Did you know that in one recent year, only 10% of phone numbers in the US were tied to a landline?
This statistic goes to show how quickly technologies change as just a couple of decades earlier every number was tied to a landline or fax.
Technology continues to change today with the invention of Chatbots and video conference tools. So the question is, do we need static telephone and business cell phone lines?
Has cybertechnology completely replaced the standard telephone? Why not read on to find out?
People Still Make Standard Telephone Calls
It might sound surprising but even in today’s world of high-speed handheld internet access, people still use their phones for calls. In some countries, they do this even more than messaging and browsing the web.
This underlines the need for business phone solutions. If consumers in your area have the habit of phoning to get the information you need to have a phone line available.
In many places, companies will still prioritize a contact center solution to allow their customers to be able to contact them 24/7.
When people call a company they often want their emotions to be understood, whether positive or negative. People can do this in the most efficient way over the telephone.
The business line is a real crowd pleaser and is not going away anytime soon.
People Like Instant Access to Businesses
Another reason why people like telephone access is the speed of contact that it offers.
Rather than going to an email client, or trying to fit their thoughts into an online form that does not meet their needs, they can call and express themselves in just a few seconds. The click-to-call functionality we see on many websites has shown this to be true.
It pays businesses to have a business phone system that allows customers to reach them within seconds of picking up the phone. This is an invaluable form of customer feedback that ensures that customers feel heard.
A Phone Line Provides a Human Touch
Have you ever engaged in conversation with a chatbox on a website only to realize that you are interacting with an AI? Often we become frustrated after a few sentences because technology is simply not as flexible or functional as human beings.
We no only want the best solution, but we want to feel that a human is listening to us rather than responding with a number of defined responses.
A small business phone system gives your customer the opportunity to contact you and express themselves. However, they can do this without the feeling that they are being fobbed off to a robot.
In 2021, interacting with a human rather than an AI is the gold standard. It makes customers feel truly appreciated.
What Phone Systems Are Available?
If you are now glad that you retained your business landline, but wondering how you can improve your technology, what options are available?
Many companies are realizing the benefits of VOIP system technology. They have all the basic functionality of a traditional telephone but provide more thanks to their cloud-based infrastructure. What could VOIP do for you?
Call Routing
If a person calls your VOIP business phone number when you are away or in a meeting, you can preprogram your VOIP phone to direct the number to another extension.
This could include your home, mobile, or secretary’s number. Really anyone connected to your VOIP system that you want to take the call on your behalf.
You can set this up by simply pressing a button on the web interface. Call routing is one of the most beneficial functions of VOIP technology.
Virtual Numbers
Do you have clients or business contacts in different countries? A virtual number gives you the opportunity to provide each of them with a number local to them. Although you may give multiples numbers so out to different areas when they call they will always reach the same extension in your office.
Make it easier for your customers to contact you by giving them a local virtual number to call.
High Functionality
VOIP allows you to use your business number for more than just calls. Using VOIP telephone software you can send instant messages, faxes and receive additional information about the caller. This could include presences information and even the name of those in your database.
Call Analytics
Since VOIP utilizes software to facilitate calls, you can use the same software to gather information about your calls and the people that you interact with.
You can better understand the frequency of calls made on your system, the cost of calls, and the quality of the call.
Portability
VOIP systems allow you to take calls as you move around. Many VOIP companies will provide an app that allows you to take office calls on your business mobile phones.
In the office, a person can look at a screen to identify the extension that they will pass a caller to, and do this with the click of a button. No more having to remember tricky extension numbers.
Increased Productivity
People are busier than ever before and so calling them at the right time can be a challenge. However, if your company has VOIP technology installed, they will always be able to reach someone.
You can set up your extension to hunt for you in a number of locations or to call multiple people before moving to answerphone.
This reduces the possibility that a person will give up calling meaning you lose a sales opportunity.
Why You Need a Business Cell Phone and Much More
So there are still important advantages in maintaining a business cell phone line. However, by incorporating a VOIP telephone system, you open your business up to increased functionality that your clients will greatly appreciate.
If you were interested in this article, why not head over to our blog page and find even more of the same?
Wayne Probert is a senior reporter at Zobuz, covering state and national politics, and he is a grantee with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Before joining Zobuz, he worked as a freelance journalist in Kentucky, having been published by dozens of outlets including NPR, the Center for Media.
