The true work begins when you’ve decided to update your phone system. Not only must you find a helpful small business phone installation service, but you also must decide what kind of phones to get in the first place. And with all the options on the market today, this can quickly become overwhelming and time-consuming.
So what is a small business or startup owner who is strapped for time in the first place to do? The answer, of course, is to think it through and research anyway. An investment of time is going to pay off financially.
Central Telephone is here to give you some things you can do that might help to get this extensive process started!
Why Are You Upgrading Your Phone System?
Answering this question is a great place to begin, even if you’re still on the fence about upgrading your small business phone system.
What does your current phone system lack that has made you consider getting a new one? What frustrations does it give you? What negative feedback have you received from your employees about it?
It helps to make a list of what you don’t like about your current phone system. Or, if you’re more of a visual person, you can make a t-chart. One side will list the flaws of your present phone system, and the other will list features you’d like to keep around.
The chart approach can provide insight into what type of wiring solution you would need and how much money you’d need to spend to get there. If you’re on the fence about upgrading, it can also help you weigh the pros and cons and finalize your decision.
What to Look for in Small Business Phone Systems
When it comes to finding the ideal phone system for your small business, there are many factors that come up when deciding what to consider for small business phone systems.
Before you research phone systems, however, it is important to understand what you are looking for in a phone system.
Price and Value
Just as with any business-related purchase, it is important to understand the value and price point of a new phone system. How many phones are necessary for your office(s), and are you anticipating an expansion in the future? Create a preliminary budget that includes anything that may come up.
Functionality
How do you use the phones in your office? Once you’ve created a budget, you can better understand which features are both necessary and affordable. Common business phone system features include caller ID, express conferencing, custom greetings, central office line ringing, distinct ringtones, and more.
Your Network and Equipment
As you look into a new phone system, ask yourself if you’ll need new equipment. While your current phones may be fine for specific networks or features, the features outlined in your new budget may not be compatible.
Research Small Business Phone Systems
No, this step cannot be avoided. Though you by no means need to become an expert in the industry, knowing a cursory amount about various phone types, such as cloud-based phone systems, will help you keep up when you talk to a business phone installation service.
Cloud-Based Phone Systems
Cloud-based phone systems are a type of VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, phone system. You can use standard VoIP equipment or combine service with app-based features and services.
Cloud-based phone systems are reliable, scalable, and are easily integrated into your current system.
Premise-Based Phone Systems
One of the primary advantages of premise-based phone systems is that they can be configured as VoIP, digital, or analog systems.
Premise-based phone systems are also reliable and provide a more unified means of communication for small businesses.
Indoor Cellular Solutions
DAS, or distributed antenna system, is an indoor cellular phone solution that offers a uniform cellular signal throughout your office building. This all-digital solution is best for those small businesses with frequently spotty cell service, whether in the area or the building itself.
When you begin to research types of small business phone systems, never underestimate the helpfulness of your peers. Speak with other business owners and ask what types of phone types work best for them.
Need Help With Your Small Business Phone System?
If you still need help deciding which type of phone is right for you, contact Central Telephone today. We’d be happy to help you get on the right track. To find out more about our products or schedule service in Minneapolis, Minnesota, call us at 763-550-2000. You can also send a message to info@centraltelephone.com.