As an entrepreneur you’re looking to be a master of your schedule so you can free up time to do the things you love in life. Whether that’s spending time with your family or friends, doing a hobby, traveling or if you’re like me surfing!

In business communication with your customers and staff is paramount to running a successful company. Flexibility in how a communication systems is setup and how it operates can provide new ways for business owners to manage both inbound and outbound calls from virtually anywhere that a wi-fi connection is available.

What is VOIP?

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a methodology and group of technologies for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. Other terms commonly associated with VoIP are IP telephony, Internet telephony, broadband telephony, and broadband phone service.

The advantages of a VOIP System

Based on industry averages VOIP is 30% less expensive than traditional phones services.

• No fixed line costs
• Flexible easy to setup
• Lower per call costs
• Fax to email options
• 1300 and 1800 integration
• Local numbers in over 40 countries
• Automated answering and call forwarding

Selecting a VOIP provider and what to look for

We did extensive research and vendor analysis before we selected our provider of choice. The keys we were looking for with VOIP provider included.

• A quality support team with experience
• Groups of consecutive numbers
• The ability to operate calls from anywhere in the world
• Calling plans that would be capped to avoid cost blowouts
• Expansion options to build on the system we configured
• Local numbers in the US configured on the local AU lines
• Automated answering with call attendant
• Flexible menu selection options
• Messages on prompt and on hold random play selections
• Voicemail
• Fax to email

VOIP disadvantages

The main disadvantages with any VOIP system is maintaining uptime. There is some downtime with any VOIP system, while its minimal overall this needs be considered specifically if you have phone critical voice requirements. The

Configuring a VOIP system average costs

While services start under $10 per month on average $50 per month per user provides you the top of the line setup, with unlimited calling options worldwide, calls to mobile, dedicated line options, voicemail and more. Depending on your specific needs you can opt to go for traditional hardware for say your office or if you’re a traveller then adding a softphone technology like Bria, owned by counterpath will give you the flexibility to work on the road and take your phone system with you.

The power of messages on hold

Having professionally recorded messages shows you care about your business and you want your customers to take your business seriously. The added benefits of having recorded messages is that you can continue to market to your customers with targeted messages when they call in or a placed on hold. Its been proven that customers are more likely to ask about a product they heard about while on hold than by browsing simple through your website. Think radio advertising how powerful it can be.

If you would like any additional information on configurations or VoIP options please shoot an email to support@transeo.com.au.

For more insights from the Transeo Team please subscribe below.

About the Author

 

About Adam Mole

Adam is the proprietor of start up BPO company Transeo and has been working with offshore and outsourcing services for more than 20 years. Adam is passionate about small business. He likes to write about his experiences in sales and startup business ventures. In his spare time you'll find him on one of Sydney's south coast beaches surfing and smiling. Email Adam at adam.mole@transeo.com.au and follow Adam on Twitter @adam_transeo.