Like many other small businesses in our Computer Services Unlimited service area around Fairfax, Virginia, your organization has probably been working remotely for weeks or months now. And, you likely have exposed some technology pain points in your organization during this unprecedented time.
Is an aging business phone system among those pain points?
If you are not yet using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone solution, we predict that your answer is a resounding, “YES.” Older-style traditional public switched telephone networks (PSTN), aka analog landlines, are extremely limited in their ability to support a remote workforce.
But, did you know this outdated technology is also likely costing you more every month than upgrading to a modern VoIP solution would?
Today’s blog post offers three of the most significant ways VoIP can save you money—especially when you work with a capable small business VoIP service provider like CSU for integration and management of your phone system.
1. Customizable Features and Options—Pay Only For What You Need!
When you’re shopping for a new VoIP phone system, you need to be sure that the calling features you currently have and rely on today—like call forwarding—are included. (As we discuss in our comprehensive downloadable VoIP guide, Not All VoIP Systems Are Created Equal, some systems do not automatically include surprisingly basic functionality. Always ask for a product demonstration from any VoIP salesperson you’re talking with.)
However, once you have established that you are keeping your current features, you can typically gain additional capability without paying more. Whether you’re running a call center operation and doing a lot of customer support work over the phone, or your small business doesn’t field many phone calls at all, VoIP is easily expandable and flexible to meet your needs.
What are some of the top VoIP features/options to look for?
While your business is unique and will benefit from talking over VoIP system customization options with a knowledgeable VoIP service provider, these are some of the options most small businesses find useful.
- Automated voicemail to email or text message transcribing
- Auto-attendant/programmable company directory
- Simple teleconferencing
- User grouping and management
- “Follow Me” call routing
- Calling service that remains online even if your Internet service is out
2. Accommodate a Remote Work Force That Saves on Facility Costs
As many of us have experienced during the recent COVID-19 situation, a remote workforce tends to save at least some money on utility costs within our physical locations. Energy use naturally falls when people are not in your buildings using office machines, lighting, or even heating their lunches in the microwave.
Now, if it works for the nature of your business, you may be considering allowing some of your employees to go fully remote in the future. You may have to beef up your tech resources—with things like cloud computing support and more robust network security—to better accommodate these off-site workers. Still, you’ll almost certainly save money on facility costs in the long run.
VoIP solutions are designed specifically with remote workers in mind. That “Follow Me” (sometimes also called “Find Me”) call routing we mentioned above is just one of the features that helps your workers “cut the cord” with their physical desk phone.
With this VoIP feature, individual users can create rules in which different physical phones ring before a call is sent to voicemail. For instance, your employee might have their office desk phone ring three times and then get pushed over to their cell phone to ring another set number of times before going to voicemail. Or they may have their office phone ring their cell phone right away.
3. Flat Rate Monthly Fees for VoIP Services
One of the best ways you can save money with VoIP phone solutions comes with trusting your VoIP services to an experienced technology partner. You’re probably wondering how paying someone else to handle your phones actually saves money, but hear us out.
We offer communication solutions with our small business VoIP phone system that can help your business grow. As with all of our Managed IT Services offerings, we aim to rid your business of system downtime, poorly functioning equipment, or missed calls that slow down your business and end up costing you. Our ongoing support after a seamless VoIP installation process makes this possible.
Best of all? We always work with you on pricing to fit your budget and charge a flat monthly fee, no matter how much support you need.
Ready to Explore Your VoIP Options? CSU is Here to Guide You
As we’ve highlighted here today, VoIP phone solutions have the potential to save your company a lot of money on a regular basis. However, there are many choices to make as you weigh systems, options, and your business’s actual phone service needs.
We invite you to download our free guide to choosing the right VoIP system for your business, if you haven’t already done so. Among other crucial advice, you will learn more about the four different methods for getting calls routed over the Internet via VoIP and why only ONE of those methods delivers the call quality and reliability you want for your business.
Here at Computer Services Unlimited, we are dedicated to helping your business succeed by providing customized access to the most innovative technology solutions available, including VoIP phone service.
As a small business ourselves, we also understand that innovation doesn’t mean much if it’s not also budget-friendly and guaranteed to ease your technology pains. That’s why we guarantee our VoIP system will deliver high-definition sound quality and call dependability, or we’ll refund 100% of your money. Get in touch with us today to learn more and schedule your FREE 30-minute network audit.