5 Ways VoIP Can Help Your Small Business

Voice over Internet Protocol isn’t new, but new businesses, might not be aware of it. It’s a term you should become familiar with because of the many benefits of using the service for your small business.

Robert Conner, CEO of SipVine, one of the first successful VoIP organizations, explains that most businesses eventually adopt VoIP tech. They usually go through a process of understanding the effectiveness of the tech in their business.

“We knew we were on to something, but we were even surprised at the pace of overall adoption of the technology by businesses large and small,” Conner shared. “What has been very clear are the four stages of market evolution that can be identified over the years.”

Those stages include the “Early Adoption,” “My Phone System is Failing,” “The Last Straw,” and “Let the Cream Rise,” indicating a company’s final decision to invest in VoIP. Companies might invest in VoIP at any stage, but most who are made aware of the benefits of VoIP invest.

Small businesses might wonder if making this switch is really worthwhile. As a small business, you can often operate in different ways than larger businesses, after all. However, a VoIP system offers some essential benefits that you probably want to take advantage of.

1. Savings

What small business doesn’t look for an opportunity to save money? Legacy phone systems are expensive with intrusive setup and frequent reconfiguration. The maintenance and repairs for such a system add up to one very expensive investment.

Each call is also more affordable, which is important if you make a lot of long-distance or international phone calls. Depending on the destination, each call can be at no additional cost. Overall, VoIP phone systems offer an excellent return without a high monetary investment.

2. Flexibility

Switching to a VoIP system does not mean getting all new equipment. While some hardware will be new, you can always use a VoIP converter or telephone adapter that integrates with your existing system. Even older technology like fax machines are supported.

The converter or adapter will sense signals from traditional phones, which will then be routed over the internet. This means that you can take your VoIP system anywhere, as long as you have a computer and a high-speed internet connection.

3. Real-time Collaboration

Collaboration in a small office is just as challenging as in a large one, and solutions for collaboration are necessary. Not only can you conference call, share files, and stay on the same page as employees and clients, but you can also share your desktop to show others what you’re working on.

VoIP also allows communication in multiple languages, allowing you to collaborate around the globe. If you’re a small business with global targets, VoIP is one of the best systems for staying on top of things.

4. Simple Install and Maintenance

IP phones can be easier to install than traditional analog phone systems, and the process is less intrusive for your employees. It requires no phone wiring, but rather plugs into your existing hardware. When repairs are needed, it can often be handled over phone support and is usually more affordable.

It’s also easier and much less expensive to add new users to VoIP versus analog phone systems. Scaling up or down according to your business size is as simple as plugging in a new line for each new employee. For a rapidly growing small business, this system is ideal.

5. Productivity

Productivity in the workplace is always a struggle, and nowhere is it more important than in a small business. With fewer employees, more is required out of each, and you want to use all available tools to increase productivity and make it a smooth experience.

VoIP systems allow employees un-interrupted multi-tasking because they can handle phone calls without stopping work. It’s also more efficient because users can conduct virtual meetings, attach documents, and share data over video conferencing. These capabilities allow you to accomplish more in a short amount of time.

VoIP offers a number of incredible benefits for the typical small business atmosphere. If you’re a savvy business owner, take advantage of this revolutionary technology and say goodbye to traditional phone systems forever.