What should a business consider when developing a phone system strategy?
First, think long term. What are your needs now and going forward? Consider how many employees you have today, and what your growth looks like in the next few years.
You want to get a handle on the size and scope of the system you’ll need. How many calls do employees make? How many calls do they receive? Are there features to help you better distribute calls? Is Internet Protocol (IP) technology a smart strategy for today, or can this type of system wait? How old is your phone equipment? What is it about your current system that frustrates you? What features do you desire in a phone system?
Ultimately, ask yourself how your ideal phone system would work. Then partner with a professional who can provide knowledgeable insight on what technology is available to meet your needs. This person will help you design a phone system that meets your demands today and is flexible to accommodate growth or changing business needs in the future. He or she will also help you understand how to best use phone systems to maximize the technology you have.
How can a company stay up to date with technology without constantly reinventing its phone system?
As a business grows, so will its need for technology to accommodate communications needs. Business growth should drive the adoption of technology. Avoid the temptation to buy brand-new equipment just so you have the latest bells and whistles, unless technology is your niche and your business is an early adopter by nature.
Ask business peers about the phone systems they use, and what works and what doesn’t. Talk to local chambers of commerce to find reputable business class phone providers that can provide the customer service and consultation you really need. Get plenty of opinions before you make a leap to a different system. But also keep in mind that leaping can be a good thing.
The technology that is available today allows you to connect anytime, anywhere at your convenience. And the flexibility that phone systems continue to offer as they become more sophisticated will only serve to benefit businesses.
Debra Wakeley is director of product management for Time Warner Cable Business Class. Contact a Time Warner Cable Business Class account consultant at (877) 612-7474 to discuss your communications needs.
