How to Improve Your Business’ Telephone Systems

Although ‘telephonophobia’ is more wide-spread than many people realise, it doesn’t change the fact that all businesses rely on the good old-fashioned telephone to conduct much of its business. While emails have taken over some of the burden of the telephone, speaking to someone makes the whole process of doing business easier and there are still many people who prefer the phone (except for the afore mentioned telephonophobes, of course). Chances are, even though they were invented over a century ago, your business could still improve its telephone systems and usage.

Cable Hazard
This is very simple, but you’d be surprised by the amount of offices I’ve been in where the floor space is littered with cables going every which way, looking like a poor man’s facsimile of Roger Hargreaves’ Mr Messy. Cleaning up your phone cables may not save you money in an obvious way, but you won’t have to pay Injury Lawyers 4U when one of your staff trips and brains themselves on a desk. Addressing some of the other points in the article may trim down the need for so many wires anyway.

Bundles
I bet at home you have your broadband, phone, and TV all under one package, am I right? Do the same for your business (although you probably won’t need the TV, unless you’re one of those ‘cool, hip’ bosses). By combining your phone and internet bills, you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the long run.

Call Logging Software
Analytics are playing a huge role in businesses nowadays as they allow business owners to study all the stats and figures relating to their company. Companies like Code Software enable the employer to study how many calls are coming in and who’s handling them; it allows them to make decisions based on facts on how to improve the company. You can see who is taking the most calls, and maybe who is spending a bit too long on the phone – maybe they are taking too many personal calls, etc. This software will enable the whole phone aspect of your business to be completely transparent.

If It Ain’t Broke, Still Fix It
I don’t like the original saying; I say there’s always ways to improve. If your current phone system does the job, but is old, get something new. It will be more efficient, easier to use, and could even save you money. For example, VoIP technology is making a lot of waves in the business world at the moment. If you don’t know what VoIP stands for, you’re not alone, as I don’t think many people know. It stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Essentially the phone calls are now made over the internet instead of phone lines. It’s a similar way to Skype, but still using traditional phone sets.  That’s a basic look at it, but there is loads of information online.

Hopefully, some of the points in this article will help you save money, increase productivity, and generally improve your business. Make sure you give yourself all the facts before making decisions that affect your employees. That’s why logging software is helpful, but also by speaking to a variety of different business phone and internet providers as you can always find great deals, especially if you’re providing enough business.