The importance of phone systems for small business success

Phone systems are such an integral part of modern life that we often take them for granted. However, why are phone systems so important and why do small businesses need them to survive?

Reachability

Every small business needs to have a channel of communication with which prospective and current clients or customers can connect with them. The emergence of the internet has opened up new channels of communication, such as email, Skype/Facetime calls and more. However, there are still many people who do not have an internet connection and rely on small businesses having phone numbers so that they can contact them. There are also people who would rather talk over the phone than send an impersonal email or conduct a revealing and intrusive video conference.

Ease of Use

Not every person has a data plan on their mobile enabling them to send an email on the go. Phoning a business using a phone system is quick and easy and requires minimum effort. Small businesses are even reachable on the go because they can be contacted easily using a mobile phone and ensuring the maximum convenience to customers, clients and suppliers. Small businesses can be contacted instantly and any questions can be addressed with immediacy. This contrasts to other forms of contact such as using emails where there may be hours between each response. Video conferences require people to be presentable and willing to sit down and engage with the screen for a required amount of time. A phone system provides greater user autonomy for small companies.

Calling Features

There are many useful features on PSTN, ISDN and VoIP telephone systems. For example, even a basic PSTN or analogue phone provides caller display, call diversion, call waiting and three -way calling options for small businesses. These features help to maintain good customer service by providing the customer with a seamless response, low waiting times and being diverted to a specialist who can help them further. The ISDN telephone system provides these features and more, such as call barring, call forwarding and individual staff DDI numbers. The VoIP telephone system is renowned for its advanced features which even integrates with internet services to allow the transmission of data file transfers and video conferences while talking. These features help small businesses run effectively as well as providing opportunities for growth.

Phone systems are vital to the majority of small companies who rely on them to be able to function. The cost of running a phone system is relatively low regarding the benefits that this brings. PBX phone systems are considered more reliable because they are not depending on a stable internet connection. They can also work despite a power outage which causes VoIP phone systems to become redundant. However, VoIP telephone systems have low set up costs and facilitate inexpensive local, national and international calls. VoIP is also available as a hosted service with cloud phone systems. This can be particularly beneficial for small businesses, because they benefit from advanced features and inclusive maintenance and support, all for a fixed monthly fee that is charged per user. It’s really a matter of what option will best suit your business. Making the right choice can significantly influence the success of your business.

To find the ideal phone systems for small business across the West Midlands area, get in touch with Midland Networks today.