Every company, from the smallest of startups to the biggest global conglomerates, has benefitted from the use of a business telephone system. Perhaps you’re thinking of putting up your own startup or already have, and are looking for ways to establish your brand among the market. You may be thinking, “Why do I immediately need a phone system if my company is still growing?” The answer is because having a business phone system is not only an asset, but it is also an investment that will help you propel your company to whole new heights. Luckily, there are many different phone service providers that have different sets of features depending on the needs of your company. In this modern age, instant messaging, email, social media and other forms of communication via the World Wide Web has made it easier for people to contact one another. However, the use of the telephone is still one of the best ways where you can establish a true connection with someone over real time.
Smaller companies depend on direct contact with customers more than the big corporations do, so it’s imperative that you maximize communication with them in order to build your network and create a trustworthy image for your customers. In this day and age, missed or dropped calls or faulty connections are no longer a permissible excuse to keep you from contacting your customers so choosing a business phone system that works for you is important. Here are some of the types of phone systems available:
1. Key Systems (KSU)
This type of system is the most traditional, and is best suited for companies with 10-40 employees. It has basic features such as multiple lines which are backed up by a key system unit (KSU), and as your company expands, you can choose to add more features. It also resembles a normal telephone.
2. Keyless Systems (KSU-Less)
This is what you want to get when your company has less than 10 employees and is just starting up. Pros: These are the cheapest business phone systems currently on the market. Cons: These cannot support your company growth. This particular phone system does not have a key system unit because the technology comes with the phone itself. This makes the KSU-less phones very easy to transport, as you can just plug and play if your office moves locations.
3. Private Branch Exchange Systems (PBX)
This particular format of phone system is the most common type available on the market, and is best for companies with over 50 employees. It is expensive and requires installation from a telecom professional, but it has the most advanced set of features meant for bigger companies with plans of expansion. It is compatible with other types of phone systems, which makes it a flexible tool in your workplace.
4. Voice Over Internet Protocol Systems (VoIP)
This particular business phone system largely depends on the Internet. You can send and receive calls through the Internet, which makes it ideal for remote offices because of its mobility. It’s ideal for both large and small companies. It’s relatively inexpensive and gaining popularity among many businesses.
Once you figure out which business telephone system works best for you, whether it’s sophisticated like RingCentral or a starter type like with Skype, feel free to take the plunge and watch your business grow with leaps and bounds.