Make Your Business Sound More Professional - Setup a Toll Free Number

How Do You Answer These Questions?

• Are your customers currently reaching you by your cell or home phone?
  
  
• Are you listing your personal phone numbers on your business cards, marketing material, and website?
  
• Do some potential customers not call you because your phone number is not toll free and shows your business is local?
  
  
• Are you spending hundreds or thousands of dollars each month on your PBX / Phone System?

If you answered 'yes' to any of the above, you need to catch up with the times. Hosted PBX (phone systems) have improved over the years making it easier and cheaper to implement for your business.

So what is a hosted phone system?
Hosted phone systems combine a toll-free or local number with advanced call management, call routing/extensions, voicemail, and sometimes fax capabilities over the Internet. Previously systems similar to these would costs thousands of dollars in setup and maintenance. Now, you can setup and manage your own phone system for less than $20 per month.

Why should my business have a 800 number / hosted phone system?
First, every business should have a 800 number. It shows your business maintains a professional reputation, and allows customers to call without worrying about long distance charges. It also helps track calls and limits the exposure of your personal numbers (cell & home). Having a 800 number on your business cards, website, and marketing material does not limit you to a specific region. It shows your businesses' reach is, or can be, international.

In combination to your 800 number you should implement a hosted phone system. A hosted phone system will allow you to:

• Setup a welcome greeting for incoming callers.
• Create extensions for employees or departments.
• Forward calls to private numbers (cell, home, etc.).
• Setup voicemail and call forwarding rules.
• Control and screen incoming calls.
• Analyze call volume and history through reporting tools.

Some hosted systems now even combine faxing tools to send/receive faxes without needing a physical machine and phone line.

How Do You Get Started?
It's easy, and most companies offer free trials! Some of the industry leaders are:

• http://www.ringcentral.com/
• http://www.my1voice.com/
• http://www.phone.com/
• http://www.virtualpbx.com/
• http://www.kall8.com/
• http://www.evoicereceptionist.com/

Each of the above systems can host your system and help you configure your settings. These systems will keep your overhead and monthly expenses low. Most are below $50 a month and can be setup on a month-to-month contact so you are not locked in.

For more information about how to start consulting and helpful tips to improve your business, visit our website at www.HowToStartConsulting.com.