Think You Need a New Business Phone System? Answer These 4 Simple Questions

People often approach me with questions about the telecom industry or, more specifically, their business phone system. As newer options such as cloud-based phone systems for businesses become available, people ask who exactly benefits most from using these types of systems.

Just the other day, I was talking to one of my clients. He’s a co-founder of a small startup that provides small businesses with affordable security solutions. Basically, he offers services such as store monitoring, camera installation, alarm systems, and other security features. When we first started working together about a year ago, he needed help connecting with his clients. He needed to provide them with a way to contact his team no matter where they were.

Seeing that his business budget was minimal, that he only had five people on staff, and that he didn’t have anyone to manage the system internally, I suggested that he consider investing in a hosted cloud-based phone system, which combines affordability with quality and hands-free management. He could always scale up to a premises-based phone system in the future. Today, he has almost tripled his clients. He has also added a few more talented people to his team to help manage them. He told me directly that having the phone system played a big part.

If you’re not sure whether your business would benefit from a cloud-based phone system like my client did, then ask yourself these four questions:

How Important Is Low Cost?

If your business has a limited budget, a cloud-based (hosted PBX) business phone system is an ideal option. Unlike the more expensive on-premises phone systems, cloud-based options shift most of the financial responsibility to the provider. This is especially true when it comes to the up-front costs. With a cloud-based phone system, the provider takes care of maintenance and other costs. You just pay a monthly fee.

Does Your Business Have a Mobile Component?

Like an on-premises Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, most cloud-based VoIP phone systems allow you to connect to the system from mobile devices. Again, the question comes to cost.

Do You Have Your Own IT Department?

If you have a dedicated IT department, you might be better off with an on-premises system. But remember that the initial investment for such a system is much higher than its cloud-based counterpart. Companies that don’t have the funds for the initial investment or that want their IT departments to focus on other things would do well with a cloud-based phone system.

Are You Thinking of Expanding?

If you’re not sure how much your business will expand in the first years of operation, a cloud-based business phone system is a great choice, since your service provider is responsible for increased calling capabilities. You don’t have to worry about biting off more than you can chew.

Ready for a new business phone system?

Are you a small business owner who needs a better way to connect with clients and team members? If you want the perks of an on-premises PBX phone system without the hassle of maintaining it, then a cloud-based phone system might be the solution for you. Not sure where to start? Give me a call to set up an appointment. I will work closely with you to find the best phone solution for your situation. Contact us for a free consultation today.