It’s such an exciting time for businesses to focus on their customers and employees through new and innovative technology. Small business phone service possibilities have grown exponentially and pulled features that were traditionally available only to enterprise companies but now can be accessed by all. As technology and data connections have matured, the best business phone service offers cost savings and efficiency for small businesses, increasing functionality and complexity, which isn’t bad.
To top it off, the increased functionality isn’t confined to the national brands; every managed service provider (MSP) can take advantage. In this article, we’ll show you what a small business phone service can do and the benefits of working with a go-to local provider like Rhode Island Telephone.
Understanding Business Phone Services
What is a Business Phone Service?
A business phone service is a system that enables businesses to make and receive phone calls, often with advanced features such as call routing, voicemail, video conferencing, and business texting. Modern solutions such as VoIP services make obtaining a business phone line convenient and efficient. You have options, too, because business phone services can be premise or cloud-based, using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. So, to ensure your business stays connected and your customers are happy, a business phone service is a must-have!
Related content: How to Determine the Right Small Business Phone System for You
Signs You Need a New Business Phone System
Outdated Technology
Is your business still relying on traditional landlines and on-premises hardware? If so, it might be time for an upgrade. Outdated technology can drain your resources, leading to higher costs, reduced productivity, and limited scalability. Enter Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology—a modern alternative that transmits calls over the internet. With VoIP, you can enjoy cost-efficiency, scalability, and future-proofing. Imagine having features like call routing, forwarding, and unlimited calling while slashing your phone bills. It’s a win-win for your business!
Remote Work Requirements
The rise of remote work has changed how we do business, and your phone system should be able to keep up. Cloud-based phone systems are perfect for accommodating remote work, offering features like mobility, unified communications, video meetings, and even message and fax sending and receiving. This means your team can stay connected and productive no matter where they are. A cloud-based business phone system ensures seamless communication and collaboration, making remote work a breeze.
Why Local Matters for Small Business Phone Service
Small business phone service is more in-depth than signing up for a new cell phone plan. It can be just as easy, but the difference is the health and well-being of your business rely on the new phone service, so it needs to be rock solid and supported. With that in mind, a local business phone service provider with a presence in the community is perfect for your phone system needs.
Even with the amount of preparation and monitoring you have, unexpected things occur, and there will most likely be a time when having a technician come out to your location is needed. With a local provider, you’re talking about a same-day turnaround versus maybe sometime next week with a national provider. Additionally, there’s something to be said for regional phone and email support.
For any business, downtime can be avoided with 4G phone system backup because we’ve all been affected by road construction that takes out power or internet lines. Worry no more with a 4G backup! Knowing local issues and concerns can help ensure you’re set up with everything you need to succeed.
Features of Rhode Island Telephone’s Small Business Phone Services
Since the pandemic, most customers have gone with our cloud-based business phone systems, particularly those using VoIP technology, like Cloudworx. Your needs may differ and require an on-premise solution; we do that as well. With Cloudworx, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the breadth of functionality and support you’ll receive.
Advanced Phone Features
There’s much more to properly servicing your customers than answering calls; business phone solutions are the positive gateway to a better customer experience. Including desk phone support enhances the overall service usability by integrating traditional phone systems with modern communication tools. Here are some features to help you make the most of your calls:
- Call forwarding and call routing to make sure calls reach the right person or department.
- Voicemail and phone answering service to keep track of any missed calls and messages.
- Call recording and analytics to learn from your interactions and improve customer service.
- Web portal management that can easily scale up or down users at any time to fit the needs of your business.
Related content: Personalized VoIP Solutions for Enhanced Customer Experience
Mobility and Remote Work
You have to be prepared for the unexpected; a system like Cloudworx will have you covered. The New England winters are no joke, and you can protect your business and the safety of your employees with mobility and remote work options. Even if remote work isn’t a part of your daily operation, when an arctic blast makes driving dangerous, everyone can still get work completed with remote and mobile capabilities. A mobile app helps businesses stay connected and operational globally by managing communications and calls seamlessly. Along those lines, you can add a business phone solution to your business continuity plans.
Unified Communications
You can take your productivity and efficiency to the next level with unified communications (UC) that enhance business communication. The business advantage of implementing simplified workflows and properly documenting customer interactions is a powerful addition to your business. According to a study in Harvard Business Review, the average user toggles between different apps and websites at least 1,200 times a day. To help with employee efficiency, here are some supportive features you can expect when implementing UC:
- Seamless integration with other business apps like CRM and email.
- Video conferencing and screen sharing for remote meetings and teamwork.
- Unified messaging and presence for easy communication across all channels.
- Collaboration tools like team chat and file sharing boost productivity and teamwork.
Business Texting
Business texting is all about taking advantage of cloud-based tech and lets you send messages from a business phone number to any mobile device. Business phone numbers are crucial for reliable customer service and support, enhancing communication and operational efficiency, all while maintaining the privacy of employees’ personal contact information. Customers have embraced the freedom of texting businesses as they need. According to a recent G2 report, 91 percent of customers express a desire to receive text messages from businesses. This way, you can chat with your team and customers simultaneously.
4G Phone System Backup
Internet outages can be a real pain, but don’t let them stop you from running your business! With a 4G phone system backup, you can stay connected and keep doing business even when your internet connection goes down. Small businesses can add multiple business phone lines to accommodate growth and ensure their communication system evolves alongside their operations. Our cellular backup system automatically activates and reconnects your devices, ensuring your operations run smoothly. No more productivity losses due to unreliable internet.
Benefits of a Cloud-Based Business Phone System
Increased Productivity
A cloud-based business phone system can be a game-changer for your productivity. With features like call routing, forwarding, and unlimited calling, you can streamline your business communications and ensure that calls reach the right person or department. But that’s not all—cloud-based systems offer advanced features like video conferencing, phone answering service, and call recording. These tools can help you manage your calls more effectively, improve customer service, and keep track of important interactions. Plus, cloud-based systems are highly scalable, allowing you to easily add or remove users as your business grows or changes. It’s all about making your business communications more efficient and effective.
Choose a Local Business Phone Service from Rhode Island Telephone; Your Business Will Thank You
A modern business phone service is essential for effective business communications and customer service. It’s crucial to understand that going local doesn’t mean you lose out on features, either. That’s far from the truth; you’ll have parity with national brands, with the bonus of local support and management making this business relationship even sweeter.
Contact Rhode Island Telephone today to learn how our tailored small business phone services can help your New England-based business!
