone that works for you! Cheers!
