3 Ways a Virtual Telephone Helps a Business Grow

Launching one’s own business isn’t easy. It requires a lot of sacrifice, constant work, and relentless effort. Not just anyone can be an entrepreneur. One who succeeds must have put in hard work and have managed multiple responsibilities simultaneously. When a start-up is just about to take-off or even when you are operating a business successfully an entrepreneur needs to devote some time for networking, pitching to potential clients or for polishing his presentations. But these cannot be done at the expense of compromising business communication. Thanks to a virtual telephone an entrepreneur  can remain connected with clients, vendors and partners even when he is not able to answer their calls immediately all the time.

Puts an Entrepreneur in a Commanding Position

A virtual telephone puts a business in a commanding position. Rather than relying on the cell phone for all business communication, entrepreneurs can now use a fully fledged virtual PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system for their business, which streamlines their communication system. Entrepreneurs can also use a toll free number as his business number to project a professional and credible image. Moreover, features of a virtual phone including call forwarding, voicemail box and virtual fax help to build an image of professionalism and credibility.

Keeps an Entrepreneur Connected - Always

Another perk for using a virtual telephone is that it gives businesses mobility. A business is no longer strictly limited within the office.  An entrepreneur can actually carry his office with him. This is especially important for a busy entrepreneur who is always on the go. A virtual phone makes him more confident and allows him to answer calls and faxes even when he is traveling. The advanced call forwarding feature of a virtual phone system allows you to forward calls to cell phone, home phone and office phone. He can also use call screen and announce before he answers a call. Call screen helps him to differentiate important calls from those that are not so important.

If an entrepreneur finds a call to be really important he can answer it instantly else he can forward it to the voicemail box to answer the call at his convenience. A virtual telephone immediate notifies him of a voicemail either through an email or by sending text to his cell phone thereby minimizing chances of missed calls and hence missed business opportunities.

Provides Highly Scalable Solutions

Service providers offer multiple flexible plans to cater to the needs of every entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs are not required to sign any contract for using this phone service. Moreover, they can also enjoy a free trial. A virtual telephone is highly scalable. It actually grows with a business. So an entrepreneur can start with the basic plan and change to other advanced plans once his business starts growing and so are his needs. The scalability of virtual phones is another important feature that makes it just perfect for a small business. From small businesses, start-up companies, home based businesses to big corporations – this phone system is relevant for all.

Analyzing a Virtual Telephone

A telephone system has always been at the center of a company’s communication system. Businesses now have the luxury of choosing from a wider range of phone systems but there was a time when businesses hardly have any choice, other than the age old PBX system. Since today is an age of choice and alternatives, it is important that you choose the best telephone system for your business - a phone system that is reliable and yet not expensive.  Businesses must also ensure that they are able to be contacted at all times. A virtual telephone perfectly meets all the needs. It is not expensive, it is reliable and dedicated to keeping you in contact with customers without interfering with your busy schedule.

Works Seamlessly without Human Intervention

A virtual telephone is in reality nothing but a virtual PBX that has all the features of an advanced phone system with a few extras. You can use a virtual phone number, which again allows you to create extensions for every employee or department. When a customer calls your virtual phone, he is automatically answered by the auto attendant, who then forwards the call to the respective department or employee.  It works seamlessly after business hours and during weekends. You can edit the message of an auto attendant so that it perfectly greets callers after business hours or on weekends.

Economically Better than a PBX

Economically, a virtual telephone is a better option than a PBX. It does not need any expensive hardware, software or installation. It also does not need a separate telephone line. It can work with any of your phones. It can be used with a standard landline at home or office, or with a normal cell phone connection. It allows employees to go mobile and yet be contacted in the most professional way. It also allows users to screen a call before answering it. Calls can be forwarded directly to the voicemail box, if you do not want to answer them right away. Many businesses prefer to answer business calls using a virtual phone because it allows answering calls in the most professional way. It also helps businesses create an illusion of being a big company.

Allows Using Online Fax

The advantages of using a virtual telephone are not limited to this. It also allows you to do other important business work seamlessly while you are away from the office or on the go, for example, using online fax. An online fax, also known as virtual fax, allows faxing without any fax machine. It helps you to send and receive fax from a laptop or from a smart phone or tablet from home, car or from a hotel. It is reliable, faster and cost effective.

Maintains the Same Professional Tone

Using a virtual telephone, you can forward business calls to cell phones or to office phones. Since the auto attendant greets the caller in the same professional manner and forwards the call to your cell phone or home phone, the caller gets the same professional feeling as when he calls an office number. This is a big bonus for mobile workers.

How a Virtual Telephone Can Help Your Business

A virtual telephone is undoubtedly one of the most exciting innovations of the telecom industry. No wonder businesses are clamoring to acquire a virtual phone because they feel it can change the way of their business. A virtual phone system does not need any hardware, software or installation.  In fact, there are quite a few service providers of this phone system and you can have a free trial with most of them. This gives you an opportunity to assess the phone system before using it for business. You can also determine whether this phone service is suitable for your business or not.

Helps to Grow Business

Once you start using a virtual telephone, it will be easier for customers to reach you and this can help in expanding the customer base and boosting sales. You have to dedicate all your time in finding ways to grow the business, meeting customers and prospects. Your time is precious and it can hardly be wasted in such unproductive jobs as answering unimportant calls received on the business number. But that is also important. After all, telephone is the most common communicative device and customers will prefer to dial it.

Makes You More Productive

Hiring a receptionist might prove to be expensive especially for a small business. The best alternative is to use a virtual telephone. The auto attendant of this phone system will answer all the calls and direct it to the right person or department. You can also set a customizable business greeting that will greet anybody who calls your business number. The phone system also allows you to screen and answer the phone calls, so that no unimportant call can take a share of the precious time.

Allows You to Work from Anywhere

Another major advantage with a virtual telephone is that it allows to work from anywhere. There’s no need to remain glued to the work desk indefinitely waiting for a phone call or for a fax message. Incoming calls can be routed to your cell phone (of course by using a virtual phone) and voice mails can be delivered to your inbox. Fax messages can also be forwarded to emails with a link to the attachment in PDF format. You can do work seamlessly away from office and yet remain connected to colleagues and customers.

Reduced Chances of Losing Business

Call screening of a virtual telephone helps to keep you away from unimportant calls. If you do not want to receive an important call when you are busy, simply forward it to the voice-mail box. This minimizes chances of losing a possible business opportunity. It is also possible to set the day and time when you are available on each number. The phone system actually hunts you down to deliver the call.

Scalable

Another very important feature of a virtual telephone is its scalability. A virtual phone system can actually grow with a business. Whenever you need an extra connection, just add it to your account. Each of the employees can also customize the features of the phone system like call forwarding, voicemail, etc.

All these help to boost the image of a business and also its sales.  It also helps to improve employee productivity and quality of customer service.

A Virtual Telephone Helps in Maintaining Your Corporate Identity

The world is increasingly becoming mobile. Businesses now operate from multiple locations and colleagues are scattered all across the country.  Managers, customers, partners and colleagues are struggling to maintain connectivity among them.  A virtual telephone is actually a boon to this mobile workforce. It helps them connect and maintain the same corporate identity no matter where they are working from – home, office, or from their car. Maintaining a corporate identity is important for the success of any business because that helps a business to develop a brand. Below is a brief description of the various ways that a virtual telephone can help your business:

Brand Your Business

Corporate greetings

Once you record your message on the auto attendant of a virtual telephone, it will play that message to receive each of your callers and direct him to the right person or department. In other words, it creates a standard for answering your customers’ calls over the phone. A virtual phone helps you to adhere to the standards of your company even when you are working from home or from any other location. This actually helps to create and maintain a single corporate identity.

You can also use a vanity toll free number with your virtual phone. A vanity number also helps you to develop your brand. Moreover, it helps in the easy distribution of your business number so that people become aware of your presence. You should use your vanity number on your corporate website, your social networking sites, and visual advertisements – in a word everywhere.

CIOs Using Virtual Phone

The CIOs of most of the organizations are aware that mobile workforce is becoming more and more of a new trend in business. At times your employees need to go mobile because of business needs and sometimes it is simply a way to attract and retain the best talents. So it is a challenge for the CIOs to maintain their corporate identity. This is one of the reasons why they prefer that their employees should use branded merchandise like branded T-shirts, coffee mugs, water bottles, pens, etc. This is fine when your employees are travelling or in a client meeting but how do you present your brand over the phone? After all, telephone is the most important way of communicating. The best way is to use the same greetings and same message no matter which number or extension your customers are dialling. This is why CIOs are opting for a virtual telephone for their purpose.

Staying Close to Customers

The need to stay close to your customers is more critical now than ever. The success of your business depends on how good your customer service is. So you should find out a way so that your customers can reach you anytime and you can listen to their problem and solve it as soon as possible. But since it is not actually possible that you will be available 24/7 to answer them, use a virtual telephone! Even if you cannot answer a call because you are busy, your phone system will forward it to your voicemail box, where your caller can leave a voice message for you and they can expect a call back from you. So you need not worry about your customers, they are never far from you.

Working from Home or Office? Doesn’t Matter. You Need a Virtual Telephone.

Marissa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo has recently announced that all of her employees need to report to the office and work from there. She does not want them to work from home. Ever since this announcement, the internet has been buzzing with opinions and surveys that either support or oppose this decision. However, there is no denying the fact that there has been a growing culture of work from home supporters. Employees feel comfortable working from home and also they are more productive when they work from home. No matter if your employees are working from home or from your office, you need to get an effective communication device to connect all your employees with your customers and prospects. You can try considering a virtual telephone for this purpose.

Connects Your Employees and Customers

A virtual telephone not only connects you with your customers and prospects; it is also a valuable tool to connect your mobile workforce. The auto attendant of a virtual phone streamlines communication between you and your employees and customers. You can create dedicated extensions for every department and also for every employee so that your entire staffs have an official way to communicate. No matter if your employees are present in the office to answer customer calls or are working from home, calls can be forwarded to more than one phone number of their choice.

Answer Your Calls

A virtual telephone always keeps you connected – with your employees and your customers. With the advanced call forwarding feature of a virtual phone system you stay close to your mobile employees as well as to your prospects and customers. The advanced call forwarding feature of a virtual phone allows you to forward calls to more than one phone number. You can also select the day and time when you would like to answer a call and on which number. All you have to do is to program your phone system accordingly. A virtual phone system actually hunts you down to deliver your call.

Work as a Team
Even if you cannot answer a call, a virtual telephone forwards it to your voicemail box, where your customers can leave a message for you. You can reply back to your customers at your own convenience. The phone system also sends out alerts to your email or texts you on your mobile, as soon as you have a new voice message. You can read your voice message through your email or can also listen to it simply by clicking on a link. Moreover, a virtual phone also allows your remote employees to transfer calls to one another, even if they are located across the country.  So no matter where your employees are - at the office or working from home - they can still work as a team.

Virtual Fax

The virtual fax is another noteworthy feature for your mobile employees or for those who are working from home. A fax machine would need to be set up in each employee’s home or transported to and from the office. So for remote and mobile workforce you can depend of the online fax of a virtual telephone. In fact, you should use at your office too. It is cost effective, efficient and is faster than traditional fax. It does not need a fax machine, paper or a telephone connection. It works via online interface.
So no matter if you are in favour of or against Mayer’s decision about working from home, a virtual telephone is something that your business needs – urgently.

A Virtual Telephone Helps Your Business Grow

There was a time when only big companies had a phone system. Medium and small businesses could not afford to have a phone system for their business. A virtual telephone is the perfect solution for SMB (small and medium sized businesses) who find it difficult to accommodate a phone system in their strict financial budget. But that of course does not mean that big companies cannot also benefit using this type of phone system. A virtual phone is for all and every types of business though it especially appeals to SMB. A virtual phone contributes immensely to the growth of your business. Given below are a few ways in which a virtual phone helps your business grow:

Smart Features

A virtual telephone offers all the advantages of a phone system and a few extra features at an affordable price. So now your business can also look and sound big – virtually. A virtual phone system has such advanced features like auto attendant, call forwarding, voicemail box and virtual fax that help you create an image of a big multinational corporation.

Easy to Use

A virtual telephone requires no hardware, software, installation or a dedicated telephone connection.  It is hosted by the service providers, much like your website. You also do not need to bother about its maintenance because your service providers look after that though you are able to manage it. Most of the service providers offer multiple flexible plans, which include considerable number of free minutes, to cater to the needs of their customers. The service providers also do not want you to sign any contract before you start using their service so that you can terminate the service anytime if you are not happy. 

Routing Customers

When a customer calls on your virtual telephone the auto attendant greets your caller and forwards the call to the right person or department. It can forward calls to more than one phone number. The virtual phone system also allows you to transfer calls to colleagues sitting next to you or across the country.  The auto attendant of a virtual phone works like a virtual receptionist that works 24/7 eliminating completely the need for a human receptionist. 

Stay Close to Your Customers

A virtual telephone has advanced call forwarding features that allows you to forward calls to more than one number. You can also set the day and time when you want to receive calls on a particular phone number.  But even if you fail to answer the call, there’s no reason why you should be scared. You can always check your voicemail box, because the auto attendant forwards the call to your voicemail box where your customers can leave a message for you. Alternately, the phone system uses caller ID to capture the details of your caller.

Using Toll Free Numbers

Using a toll free number can be a game changer. A toll free number shows that your customers are your priority. It also works as an effective marketing and advertising tool for your business. It gives your customers the impression that you are one of those big guys that use toll free number along with a virtual telephone to provide your customers better service. Your customers are least assured that you have the right resource and attitude for their business.

A Virtual Telephone for the Real Estate Professional

In today’s time people are working less in the office and therefore the need for a virtual telephone system is growing. One industry where the need for a virtual phone becomes even more relevant is Real Estate.  A real estate professional is perhaps someone who needs seamless and reliable connectivity with his customers all the time. It is also equally essential for them to maintain a professional image.  This is how a virtual phone can help a realtor in his business:

Informational Extensions

You can provide your customers the information they need without even talking to them! When a customer calls your toll free number listed outside a property they are interested in, they can hear specific information about the property including the housing details, the contact information just at the press of few buttons. The auto attendant of your virtual telephone helps your customers in accessing the right information.

A Portable Phone System

A real estate professional cannot remain tied to his desk waiting for customer’s call. When they are out on the road they can use a virtual telephone. They enjoy all the professional benefits of using this communication system – professional greetings, call routing, voicemail box and others. Moreover, a virtual phone uses caller ID that captures all the information of your customer. So you enjoy all the benefits of a traditional communication system without being glued to desk and wires.

Call Routing and Screening

Real estate agents can also use the call routing and screening features of a virtual telephone to route and screen calls without interrupting their scheduled calls or important meetings. It helps a realtor decide which call needs more attention and should be answered immediately and which call can be routed to his voicemail box so that he can get back to them at an appropriate time.

Enhanced Call Forwarding

A virtual telephone has a special feature called Follow-Me-Find-Me that can locate you to more than one phone numbers of your choice.  You can provide the phone numbers to your phone system; where you want to forward the calls, and also set the day and time when you are available on each number and the phone system will hunt you down to deliver your calls.

Voicemail Box

If you are not available to answer the call, the virtual telephone forwards it to your voicemail box.   The system sends alerts to multiple email addresses, your mobile device or a call notification to your landline or mobile phone number as soon as there’s a new voice message. Voicemails can also be read in emails. When a customer leaves a message in your voicemail box, your system immediately delivers it to your email inbox with a link to listen to the message. To listen to the message you simply click on the link. They can also get to know about their callers because a virtual phone uses caller ID to capture information.

Toll Free Number

Realtors can also benefit by using toll free number with their virtual telephone.  You can put your toll free number and extension on direct mailers, hangers, classifieds and lawn signs and when people call in they can listen to hear about the features of the house – how many rooms, the yard, how old it is, any newly added features, etc.  They can also leave a message to have someone call them back.

Discover Your Way to Success with a Virtual Telephone

A small business virtual telephone performs like a high priced telephone system, answering calls and forwarding it to different people or departments without giving you a busy tone.  According to recent research, a virtual phone is one of the important communication devices that can trim your IT budget significantly while simultaneously making it more effective. A virtual phone is capable enough to change the way your business is perceived. It has some advanced features like automated call attendant and voicemail that makes your business look big and also ensures that none of your business calls go unattended.

You’re Tool for Business Communication

You should have a sound communication system to help your customers and prospects reach you easily. This can be difficult for independent firm owners and entrepreneurs who usually work with tight budgets.  A virtual telephone is just perfect for owners and entrepreneurs like this. Initially there was a notion that a virtual phone is only for small businesses. But it has proven to be equally beneficial for small, medium and big businesses. It is important that you stay connected with your customers and yet do not run up a big bill. So your need for a phone system is inevitable and in this case it is a virtual phone.

Auto Operator
The auto attendant of your virtual telephone receives your calls, greets your callers and routes them to the right person or department 24x7. Your customers need to follow just few simple instructions of the automated receptionist to reach the right person/department without wasting much time. You can either record your own message on the auto attendant or can hire a professional voice over artist. It can make you sound more professional and your business bigger. You also have the flexibility to customize your messages.

Answer Your Customers 24x7

The auto attendant routes your caller to the right person or department. It receives any call and forwards it to the right person. It can forward calls to more than one number of your choice. You can also set the time and day on your virtual telephone when you are available on each of the numbers. But if the right person is not available to answer the call, the automated attendant forwards the call to the voicemail box. It can also transfer calls to another extension or to an outside phone number. So it helps you to receive and answer your customer’s call – anywhere and at any time.

Virtual Fax

Sending fax online or virtual fax is a special feature of a virtual telephone. It completely eliminates the need for a fax machine and paper and instead sends and receives fax online using paperless documents. It’s simple to use and is faster than the traditional faxing system. All you need is to send the right files to your customers through an online interface. You select the entire document that you want to send fax online and enter the recipient’s number.  Your fax is sent almost instantly.

Flexible Service Level

Unlike any other phone service provider, you do not need to sign any agreement with your virtual telephone service provider.  You can cancel the service anytime if you are not happy. A virtual phone provider usually has multiple plans to meet the demands of all types of businesses. Most plans are based on the number of minutes you are using.

A Virtual Phone System for a Mobile Workforce

More and more workers are leaving their desks behind and working remotely – thanks to the new technology. A recent research project by International Data Corporation (IDC) has estimated that there will be around 1.3 billion mobile workers by the year 2015. Businesses must adapt to the evolving workforce to ensure that every day practices are handled. Businesses should cultivate a healthy communication system within the organization to support such mobile groups. A virtual phone system is an important resource in maintaining this healthy communication system within an organization.

Using a Virtual Phone

A virtual phone system allows you to create multiple extensions dedicated to every employee.  The auto attendant of a virtual phone quickly connects your customers with the person or department of his choice. Additionally you can also screen a call before answering it, use more than one phone number for forwarding calls and send unanswered calls to a voicemail box. They can also use a toll free number or a vanity toll free number to make their number memorable to their customers and at the same time providing them an easy way of contact.  Following are a few features of a virtual phone system that can actually help your mobile workforce in their business:

Auto Attendant

The auto attendant of a virtual phone system receives all your calls, greets and directs your callers on your behalf 24 hours a day 7 days a week ensuring that you miss no important calls from your customers. It practically eliminates the need for a receptionist.  You can record all your information on the auto attendant greeting and customers can have access to that information just by following a few simple instructions. You can also customize and change your information according to time, season and festival.

Call Forwarding

An auto attendant routes your caller to the right person or department. It receives any call and forwards it to the right person or department. But in case the right person is not available to answer the call, the automated attendant then forwards the call to the voicemail box. You can also set your system to forward calls to more than one phone number of your choice. You provide the phone numbers to the system and also specify the time and the day when you are available on each number to receive calls. The Follow-Me-Find-Me feature of a virtual phone system actually hunts you down to deliver the call. Though you are not tied to your desk you will not need to worry about missed calls.

Call Transfer and Screening

A virtual phone system also allows you to transfer calls to colleagues within the same office location or across the country.  This becomes very important for a mobile workforce. You can easily transfer a call to your colleague who is probably sitting across the country without the slightest knowledge of the caller.  This really helps in strengthening your communication not only with your customers but also with your co-workers. You can also screen a call before you answer it and answer it only when you feel the call is important.

Voicemail

If a customer leaves a voicemail in your voicemail box, your virtual phone system will send you an alert immediately. Your phone system also allows you to read your voicemail in your email. This is especially important for a mobile workforce because they can manage all their communications from one place.

Enjoy Work During Your Vacation with Virtual Phone

Though the ads for tropical destinations look gorgeous on TV it is quite unlikely that American employees will actually cash in on their growing number of airline miles that they have incurred via reward program this year. A recent study by an online travel agency has found that American employees usually get 15 days or fewer as vacation in a year and they even fail to enjoy these 15 days of vacation in fear of being replaced or falling too far behind their work (according to another survey).  A virtual phone is just perfect for these individuals who find it impossible to take time off without falling short of their responsibility. A virtual phone actually allows you to stay connected for all crucial communications - no matter where you are.

Stay Connected Always
Today employees boast about how long they have been able to work without taking time off, but that might not be a very good strategy. While you will be in attendance but there’s a risk being sluggish and lacking in creativity.  According to career experts, vacations are important because it gives a chance to relax and recuperate. A virtual phone can keep you connected with all your important communications without compromising the fun of your vacation. This is a special kind of phone system that works with any phone - even your cell phone. It does not need any special installation, hardware or software and so it’s also very affordable. Let your cell phone be turned to a fully fledged phone system this year and enjoy your vacation.

Be Available All the Time
With a virtual phone system you enjoy all the benefits of a phone system like call transfer, call forwarding, voicemail and others. In addition to these features the auto attendant of a virtual phone creates a professional image of you and also your business. An auto attendant professionally receives your customer and directs him/her to the right person or department he wants to speak to. It works 24x7 and so you are available to your customers always – even when you are on vacation. It also allows you to transfer calls to your employees and colleagues within the office or across the country. 

Call Forwarding and Call Transfer
The call forwarding and voicemail box are the two other significant features of a virtual phone. When a customer calls your number the auto attendant greets him and routes him either to you or to the person or department of his choice. If for any reason, you are unable to answer the call; your customer can leave a voicemail in your voicemail box so that you can call him back at an appropriate time.  You can also screen the call before you answer it. You answer the call if you feel it needs to be answered immediately or can route it to your voicemail box and reply later. You can also forward calls to your residence phone or office phone. You can set the time of the day and the day of the week when you need your virtual phone to forward your calls. So you balance both – your vacation and your work.

Virtual Fax
The virtual fax feature of your virtual phone also allows you to fax important documents to your prospects and customers – online. So it does not matter whether you are in office or by the seaside, you can fax your documents to one or multiple recipients - anytime.

How a Virtual Phone System Kept My Expenses Down While Providing the Communications I Needed

When I first opened my used car dealership, I was concerned about how I was going to provide each of my employees with the telephone solutions they needed at a cost I could afford. A virtual phone system turned out to be the best option out there and it has worked well for me for many years.

Getting Started
Before I opened the doors to my car lot, I was faced with several decisions regarding communication. Like any other start-up business owner, I had to worry about the amount of money I was spending and the types of features I was being provided. I also had to ensure that my customers were provided with the best customer service experience possible on each and every call. On the other hand, I had to make sure that the members of my sales team each had access to their own telephone numbers so that they could generate a customer base, follow up with leads and close sales efficiently. Missing calls in this business is not an option.

Choosing a Telephone Service Provider
There are several different ways to obtain multiple telephone numbers and lines, but in the end, I narrowed the selection down to several actual landline numbers or a virtual phone system. The building I had leased only had two telephone jacks, but I had four employees besides myself who needed access to their telephones. The cost of installing the additional jacks would have been staggering, and the estimated monthly bill was quite discouraging. On the other hand, a virtual phone system did not require any installation, and with its ability to forward calls directly to each employee’s cell phone, it provided a low monthly bill that fit well into my budget.

Multiple Benefits
Since cheaper is not always better when it comes to many things, the next step in the process involved comparing the benefits offered to me by the virtual phone system. Aside from eliminating the need for multiple lines and providing the service at a low monthly rate, my employees also have access to things like call forwarding, virtual voicemail, online faxing, an auto attendant and much, much more. These benefits make it easier for my employees to do their jobs correctly and more proficiently; every business owner knows that time is money. When my team of sales agents is able to spend more time with each client, my business makes more money.

Better Customer Service
Another benefit that comes from making use of the virtual telephone system is the ability to provide the best customer service possible on each and every interaction. This is very important for maintaining customer loyalty and it ensures that my sales agents are able to answer or return each and every call they receive. Better customer interactions result in a better reputation for my business, and the more cars I sell, the more money I can make. This provides the best overall return on investment for any communications system on the market.

One of the best business decisions I ever made was selecting to use a virtual phone system. With the ability to save money on my monthly bills, give my employees the tools to do their jobs proficiently and provide the best customer service in the area, my business continues to enjoy a great level of overall success.

A Virtual Phone System was Much More Affordable than a Regular Office Phone System

Our newest business phone system technology has simplified the entire process and saved our business money at the same time. The virtual phone system has allowed all of our calls to be managed from one phone number. From that one number, callers hear a custom greeting and can reach any of our extensions. Each extension may be forwarded to any number anywhere at any time, and the number of extensions we may add is unlimited.

How it Works

When customers dialed our number connected to the virtual phone system they heard a greeting and then a list of extensions for different options such as sales, support, or directions. There was no limit to the number of extensions that could be used, and each one connected to a different employee. Calls were routed via extension numbers to home, office or cell phones. Faxes were sent via the virtual phone system, eliminating the need for a separate fax machine. Voice mails could be left and emails received in the form of picture attachments. All of these features were available to our business for one low price.

Saving Money
The simplicity of the virtual phone technology helped our small business realize savings right away. There was no need for the purchase or maintenance of expensive phone system hardware, no charge for separate business phone lines and no long distance charges in the continental U.S. The need for a separate fax line and a fax machine was eliminated, as faxes were able to be sent online. Our business cut phone costs significantly by using the virtual phone technology, and the system can be expanded as our business grows. Payment options include a choice of flat rate with unlimited minutes or usage-based plans when businesses expect low usage of the system.

Special Features

The virtual phone system provided unlimited call capacity originating from our single phone number. Callers were able to use the dial by name directory to reach the right employee and leave a voice mail for a return call later. Our employees were able to receive new message alerts when voice mails were left and they also received missed call notifications. There was even a newer feature that allowed employees to receive and read their voice mails in the form of emails. The technology includedthe ability to leave custom messages at each extension, provided hold music and a special after-hours mode.

Reliable Service

Each business phone number associated with the virtual phone system was protected by a high-level security system. Multiple sources of electrical power kept the system functioning in a power outage, and multiple inbound and outbound carriers have prevented downtime when our area has experienced a telecommunications collapse. Each component of the system had a backup feature, and all network points in the system were firewalled. Nothing was lacking in the system’s ability to provide consistently reliable service.

Why continue to pay the phone company hundreds or thousands of dollars each month? We have found the phone system of the future and it is here now. With virtual telephone technology we have saved money in phone bills and used that money to expand our business in other areas.

Get a Clear Advantage with a Virtual Phone

Virtual phones are the wave of the future, but there is more to this growing trend than a simple desire for progress. These phones have a lot of other advantages that put them head and shoulders above cell phones and landlines.

Reliability
Dropped calls and lost texts are a thing of the past with a virtual phone. Since these phones work through the internet, their connections are much more stable. Tools that come standard with many companies can resend texts, faxes or other messages that fail to be delivered. This means that even if the other party is having trouble, due to less reliable technology, your information will still be received. Often, there's no need to worry about the hassle of resending or checking that the information got through.

Improved Record Keeping
See exactly what your service is being used for, often in real time. There's no need to wait for a bill at the end of the month to see what numbers are being dialed. Many virtual phone interfaces have a database of precisely what is being sent or who is being called listed in the user's profile. Stopping unproductive office behavior faster and keeping employees on track is easier with up to the minute information. Keeping archives of faxed documents, contacts and voice mails is a snap with virtual telephone services. Never lose an important message or phone number again!

Cost
With plans starting at $20 a month, and dozens of useful and time saving features to choose from, a virtual phone saves you both money and effort. Additions like send fax online feature and built in call recording can save you hundreds of dollars on separate machines that would normally do those jobs. The virtual versions of those features also require less time to use, and take up fewer expensive office resources. Flexible plans and online upgrades make sure that you're getting the right service for your budget.

Better Customer Service
Large phone companies have become complacent. Many of them have had control over the telecommunications industry for decades, and they are certain of their own success. Smaller companies have more drive to please their customers, and so, newer, online phone companies are more competitive, promising better customer service and more benefits to their clients. Dealing with large corporations, with tons of red tape is no longer a necessary evil when trying to get phone service.

Stay Ahead of the Curve
As time goes on, technology is moving faster. Old technologies are being replaced with better, more efficient ones every day. Old technology users are being left in the dust. With the increasing popularity of the internet, more services are using an online model. Movie and music distribution is becoming internet based as well as many other industries. It appears that before long, online phone companies will become the norm. By hopping on the virtual phone train now, you're guaranteed not to be left behind.

As the technology becomes more popular, it will become possible to do even more than the features listed here, and chances are good the cost will come down even further.

Get Hassle-Free Service with a Virtual Phone

Everyone has had to deal with the problems of modern telephone companies at some time or another – bills with complicated wording, unhelpful customer assistance and just general poor service. These problems can be reduced or eliminated with virtual calling, along with offering a host of other available options that are helpful to a growing business.

How does it Work?
When a call is made, usually that call is sent through phone lines or cellphone towers, through an exchange, and then through more wires or radio waves, until it reaches you. With a virtual phone, the call is picked up by an internet server rather than an exchange, which can then provide a variety of services before sending the call to the proper line. For business, the services offered with a standard phone don't always cut it. Hiring a separate service to set up a phone system can be costly and confusing. Virtual telecommunications simplify this process, and are much cheaper.

Connect any Existing Phone to the Line
Virtual phones require no special equipment; any phone that is in working order can be linked to a virtual calling system. There's no need to buy a new device and there are no confusing wires and connections to set up. If you have an existing phone, of any kind, you're ready to start. These systems work with landlines, cell phones, smart phones and even computer based telephone numbers like Skype.  It's easy to link any existing phone to a virtual system.

Direct Calls Where They Need to Go
Most virtual phone company’s offer a wide variety of services to make sure that customer can get in contact with you at all times. Many of them also offer an extended version of call forwarding. When you use this service, incoming calls are sent to one number on a list that you provide, for instance, your business number. If you don't answer there, the service then rings your other provided contacts until it gets an answer. If there is a high volume of incoming calls to deal with, an automated service which directs the calls to the proper extension can be created easily.

Much, Much More
While specific service offers vary, there are many possibilities that make using these types of phones convenient and easy. The system can function as an inter-office exchange, be used for toll free voicemail, faxes, caller ID, or recording calls, allowing you to access all these functions from a centralized location. Many services also offer a wide choice of numbers, and allow you to base the number out of a variety of cities, even if the physical phone is not located in that particular city. This eliminates long distance charges for those who travel often.

Virtual Phones have so many time saving and useful tools available, with so much less hassle than setting up these services through conventional phone companies that they are the clear choice for many businesses. If your business's phone service isn't working out for you, consider going virtual for flexibility and ease of use.

Companies with Remote Workers Need a Virtual Phone System with Hosted PBX Extensions

Depending on a business’s type and industry, it may be more cost-effective and economical to allow some employees to work remotely. In this case, a virtual phone system with hosted PBX extensions can make communications simpler, easier and more cost effective overall.

Understanding Hosted PBX Extensions
In the same way that a virtual phone system provides businesses with a main telephone number, it can also provide businesses with multiple extensions that do not exist on-site, but are simply hosted on the service provider’s server. Essentially, these are virtual extensions that provide businesses with multiple ‘lines’ so that each department or employee can answer calls that are designated for them. This allows for better customer service in general, ensuring that callers are able to reach the person or department who can best handle their call with fewer transfers and lesser wait times.

Remote Workers and Extensions
Remote workers are the employees of a company who do not actually work within the physical confines of the business and typically work from home instead. While these workers may have landline telephone service or mobile phones, they will likely still need access to their direct extension in order to handle customer questions, participate in conference calls, and handle other business communications without providing their own personal telephone numbers. Since hosted PBX extensions only exist on the server of the provider, they can easily be forwarded to any telephone in the country—whether it is a landline, a mobile phone, or even a number hosted by VoIP service.

How it Works
When a business purchases a virtual phone system that is complete with hosted PBX extensions, each employee or department is assigned a ‘branch’ of the service that acts as their own. Thus, when a call comes through, the auto attendant who answers the call can forward it to the right location in order to provide the best customer service experience possible. If an employee is working remotely, the business owner can simply use the back office web interface to forward all of the calls going to that extension to the employee’s home telephone or mobile device. This way, although the employee may be across the country, they can communicate as if they are physically present.

The Benefits
There is a multitude of benefits associated with providing hosted PBX extensions to remote workers. First and foremost, they are able to communicate as a functioning part of the business without the need to provide their home or mobile telephone numbers—this protects their privacy. Second, it is much more cost effective to use these virtual extensions than to actually forward landline calls; many landline service providers charge by the minute for this service, and it can certainly add up quickly. Finally, remote workers who are connected to the business via their extensions are more readily available for conference calls and other business communications than those who use their private numbers.

It is easy to see why a virtual phone system and hosted PBX extensions can make a huge difference in the productivity of remote workers. They remain available to the business and its customers, and the cost effective nature of the service certainly speaks for itself.

Get a Virtual Phone System for Your Home Business

If you are considering an effective communications system for your home business, you can never go wrong with a virtual phone system. Not only is it the most affordable solution available, but it will provide you with all of the features you will need in order to ensure that your business endeavor is a success.

Affordability
New home business owners are concerned with their expenditures—and for good reason. Getting started can certainly be expensive, and without an effective means of money management, it is highly unlikely that a business will succeed. A virtual phone system is truly inexpensive when compared with the alternatives, and not just on a monthly basis. There are no jacks to install and no expensive software to purchase, making the start-up costs practically non-existent. To compare monthly costs, a landline with all of the features and unlimited long distance can cost between $75 and $100 per month while a virtual system that is loaded with features aimed toward home businesses may cost as little as $20 per month.

Landline vs. Virtual System
While landlines are still considered the most traditional form of telecommunications for homes and businesses, they are certainly not the most effective. Most landline companies do not offer discounts to homeowners who choose to install second lines, and they do not offer all of the features that a virtual phone system can provide. The virtual system will allow you to separate your telephone numbers so that one is dedicated to personal use while the other is strictly for the business—without all of the added costs associated with multiple lines of service. On the same note, most of the features you need to be successful are included in the price associated with a virtual system; you may be asked to pay extra for certain features with a landline company.

Features
One of the most prominent features associated with a virtual phone system is the ability to set up an information hotline on an extension. If you are running a home business, this can save you precious time. An information hotline is available 24 hours a day, and is essentially a recorded message for your callers who are interested in learning more about the products or services you offer.  It can also be used to record directions and hours of operation for your customers to hear.

Mobility
Almost all phone service providers will give you the ability to take your telephone number with you through the use of the call forwarding feature, but landline and mobile phone providers often charge for you to forward your calls. With a virtual phone system, you can easily forward your business telephone number to your mobile phone, or home or office landline if the situation calls for it. This makes you available to your clients and customers all the time, regardless of where you need to travel for personal or professional reasons.

A virtual phone system is a great way for you to ensure that your home business is successful because it saves you money, provides you with features that will lend to your productivity, and allows you to be available to your customers 24 hours a day with call forwarding and information hotlines.

iTeleCenter Lends a Helping Hand by Offering 90 Day Free Virtual Phone System Accounts to Businesses Affected by Hurricane Sandy

iTeleCenter, with its corporate offices located in the heart of the tri-state area, was affected by last week’s hurricane like much of the northeast was. With operations fully recovered and 100% operational, it is reaching out to businesses in the community affected by the storm and offering a helping hand by providing its state-of-the-art virtual phone system account to businesses whose communications systems are affected by Hurricane Sandy with free service for 90 days.

iTeleCenter can enable companies to easily stay connected with their customers and clients during recovery efforts by allowing them to forward calls through a new toll free or local number directly to their workers’ mobile phones or landlines. Businesses should post their new iTeleCenter number in email signatures, websites, blogs, tweets, as well as company Facebook or LinkedIn page to let customers know how to reach them during this time.

There is no software to download or hardware setup involved. The new iTeleCenter business number is instantly available, and can be set up to start receiving calls within minutes. Companies can record a greeting to keep callers apprised of any ongoing recovery efforts or any general information they need to disseminate.

Businesses that wish to take advantage of this offer should contact iTeleCenter’s Customer Care department at 1-800-454-5930 and ask about the Hurricane Sandy 90-day Offer.

About iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter was founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul Champaneria who wanted to build a company that catered to the needs of virtual companies, direct salespeople, affiliate marketers, real estate professionals, and all forms of home-based or small businesses. iTeleCenter is a virtual phone system that provides individuals with the ability to utilize toll free phone numbers, locally based numbers, 800 numbers or vanity numbers, with call forwarding and voicemail that make professional life a little easier. With the best in customer care and service, along with the latest and most innovative features, it’s a must have for professionals who want to compete on a regional or national level, whether it’s a one-man operation or a million-dollar corporation.

A Virtual Phone System Saved My Dog Grooming Business

As a single mother of two small children, I knew that working from home was something I wanted to do. After taking some classes, I was able to start a dog grooming business. At first, business was extremely slow and I had issues with client communications. When I got my virtual phone system, the business really took off.

Getting Started
With just me and my two young daughters in the house, the only source of communication I had was my mobile phone. After all, landlines are expensive and it is hard to make ends meet with a single income. When I started my business, I thought I would be able to communicate well with my mobile phone. However, I quickly discovered that this was not the case. My voicemail inbox filled too quickly, I missed calls due to a dead battery more times than I can count, and the call quality was just not what I would have liked it to be. While browsing the web one day, I came across an advertisement for a virtual phone system.

The Features
The first thing I realized about the virtual phone system was that it was relatively inexpensive when compared to a landline. Previous users had touted that the call quality was amazing through the broadband connection, as well. Some of the features that really caught my eye included the ability to manage voicemails from my laptop, a feature known as a ‘sizzle line’ with which I could provide information to prospective clients without even picking up the telephone, and another feature that would allow me to forward my calls to my mobile phone if I would be away from home. The ability to add a toll-free number to my service was also a huge selling point.

Setting it Up
When I decided to make the transition to the virtual phone system, I was really happy that I didn’t have to wait for an installer. I simply downloaded the software to my computer and I was ready to go! The support staff was incredibly friendly and they walked me through a few parts of the process. In less than two hours, my new telephone number was ready for use. The desktop interface that allows me to send and receive faxes, check my voicemail messages and even forward calls to other telephone numbers is incredibly easy to use, as well.

My Business Today
After I set up my toll free number and placed it on flyers and business cards, business really took off; the 800 number I selected makes my business appear more professional to clients and customers. During business hours, each caller is greeted with an automated assistant and the clients can choose whether to listen to information, ring through to me directly or even leave me a voicemail. After business hours, all calls ring straight through to voicemail. I never miss calls anymore, I have no trouble affording the service, and I’m really enjoying all of the new business that the virtual phone system helped me gather.

Anyone who is running a small business from home should really consider the type of communications they are using. Speaking with clients and customers is key, and without the ability to do so, a business can never truly succeed.

A Virtual Phone System is an Important Business Tool

Communication is an important aspect of running a business, so if the level of communication that is being provided to clients and customers is sub-par, a business can never realize true success. A virtual phone system can make a huge difference for a business of any size for a number of different reasons.

Better Communications
The first reason why a virtual phone system is so important has to do with the overall better level of communications that the business owners and their employees will have with clients and customers. Features like the automated attendant ensure that each call is properly routed and that accidental disconnects and incorrect transfers are completely eliminated. The call quality is incredibly clear and employees can forward their calls if they will be away from their desks for any period of time. Faxes can be sent and received directly from the computer, and there are no complicated instructions for checking voicemails or returning calls.

Affordable
Another great thing about a virtual phone system is that it is completely affordable, especially when compared to phone systems like landlines. Landline telephones require jacks, splitters and other forms of technology that can be expensive to install and maintain. Also, businesses that need many lines of service may find that their telephone bills are enormous on a monthly basis. This is not the case with a virtual system; for a low monthly rate, business owners can secure a set number of telephone lines and a feature package that is filled with things designed to make a business more efficient and productive.

24-Hour Access
While many businesses have set hours of operation, there are those consumers who like to get information on their own time. With a virtual phone system, businesses can record information on a hotline for consumers to hear 24 hours a day. Afterward, if the listener would like to leave a message, that option is available. Sometimes virtual systems even allow for after-hours answering services, particularly for businesses that specialize in repairs and the like. This way, the business can be closed, but consumers who have emergencies have a direct link to the employee who can help them with the situation.

Toll Free & Vanity Numbers
Although toll free and vanity telephone numbers are certainly available through landline telephone services, they are much more expensive than those associated with a virtual phone system. In fact, the prices for some of these systems include a set number of minutes of incoming toll free calls. This way, consumers can call from anywhere in the country without incurring long distance charges. Aside from this, a toll free number is a great way to boost professionalism, and a vanity number is a phenomenal way to ensure that consumers are able to remember a telephone number when they are in need of a product or service.

Businesses that really want to succeed in this difficult economy must ensure that every aspect—including communications—is on target. A virtual phone system is hands-down the best way to make sure that consumers are able to stay in contact and get the information they need.

iTeleCenter Releases Updated Website for its Virtual Telephone System

iTeleCenter recently launched an updated website for its virtual telephone system. In addition to the revised, crisper home page, it makes phone number selection quicker and easier for customers looking for local numbers. What makes this type of system ‘virtual’ is that calls that come into the subscriber’s number are routed through a hosted system and are forwarded to the subscriber’s landline or mobile phone; there is no physical phone line associated with the toll free or local hosted number.

Subscribers can select from a list of 800 numbers, other toll free numbers (855, 866, 877, 888), toll free vanity numbers or local numbers from major cities around the US. The updated website simplified the number selection process. Visitors landing on a specific city page for New York or Chicago phone numbers, for example, no longer have to go to an additional page to choose a number in that city – the updates provide number selection on each city landing page. And for those looking for numbers in cities without their own landing page, the site provides a link to ‘Other US City Phone Numbers’. The link takes visitors to a page where they can select a number in a specific city.

The website’s user-friendly update makes it easier for visitors to find what they are looking for. More small businesses are realizing that they can increase their reach into local communities by employing local phone numbers with a virtual telephone system. There is no longer a need to have a physical brick-and-mortar presence in order to advertise a local number. A small business in Kentucky can advertise a local number in Los Angeles and have calls seamlessly forwarded to their Kentucky phone.

About iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter was founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul Champaneria who wanted to build a company that catered to the needs of virtual companies, direct salespeople, affiliate marketers, real estate professionals, and all forms of home-based or small businesses. iTeleCenter is a virtual phone system that provides individuals with the ability to utilize toll free phone numbers, locally based numbers, or vanity numbers, with call forwarding and toll free voicemail that make professional life a little easier. With the best in customer care and service, along with the latest and most innovative features, it’s a must have for professionals who want to compete on a regional or national level, whether it’s a one-man operation or a million-dollar corporation.