How a Virtual Telephone System Works For Your Business

Big businesses have always used a telephone system to make their communication stronger and more effective. When you call a big business, you are usually given a list of options of how to direct the call. This is a great advantage. The call is easily directed to the right person or department thereby minimizing the chances of call lost. Research has shown that 85 percent of new customers do not leave a voice mail. When they call, they want to speak to someone. Big businesses know the importance of answering calls. When you are first starting out in business, a normal land-line or a mobile phone can serve as the best mode of communication but as the number of calls increases, the need for a phone system also increases.
 
Make Your Phone System “Virtual”

A virtual telephone system is the best option for small businesses, medium businesses and also for home based businesses. It helps small and medium businesses project a professional appearance to their existing and prospective customers. A virtual phone provides a flexible and cost-effective approach to managing calls and fax services.  A virtual phone or a virtual PBX gives small business owners and mobile professionals the flexibility that they never had before. “PBX” is an acronym for Private Branch Exchange. A virtual phone works like a hosted PBX connecting the internal telephones of an organization to a public switched telephone network. It makes the communication system of an organization incredibly easy in a cost effective way.

Enjoy All the Features of a Phone System

Getting a standard PBX system for a business is an old option. First, it is expensive and second you have to maintain a fleet of people for managing the system. A virtual telephone system is the apt alternative. It has all the advanced features of a phone system and then some. Using a small business phone, you can easily use features like call forwarding, voice mail, auto attendant and another very significant feature of a small business – online fax.

Auto Attendant and Call Forwarding

The auto attendant of a virtual telephone system answers your calls and forwards them to the respective department/person. It works 24/7 without any human interference. An auto attendant replaces the human receptionist of an office and provides a cost effective and efficient solution for small and mid-sized businesses. The script of the auto attendant can be changed according to your business needs.

An auto attendant forwards the call to a person/department. If there’s nobody to answer the call, it forwards the call to voice mail. The callers can leave a message in the voice mail box. Since a virtual telephone sends out notification of a new voice mail message to your email and cell phone, there are fewer chances of voice messages going unanswered.

Online Fax

Online fax is another very significant feature of a virtual telephone system. It allows all virtual phone users enjoy faxing without a fax machine. You no longer need a fax machine, ink, paper, or separate phone line for faxing – now it can be done via an online interface. It makes you environmentally friendly and is the cost effective and faster way of faxing.

Virtual Phone System for All Your Business Needs

Though a telephone system is indispensable for a business it is often difficult for organizations and especially small organizations to afford a phone system. Using a traditional phone system is not only expensive but also requires a considerable number of human resources. In the past small businesses who wanted to look and sound professional used a small business phone system or ‘PBX’. ‘PBX’ is the acronym for private branch exchange that connects the internal telephones with a public switched telephone system.  But purchasing and installing a PBX was expensive and complicated. With the advent of the virtual PBX or virtual phone system businesses have become easy and cost effective.

Affordable Rate – No Infrastructure Cost
A virtual phone system actually works like a traditional phone system, in fact it has few extra features than a normal phone system but costs much less compared to a phone system.  A phone system is indispensable for any business but often it is difficult to afford a phone system. A virtual phone system is the most wonderful and affordable alternative in cases like this. It can definitely give your business a great boost. A virtual phone system does not need any complex installation or hardware or software. It in fact, does not need any dedicated telephone connection. It can work with any of your existing telephone connections – cell phone, residential telephone or office telephone.

Using the Auto Attendant
The auto attendant of the virtual phone system receives all your calls. It greets and directs your callers on your behalf. You can record all your information on the auto attendant and customers can have access to that information just by following few simple instructions of the auto attendant. You can also customize and change your information according to time, season and festival. An auto attendant works round the clock and so there’s no chance of any of your calls going unattended.

Voicemail Box and Call Forwarding
The virtual phone system also has other features like call forwarding and voicemail box. Using the call transfer feature you can forward calls to your colleagues within the same office location or across the country.  You can also forward calls to your personal phone or to your residential phone.  A voicemail box on the other hand, helps your customers record their messages when you are unable to answer their call for some reason. A virtual phone system sends you an alert as soon as a new voicemail arrives in your voicemail box. It also allows you to read all your voicemails in email.

Toll Free Numbers and Caller ID
A virtual phone system also allows you to use toll free number. A toll free number is a special kind of number where the caller does not pay for his/her call. A toll free number is usually recognized by its prefix, which is 800 but now  an all new set of prefixes are available for business toll free numbers like, 855, 866, 888 and others. Using toll free numbers are an additional advantage for using a virtual phone system because a toll free number establishes your credibility to your customers almost instantly and also makes you look and sound big. A virtual phone system also has caller ID that captures your caller’s information and you can call them back. 

Your Guide to Understand the Working of a Virtual Phone System

More and more businesses and individuals are opting to use virtual phone system. But before you go for the big switchover, it is quite pertinent that you understand how it functions and how can it be an improvement to you, your organization and most importantly-your budget. Hence, there are a number of questions that you may have and this article will attempt to answer these questions.

But let’s begin by understanding how a virtual phone system works. The system itself is quite straight forward. You start by choosing your phone number. Some of the service providers may allow you to retain your existing number-but this is something that needs to be checked with your service provider. Depending on the structure of your organization, next you decide to whether to assign extension to employees or to the different departments in your office.

Next you create and record a greeting to your virtual phone system that will answer each of your telephone calls. This will allow the caller to choose the department or the person they are trying to reach, just by pressing certain buttons or speaking to the assigned number. Some of the modern systems are advance enough that you can actually speak to the system.

 The machine then routes the call to the relevant extension. The receiver can then screen the call, which means you will have a choice to decide whether you want to answer the call or send it to the toll free voicemail. Voicemails can be received just by pressing few buttons, and some of the modern virtual phone system is smart enough that they send the voice mail via email. Many of the systems also have SMS function installed.

Though a virtual phone system is the perfect solution for mid size and small businesses, but larger organizations have also started reaping the benefits of this system. One of the main reasons for this is that: it’s affordable and is highly on the go, which is perfect for today’s day and age.

One question that has come back again and again is whether you get a real phone number with the virtual phone system. The answer is: yes, you will. You can select from a variety of phone numbers, including toll free numbers and numbers with geographical and non-geographical denotations. As the system is increasingly becoming popular, telephone numbers from any geography are now available. You may also have an option to continue your existing telephone number.

Another question that haunts many of the new users of virtual phone system is how someone will reach their extension. You assign telephone numbers and extensions to different people and departments in your organization and each of these extensions can receive and forward calls. The calls are forwarded to three different telephone numbers: home phone, mobile and office phone. This is particularly helpful for people who are working outside office. You also have an option to customize these extensions.

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.

A Virtual Phone System Helped Me Run My Catering Business from Home

As the owner of a home-based catering business, I have always realized the importance of making a good first impression on potential customers. For years, I tried to juggle my time between cooking and serving food at events, and trying to make myself available to answer calls from new clients. Finally, I discovered the perfect solution – a virtual phone system.

The Early Years
When I started my catering business 14 years ago, I did not have a virtual phone system. All I had was my home landline and an answering machine. I tried my hardest to answer calls personally during business hours, and I recorded a greeting on the machine that identified the business. I had problems right from the beginning. I would inevitably miss calls during the day when I left to get supplies. On one occasion a potential customer even left a message asking why I was “closed” in the middle of the day.

Constant Interruptions during the Work Day
As my business grew, I began spending more and more time away from home during the day. I would put on daytime events, shop for new menu items, and meet with clients on location. I decided to purchase a cell phone and use that as my business line. I was so excited – now I could take calls at home or away. But I discovered a new problem. I was not missing calls like before, but I was constantly being interrupted with client calls! My productivity suffered. Worse yet, many of these callers wanted simple information about my services and did not need to speak with me personally.

Researching a Better Option
I considered hiring a receptionist to answer calls. Unfortunately, financial restraints made this impossible. Then my brother-in-law mentioned that his company had recently converted to a virtual phone system with fantastic results. I did some research and it sounded promising. I liked the idea that every caller would hear a greeting and then be asked to select an option to hear more information, leave a message, or to reach me personally. Best of all, I would gain much more control over how many times I would be interrupted during the day.

Achieving Maximum Productivity
Considering that a virtual phone system was affordable and did not require a contract, I figured I had nothing to lose by trying it. I am so glad I did. Never again will I need to worry that it will appear my business is closed during the day, just because I am not free at that moment to answer the phone. My phone system sounds professional, which makes a great first impression on potential clients. Also, I have become extremely efficient. I now have the freedom to focus entirely on my work during the day, choosing when and how often I take calls.

My passion is cooking and serving food, not answering the phone. At one time, dealing with the telephone was one of the most difficult aspects of my home catering business. A virtual phone system changed all that, and my business is doing great.

A Virtual Phone System is Affordable And Easy To Use

Although many small business owners have likely heard of a virtual phone system before, they may not fully understand what it is and all of the many options that are available. A virtual phone is affordable and easy to use, and it provides business owners with the technology necessary to realize the success of their companies.

Save Money
Saving money is very important to small business owners, and a virtual phone system is a great first step. Landlines can be incredibly expensive to install and maintain from month to month, and there is even equipment that business owners must replace from time to time. With a virtual system, this is not an issue. There is no special hardware required, and all of the upgrades are handled on the back end—the business owner or IT professionals play little to no part in it. Reducing monthly bills and even negating up-front costs associated with communication is a great way to start a business off on the right foot, but it can also transform the overall operation of an existing business, as well.

Make Working Easier
Employees who do not have access to the best systems while working often become frustrated, and this means that they do not perform at 100% of their potential. By adding a virtual phone system to the office infrastructure, employees will be able to get more done in less time. This not only improves the overall efficiency of the small business, but it also saves business owners money. Employees will feel more satisfied at work, and they will be less likely to become stressed out and seek employment elsewhere.

Improve Customer Satisfaction
One of the most important facets in ensuring that a small business is successful involves providing the best customer service possible. A virtual phone  comes with multiple features that will make customers feel as if their business is appreciated and valued. For instance, the auto attendant feature greets each caller and allows them to direct their own calls. This reduces hold time, improves accidental disconnect rates and ensures that callers reach their intended destinations with ease. Business owners can also make use of information hotlines to provide callers with the details they need instantly.

Excellent Business Support
No communications system would be complete without a wonderful support system, and this is where a virtual phone system can really excel. There are agents standing by 24 hours a day to answer any questions that business owners or IT professionals may have, and they can also work remotely to resolve any issues that occur with software. When there are any issues at all with any part of the communications system, these agents know exactly what to do in order to remedy the situation. Business owners will not have to wait on hold and they will never have to call more than once to get the support they need.

A virtual phone system can do much for any small business for several different reasons. It is the ultimate way to ensure that the business owner, the employees and the customers are all completely satisfied.

Virtual Telephone

Virtual Telephone Comes With a Virtual Assistant

Business owners who have ever wanted to save time and money but still enjoy all of the basic benefits of an in-office receptionist will be glad to know that a virtual assistant—part of a virtual telephone service—will do just that. These assistants can greet callers, route calls properly and provide plenty of options without the margin of human error.

What is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant—sometimes referred to as an auto attendant— is a facet of virtual telephone technology that provides callers with an opportunity to get information or be transferred to the person or department of their choosing without the intervention of a physical person. Each and every caller is automatically greeted and provided with a list of options from which to choose. As an example, they may be able to press one number for information, another number to place an order, and yet another number for customer service or technical support. If the caller must wait on hold, or if the requested party is unavailable, the caller will be provided with other options.

Friendly Greetings on Every Call
While receptionists are always very helpful, regardless of their professional training, they cannot always control the stress or emotion in their voices. If a receptionist is having a particularly stressful day, this may come across in the way they greet callers. Callers can easily pick up on emotion in telephone calls to businesses, and anything negative will have a lasting impact on the way a person views the business as a whole. With a virtual telephone and a virtual assistant, however, this is a thing of the past. Each and every caller is greeted with a friendly and pleasant voice, and an employee is not required to remain poised to transfer callers throughout business hours.

Economical
With all of the things that a virtual assistant can do for a business, many business owners make the mistake of assuming that these services must be very expensive. In fact, this service is often part of a comprehensive virtual telephone package and does not need to be purchased separately. The average salary of a receptionist in the United States is between $40,000 and $60,000 annually and a virtual phone system costs only a fraction of this—usually between $20.00 and $30.00 monthly. When comparing the difference in prices between the two options with their efficiency, it becomes quite easy to see which option is the better choice.

Customer-Friendly
Another common misconception that surrounds virtual telephones and auto attendant is that they are not customer friendly. Arguably, these systems are even more customer friendly than their live receptionist counterparts because there is zero margin for human error. For instance, while a receptionist could accidentally disconnect a call or leave a caller waiting on hold for longer than originally intended, the virtual assistant will instantly and seamlessly transfer callers to their requested destination. When there is no choice but to place a caller on hold, friendly reminders continue to ensure the caller that someone will be with them shortly.

A virtual telephone is a great way for any business to improve their communications through the use of a virtual assistant and many other features. The overall savings and cost-effectiveness of these services is inarguable as they are included with almost every virtual phone system package.

Consolidating Multiple Telephone Numbers Into One With a Virtual Phone System

If you are still using standard landline service as your small business communications platform, you likely understand the complications that can arise from having multiple phone numbers within the company. A virtual phone system is a great way to consolidate all of these numbers and make things easier for yourself, your employees and your customers.

Single Number Publishing
Publishing a single number is much easier for you and your customers than publishing multiple telephone numbers for multiple purposes. As an example, rather than having separate telephone numbers for your main line, each employee and your fax machine, a virtual phone system will allow you to consolidate all of these numbers into one. This way, when a customer needs to contact your business for any reason, they only need to use a single number for any purpose imaginable. This reduces customer frustration and helps your business remain organized, even on the extremely busy days.

Receiving Faxes
It is possible for individual employees to receive their personal faxes, even when the main fax number is shared. This is because of the unique fax-via-internet service provided by the virtual phone system. Consumers can enter the telephone number into their standard or virtual fax machines as always, and by placing the recipient’s name in the proper field, this will ensure that the intended party receives the fax in his or her inbox. Customers and business associates will not have to remember, look up or ask for a separate fax number whenever they need to send you documents. This is a time-saver that will be well-appreciated by everyone involved.

Placing and Receiving Calls
With a standard landline service and a single telephone number, it is impossible to place or receive calls while a fax is being sent or received. Thanks to the technology provided by a virtual phone system, this is no longer the case. Calls and faxes are handled over the internet and share the same bandwidth, so it is indeed possible for multiple employees to be on voice calls while sending and receiving faxes at the same time. All of the calls are crystal-clear and professionally handled, while faxes come and go without delay—no paper jams, no running out of toner, and no lost documents. Everything is delivered electronically via a single telephone number.

Forwarding Calls
The great thing about consolidating multiple telephone numbers into one with the help of a virtual phone system is that it makes call forwarding much simpler, particularly if you are using an after-hours answering service or an on-call employee. Instead of taking the time to forward each telephone number to the service or the chosen employee, all you have to do is forward a single telephone number to the mobile or landline telephone number of your choice. Since the caller has no way to find out the actual number of the terminating device, personal telephone numbers remain private and all calls are handled efficiently.

There are multiple benefits associated with consolidating multiple telephone numbers into one with the use of a virtual phone system. Being able to make and receive calls while sending faxes and even forwarding calls with ease is certainly worth the small amount of effort it takes to make the switch.

A virtual Phone System is a Most Cost-Effective Communications Option For Any Business

As a business owner, you are likely aware of the huge expense associated with traditional forms of communication. Standard landline service is incredibly expensive to install and maintain, and it often does not include all of the features that can truly benefit your business. Thankfully, a virtual phone system can reduce these costs exponentially.

Landline Services
If you are currently using landline service in your business, you probably understand how expensive it is to maintain, particularly if you need to install jacks and complicated telephones throughout the building. A standard landline—and only a single line—with unlimited long distance calling and a variety of business features can cost upwards of $50.00 per month. A virtual phone system, on the other hand, costs about half this much and still provides the same call clarity that you have come to expect. In fact, you will likely get even more features out of your virtual phone than you would from a landline provider.

Installation
If you have not installed telephone service in your building, it is important to consider the fees associated with setting up the two different types of service. A standard telephone jack installation will cost between $100 and $200 per jack. Therefore, if several jacks must be installed, the cost can truly skyrocket. Next, you must purchase your phones and your fax machine as well as the necessary supplies. With a virtual phone system, there is no equipment to purchase. All you must do is set up your computers and download the software. The telephone system and faxing capabilities are included in the desktop interface.

Maintenance
Maintaining landline service is also expensive, especially when new technologies leave your business behind. Replacing complicated and expensive telephone or fax equipment is a headache and a major expense. With a virtual phone system, everything is handled via a desktop interface. There are no jacks to install and no equipment to buy, and upgrades are handled on the back-end; you are required to do nothing more than restart your computer once they have completed. Imagine the money you could save by ditching your expensive telephones and fax machines—and even the associated paper and toner—in favor of a virtual system that is easier to use and simpler to maintain.

Making the Switch
Now that a virtual phone system sounds like the most cost-effective solution for your business, you likely have questions regarding making the switch. In most cases, it is possible to start your virtual service using the same telephone number; this will negate any concerns about interruptions in business due to changing telephone numbers. Your fax machines and hard telephones will no longer be necessary, and you will no longer need to purchase any additional supplies for them. Getting started with a virtual service takes less than 24 hours, and most providers will offer training courses for employees so that they can get started with ease.

A virtual phone system is without a doubt the most cost-effective communications option for any business. There are plenty of features and options from which to choose, so if you are curious about making the switch, contact your provider today to get pricing and set-up information.

The Importances Of Virtual Phone System

A virtual phone system is the perfect choice for business owners who are interested in providing only the best communications solutions for their employees and customers. The advantages of virtual phones are many, and the low cost associated with these systems make them undeniably important.

Low Cost
The first thing about a virtual phone system that many business owners will find appealing is the shockingly low cost associated with it. Business owners who are used to paying their monthly landline bills will often mistakenly believe that swapping to a virtual phone is more expensive than what they are currently using. To compare, a business with three landlines, unlimited long distance and basic features like caller ID and call waiting will pay roughly $150.00 a month for these services. With a virtual system, it is possible to enjoy all of the same features—plus some that are specifically tailored to businesses—for around $25.00 a month. This is a huge savings, and one that cannot be ignored.

Easy to Use
Landline services are often difficult to use in business settings. Transferring and returning telephone calls can become complicated with some of the hardware that is used in offices. With a virtual phone system, this is a thing of the past. Everything can be managed with the help of an easy-to-use desktop interface that is accessible by the business owner and the individual employees. From here, employees can set up call forwarding, look at their call logs, review their voicemail messages and even return telephone calls with ease. Thanks to this, there are fewer missed calls and happier consumers all around.

Packed with Features
Some of the features associated with a virtual phone system are simply phenomenal. The call forwarding feature is completely invaluable in many business settings, as it allows employees to get their telephone calls privately, regardless of whether or not they are physically in the office. Voicemail to email and the ability to send faxes online are great production boosters, and the auto attendant feature provides a pleasant greeting to each and every caller, regardless of the time of day.

24-Hour Support
While a few of the major landline companies boast 24-hour support, this is often limited to checking bill balances and inquiring about basic features through automated systems and recordings. With a virtual phone system, business owners can rely on real, live support agents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even in the middle of the night or on Christmas Eve, it is possible to reach an agent who can answer questions and resolve issues with ease. All of the updates associated with the system are software-based and almost completely automated, so business owners will not find themselves spending precious time updating their communications systems without assistance from the company.

The advantages of a virtual phone system are many, and with the low cost, it only makes sense that businesses of any size should take advantage of these systems. With ease of use, plenty of features and 24-hour support, they provide everything a company needs to realize success.

A Virtual Phone System Keeps You Connected While Traveling

Regardless of the nature of a business, travel is often inevitable. Conferences, business meetings and even conventions can all help business owners better understand their industries, and they may even help to introduce new products and services to the lineup. A virtual phone system is a great way to stay connected to a business while away from the office.

Call Forwarding
Call forwarding allows business owners to forward the calls that would typically terminate at their office desks to the telephones of their choice. When business owners are on the road or in the air, they can still receive telephone calls on their mobile devices with the use of this feature. Similarly, when they have settled into a hotel room, they can easily forward their calls to that landline. Everything can be handled almost instantaneously, and business owners will never be out of touch with their customers or their employees. This feature also works well for business employees who must travel; they are still available to other employees and customers via their assigned extensions.

Maintain Privacy
One of the best parts about using call forwarding to stay connected while traveling is that it allows everyone to stay in contact while still maintaining privacy. Business owners and employees would never provide their personal telephone numbers to clients and customers for obvious reasons, and depending upon the size of the business, it may even be best for business owners to keep their personal telephone numbers private from their employees. Thanks to call forwarding, everyone can accept their business calls without interruption, and the terminating telephone number is always kept 100% private.

Portable Desktop Interface
The desktop interface that accompanies a virtual phone system is incredibly simple to use. It can be installed on a laptop or even downloaded in the form of a mobile app so that the phone system can be managed from virtually anywhere. Traveling business owners and employees can easily access the interface with their username and password combinations in order to make changes to their call forwarding settings or even check their voicemail messages. This interface is an invaluable resource for managing every aspect of business communications in a single, easy-to-navigate environment. This promotes organization, even when on the road.

Online Fax
When attending conferences or conventions, business owners and employees will often receive documents that will need to be shared with the rest of the company. Thankfully, the ability to send and receive faxes online with the help of a virtual phone system makes this easy and instantaneous. Rather than trying to locate the fax machine in the hotel lobby or local retail store, it is possible to simply scan the document into a computer and fax it as easily as sending an email. The process works in reverse, as well. Traveling employees can open and view documents they receive via fax with complete ease.

Without proper communications, traveling can present a host of problems for business owners and employees. With the help of a virtual phone system, these problems can be easily negated and everyone can stay connected at all times.

iTeleCenter Welcomes New Virtual Phone System Customer Vortech Solutions

iTeleCenter welcomes Vortech Solutions as a new Virtual Phone System customer. Vortech Solutions, a Florida-based sanitization company, started using iTeleCenter’s virtual phone system to fulfill its business communications needs. iTeleCenter has made it easier for the company to reach out to a broader audience and increase their customer base in the West Palm Beach and Clearwater areas.

Implementing iTeleCenter in their business model has enabled Vortech Solutions to advertise a toll free number and forward incoming calls directly to a company representative’s mobile phone. The benefit is two-fold – customers outside their immediate calling area can easily reach them without incurring long distance charges and company reps can keep their personal numbers private and still take calls on the go. The system seamlessly forwards calls to their company representatives in any physical location without having to implement an expensive PBX system or install any additional equipment in their offices.

Vortech Solutions offers a host of Sanitization, Decontamination, Purification and Dehumidification services for yachts, homes, businesses and the marine industry. They provide a full line of unique services and products to help assure the confidence of a clean, pristine and safe home and marine environment.
iTeleCenter looks forward to a long partnership in helping Vortech Solutions achieve continued success.

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.

Use a Virtual Phone System to Post Soccer League Cancellations

A virtual phone system is an excellent option for soccer league overseers and officials to keep in contact with players, parents and caregivers. With the information hotline feature, callers can keep track of cancellations 24 hours a day and there is no need for an actual official to stay by the phone and provide the same information over and over.

What is an Information Hotline?
An information hotline is a telephone number that people can call to find out information via an automated system. This feature can be used in conjunction with an auto attendant for even more options. The soccer league operator can pre-record the message of his or her choosing and upload it to the system. When the player, parent or caregiver calls, they will be provided with the up-to-date information they need. This information may include cancellations, games that have been postponed, upcoming schedules and more. A virtual phone system will typically include these features as part of an affordable monthly plan.

Using an Auto Attendant
An auto attendant is a fantastic feature to use in combination with the information hotline. With it, rather than simply hearing a recorded message, callers can choose which information they would like to hear. When the caller connects, they will first be pleasantly greeted and thanked for calling. Next, they will be provided with a list of options from which to choose. These options may include soccer game cancellations by league, age group or even date. Finally, the caller may even have an option to contact an official or coach directly if they have any further questions. When the caller chooses this option, the call is forwarded anonymously in order to maintain privacy.

Benefits to Callers
An information hotline as part of a virtual phone system can be incredibly beneficial to callers in many ways. Callers who simply want to know whether or not a particular soccer game will still be held are not forced to wait on hold or until the coach or official is able to come to the phone. They know they can obtain the information they need within just a few seconds and they are never left second-guessing. If the information the caller needs is not listed within the options, they can simply press another button to speak with someone who can provide it. There is no waiting, hassle or trouble.

Benefits to Coaches and Officials
A virtual phone system can also be very beneficial to the officials and coaches who use them. The primary benefit of using an information hotline and auto attendant combination is the ability to provide information to parents, players and caregivers without having to answer the phone a dozen or more times per day. The system itself comes with an easy-to-navigate desktop interface that makes uploading recordings an easy process. When a caller is forwarded through to a mobile phone or secondary landline, the number is kept private.

Soccer coaches and officials who want to provide their players, parents, caregivers and fans with up-to-date information should consider using an auto attendant and information hotline as part of a virtual phone system.

How a Virtual Phone System Helped my Home Daycare Business

Running my home-based daycare business has never been an easy task, but with the help of my virtual phone system, it has certainly become much more organized. These days, I can keep track of all of my telephone calls and ensure my scheduling is correct and that all of my clients are happy.

The Cycle of Telephone Calls
Before I enlisted the help of a virtual phone system, most of my communications took place through my landline telephone and my mobile phone. Although this worked to an extent, it was difficult for my clients to know exactly how to contact me at different times of the day. A few of the clients actually mentioned this to me, making it known that they would appreciate a single telephone number that would always reach me. A second landline with call forwarding was going to be incredibly expensive, so I researched my other options. The virtual system turned out to be the most economical and it was packed with features to help me stay organized and better manage my calls.

Getting Organized
Before the virtual phone system, I had telephone calls coming in on my landline and my mobile phone. Since I could not always answer each individual call, the ones that went to voicemail were difficult to track down and return with any amount of organization. The virtual system features an easy-to-use desktop application that keeps track of every call I receive, and this makes it easier for me to know at-a-glance which calls I answered, which ones I missed, and which ones are in need of a follow-up. My clients no longer worry about unreturned telephone calls because I can return them quickly and with ease.

Giving Information to Callers
On days when school is cancelled or delayed due to snow, many parents contact me to find out whether or not they can bring their children to my home for care. As a small business, there are only so many children I can accept. Answering the telephone over and over again can certainly become tedious—particularly when there are small children who are in constant need of supervision. The information hotline and auto attendant features included in the virtual telephone system are great solutions to this issue. Every caller hears a friendly greeting and can select the option that best fits the reason for his or her call.

Happy Customers
The best thing about a virtual phone system is that it helps me make sure that all of my clients and customers receive the customer care experiences they deserve. When they call to find out if I can accept new kids, if I am open during inclement weather, or if I am willing to provide care after-hours on an emergency basis, these questions can all be answered quickly and simply. I can also change the information contained in the recordings easily when the unexpected occurs.

A daycare is a very time-consuming business to run, and with small children to observe during all hours, answering the telephone can prove to be a difficult task. With the help of a virtual phone system, I no longer have to worry about calls going unanswered or unreturned.

Virtual Phone System is Changing the Face of Small Businesses Everywhere

Small business owners who want to save money, handle their calls more effectively and advertise effectively through their telephone numbers should consider using a virtual phone system. They will reap many rewards, including increased productivity, reduced overhead costs and better overall customer service.

Increasing Productivity
One of the best things about a virtual phone system is that it allows businesses and employees to operate much more efficiently than before. With features like an auto attendant, the need for a designated administrative assistant to remain on-site is negated, and employees do not have to stop what they are doing to answer and route telephone calls. With the call forwarding feature, employees can always receive their calls and handle them wherever they may be, even if they are out in the field, on lunch break, or at home. The online fax capabilities allow employees to send and receive faxes from the comfort of their computers, reducing the need for repeated trips back and forth to fax machines.

Reducing Costs
Another great benefit that comes from the use of a virtual phone system is the reduction in costs that most businesses will see immediately. All of the features that come standard with these systems can save businesses money by reducing or removing the need for a full-time administrative assistant. The monthly bills are extremely low when compared with standard landline telephone service, and there is no expensive equipment that must be installed. Similarly, since time is often associated with money in a business sense, the increased efficiency that the phone system provides will help employees make better use of their time both in the office and out in the field.

Improving Customer Service
The quality of customer service that a small business provides will have a huge impact on its overall success. The best way to provide outstanding customer service to consumers is to start with an excellent communications system that ensures no calls ever go unanswered and that they are properly routed each and every time. A virtual phone system with an auto attendant ensures that each call is answered promptly and that callers always hear a friendly greeting. From this point, they can choose the department they would like to speak to and wait as their call is instantaneously routed. This reduces customer frustration and leads to an all-around better experience for callers.

Easier Navigation
Standard telephones are often complicated to use, and this often leads to accidental disconnects, misrouted calls and angry callers. With a virtual phone system, everything each employee needs can be found on his or her desktop in an easy-to-use interface. By clicking buttons on the screen, the employee can navigate between email, telephone call logs, faxes and more. This reduces the need for the employees to move about from one point to another in order to perform different tasks and provides them with the ability to get things done faster, easier and more efficiently.

Small businesses must find ways to stand out from the crowd in order to be successful. By using a virtual phone system, these businesses can easily improve their customer service, reduce their overhead costs and even promote happier employees.