Get a Clear Advantage with a Virtual Phone

Small Business Phone ServiceVirtual phones are the wave of the future, but there is more to this growing trend than a simple desire for progress. These phones have a lot of other advantages that put them head and shoulders above cell phones and landlines.

Reliability

Dropped calls and lost texts are a thing of the past with a virtual phone. Since these phones work through the internet, their connections are much more stable. Tools that come standard with many companies can resend texts, faxes or other messages that fail to be delivered. This means that even if the other party is having trouble, due to less reliable technology, your information will still be received. Often, there’s no need to worry about the hassle of resending or checking that the information got through.

Improved Record Keeping

See exactly what your service is being used for, often in real time. There’s no need to wait for a bill at the end of the month to see what numbers are being dialed. Many virtual phone interfaces have a database of precisely what is being sent or who is being called listed in the user’s profile. Stopping unproductive office behavior faster and keeping employees on track is easier with up to the minute information. Keeping archives of faxed documents, contacts and voice mails is a snap with virtual telephone services. Never lose an important message or phone number again!

Cost

With plans starting at $20 a month, and dozens of useful and time saving features to choose from, a virtual phone saves you both money and effort. Additions like send fax online feature and built in call recording can save you hundreds of dollars on separate machines that would normally do those jobs. The virtual versions of those features also require less time to use, and take up fewer expensive office resources. Flexible plans and online upgrades make sure that you’re getting the right service for your budget.

Better Customer Service

Large phone companies have become complacent. Many of them have had control over the telecommunications industry for decades, and they are certain of their own success. Smaller companies have more drive to please their customers, and so, newer, online phone companies are more competitive, promising better customer service and more benefits to their clients. Dealing with large corporations, with tons of red tape is no longer a necessary evil when trying to get phone service.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

As time goes on, technology is moving faster. Old technologies are being replaced with better, more efficient ones every day. Old technology users are being left in the dust. With the increasing popularity of the internet, more services are using an online model. Movie and music distribution is becoming internet based as well as many other industries. It appears that before long, online phone companies will become the norm. By hopping on the virtual phone train now, you’re guaranteed not to be left behind.

As the technology becomes more popular, it will become possible to do even more than the features listed here, and chances are good the cost will come down even further.

A Virtual Phone System Eliminates the Need for an On-Site Phone System

With all of the new technologies that are being introduced these days, it comes as no surprise that many business owners are moving away from traditional on-site phone systems in favor of a virtual phone system. The entire system is hosted on the provider’s servers and eliminates the need for expensive installations and equipment purchases.

How a Virtual System Works
While on-site phone systems typically use copper wires and the like to transmit a telephone signal, a virtual phone system uses the internet to provide telephone numbers. Service providers will also give their clients access to a back office web interface that allows them to access and control all of the different professional features provided by the system, including call forwarding, multiple extensions, virtual voicemail, address books and the different options available for placing callers on hold. These systems are very popular among businesses because they are easy to use and incredibly cost-effective.

Cost Effectiveness
There are many reasons why a virtual phone system is a very cost-effective alternative to on-site phone systems. First, the systems are owned and maintained by the provider, so the overhead costs incurred are lower; these savings are passed to business owners. Next, business owners do not have to pay for as many telephone lines with a virtual system because extensions are readily available, and there are also plenty of features in place to handle call backlogging. These include voicemail, call waiting and auto attendants. Finally, there are no telephone jacks to worry about and no software to purchase, download or install. Everything is incredibly simple and as inexpensive as possible.

Features
One of the features that is available with a virtual phone system and may not be part of most on-site systems is the auto attendant, and this allows multiple callers to be greeted simultaneously before being routed to the proper person or department. The auto attendant can successfully answer calls and transfer callers, but it can also place callers on hold if the party they request is busy. These systems also provide the ability to send and receive faxes online, which not only saves money in the long run, but also boosts productivity in the workplace by providing employees with a more effective way to send and receive their documents.

Call Forwarding
A virtual system is used in conjunction with one or more landlines or mobile phones. The assigned virtual telephone number and its extensions can all be forwarded to landlines and mobile phones as the business needs demand it, making it easier for employees to take their calls whether they are in the office, out in the field or even working from home. The back office web interface makes it easy for business owners, managers and employees to schedule the forwarding of their extensions without any fuss or hassle.

A virtual phone system is a great alternative to—and can even certainly replace—on-site phone systems in businesses of any size. It is a cost-effective, feature-packed solution for business owners who are looking to streamline their communications and provide better customer service overall.

Get a Virtual Phone System for Your Home Business

Virtual Phone SystemIf you are considering an effective communications system for your home business, you can never go wrong with a virtual phone system. Not only is it the most affordable solution available, but it will provide you with all of the features you will need in order to ensure that your business endeavor is a success.

Affordability
New home business owners are concerned with their expenditures—and for good reason. Getting started can certainly be expensive, and without an effective means of money management, it is highly unlikely that a business will succeed. A virtual phone system is truly inexpensive when compared with the alternatives, and not just on a monthly basis. There are no jacks to install and no expensive software to purchase, making the start-up costs practically non-existent. To compare monthly costs, a landline with all of the features and unlimited long distance can cost between $75 and $100 per month while a virtual system that is loaded with features aimed toward home businesses may cost as little as $20 per month.

Landline vs. Virtual System
While landlines are still considered the most traditional form of telecommunications for homes and businesses, they are certainly not the most effective. Most landline companies do not offer discounts to homeowners who choose to install second lines, and they do not offer all of the features that a virtual phone system can provide. The virtual system will allow you to separate your telephone numbers so that one is dedicated to personal use while the other is strictly for the business—without all of the added costs associated with multiple lines of service. On the same note, most of the features you need to be successful are included in the price associated with a virtual system; you may be asked to pay extra for certain features with a landline company.

Features
One of the most prominent features associated with a virtual phone system is the ability to set up an information hotline on an extension. If you are running a home business, this can save you precious time. An information hotline is available 24 hours a day, and is essentially a recorded message for your callers who are interested in learning more about the products or services you offer.  It can also be used to record directions and hours of operation for your customers to hear.

Mobility
Almost all phone service providers will give you the ability to take your telephone number with you through the use of the call forwarding feature, but landline and mobile phone providers often charge for you to forward your calls. With a virtual phone system, you can easily forward your business telephone number to your mobile phone, or home or office landline if the situation calls for it. This makes you available to your clients and customers all the time, regardless of where you need to travel for personal or professional reasons.

A virtual phone system is a great way for you to ensure that your home business is successful because it saves you money, provides you with features that will lend to your productivity, and allows you to be available to your customers 24 hours a day with call forwarding and information hotlines.

iTeleCenter Lends a Helping Hand by Offering 90 Day Free Virtual Phone System Accounts to Businesses Affected by Hurricane Sandy

iTeleCenter, with its corporate offices located in the heart of the tri-state area, was affected by last week’s hurricane like much of the northeast was. With operations fully recovered and 100% operational, it is reaching out to businesses in the community affected by the storm and offering a helping hand by providing its state-of-the-art virtual phone system account to businesses whose communications systems are affected by Hurricane Sandy with free service for 90 days.

iTeleCenter can enable companies to easily stay connected with their customers and clients during recovery efforts by allowing them to forward calls through a new toll free or local number directly to their workers’ mobile phones or landlines. Businesses should post their new iTeleCenter number in email signatures, websites, blogs, tweets, as well as company Facebook or LinkedIn page to let customers know how to reach them during this time.

There is no software to download or hardware setup involved. The new iTeleCenter business number is instantly available, and can be set up to start receiving calls within minutes. Companies can record a greeting to keep callers apprised of any ongoing recovery efforts or any general information they need to disseminate.

Businesses that wish to take advantage of this offer should contact iTeleCenter’s Customer Care department at 1-800-454-5930 and ask about the Hurricane Sandy 90-day Offer.

About iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter was founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul Champaneria who wanted to build a company that catered to the needs of virtual companies, direct salespeople, affiliate marketers, real estate professionals, and all forms of home-based or small businesses. iTeleCenter is a virtual phone system that provides individuals with the ability to utilize toll free phone numbers, locally based numbers, 800 numbers or vanity numbers, with call forwarding and voicemail that make professional life a little easier. With the best in customer care and service, along with the latest and most innovative features, it’s a must have for professionals who want to compete on a regional or national level, whether it’s a one-man operation or a million-dollar corporation.

A Virtual Phone System is an Important Business Tool

Communication is an important aspect of running a business, so if the level of communication that is being provided to clients and customers is sub-par, a business can never realize true success. A virtual phone system can make a huge difference for a business of any size for a number of different reasons.

Better Communications
The first reason why a virtual phone system is so important has to do with the overall better level of communications that the business owners and their employees will have with clients and customers. Features like the automated attendant ensure that each call is properly routed and that accidental disconnects and incorrect transfers are completely eliminated. The call quality is incredibly clear and employees can forward their calls if they will be away from their desks for any period of time. Faxes can be sent and received directly from the computer, and there are no complicated instructions for checking voicemails or returning calls.

Affordable
Another great thing about a virtual phone system is that it is completely affordable, especially when compared to phone systems like landlines. Landline telephones require jacks, splitters and other forms of technology that can be expensive to install and maintain. Also, businesses that need many lines of service may find that their telephone bills are enormous on a monthly basis. This is not the case with a virtual system; for a low monthly rate, business owners can secure a set number of telephone lines and a feature package that is filled with things designed to make a business more efficient and productive.

24-Hour Access
While many businesses have set hours of operation, there are those consumers who like to get information on their own time. With a virtual phone system, businesses can record information on a hotline for consumers to hear 24 hours a day. Afterward, if the listener would like to leave a message, that option is available. Sometimes virtual systems even allow for after-hours answering services, particularly for businesses that specialize in repairs and the like. This way, the business can be closed, but consumers who have emergencies have a direct link to the employee who can help them with the situation.

Toll Free & Vanity Numbers
Although toll free and vanity telephone numbers are certainly available through landline telephone services, they are much more expensive than those associated with a virtual phone system. In fact, the prices for some of these systems include a set number of minutes of incoming toll free calls. This way, consumers can call from anywhere in the country without incurring long distance charges. Aside from this, a toll free number is a great way to boost professionalism, and a vanity number is a phenomenal way to ensure that consumers are able to remember a telephone number when they are in need of a product or service.

Businesses that really want to succeed in this difficult economy must ensure that every aspect—including communications—is on target. A virtual phone system is hands-down the best way to make sure that consumers are able to stay in contact and get the information they need.

A Virtual Phone System Changed My Nursing Care Business

As a home health care nurse, communicating with my patients has always been important. Although I work designated shifts, the ability for my patients to contact me during off-hours is a necessity. A virtual phone system changed my business forever and made communication cheaper and more effective.

Using My Personal Landline
When I first started working as a home health nurse, I was transitioning from my job in the Intensive Care Unit at a local hospital. I had always used my landline and my mobile phone for communications with the hospital, so when I decided to work from home, I did not really give any thought to changing my current methods. I had used the same landline telephone number for more than 10 years for home and business purposes, and while I had thought about installing a second landline or virtual phone system, I avoided it because of the installation fees and monthly bills that would likely climb exponentially.

In Need of a Change
The first time I realized that I really needed to change the way I communicated with my patients came when the call load got too heavy for my family to carry. Although the telephone used to ring a few times per day with calls for myself, my husband and my teenage daughter, the number of calls we were receiving exploded. It became difficult to tell when we were receiving business calls or personal calls, so we answered the phone in a business-like manner 24 hours a day—unless we recognized the caller via the caller ID. At this point, I began looking into ways to better route and handle the calls that were coming into my home.

The Virtual System
I researched adding a second landline for business purposes, but after reviewing the fees associated with hardware installation and the monthly costs of the service, I decided that this was not an acceptable option. Instead, I contacted a virtual phone system provider to ask questions. The service required absolutely no hardware installation, it used my existing broadband internet connection, and it came packed with features like an auto attendant and call forwarding at no additional cost. Even better, the service cost only about half of what a second landline would cost. The system was installed the following day, and I have never been happier.

My Business Today
These days, thanks to the help of my virtual phone system, my patients enjoy the ability to contact me via my business telephone number 24 hours a day. With the help of the auto attendant, many of my callers can get the information they need on their own—I never even have to pick up the telephone. They can press choose option one to hear a pre-recorded message about the services I offer, option two to make an appointment, or option three to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Even when I am away from home, my customers can reach me on my mobile phone thanks to the call forwarding feature.

Taking care of my family and treating my patients are the two most important things in my life. With the help of my virtual phone system, I can do both more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Virtual Phone System is Changing the Face of Small Businesses Everywhere

Small business owners who want to save money, handle their calls more effectively and advertise effectively through their telephone numbers should consider using a virtual phone system. They will reap many rewards, including increased productivity, reduced overhead costs and better overall customer service.

Increasing Productivity
One of the best things about a virtual phone system is that it allows businesses and employees to operate much more efficiently than before. With features like an auto attendant, the need for a designated administrative assistant to remain on-site is negated, and employees do not have to stop what they are doing to answer and route telephone calls. With the call forwarding feature, employees can always receive their calls and handle them wherever they may be, even if they are out in the field, on lunch break, or at home. The online fax capabilities allow employees to send and receive faxes from the comfort of their computers, reducing the need for repeated trips back and forth to fax machines.

Reducing Costs
Another great benefit that comes from the use of a virtual phone system is the reduction in costs that most businesses will see immediately. All of the features that come standard with these systems can save businesses money by reducing or removing the need for a full-time administrative assistant. The monthly bills are extremely low when compared with standard landline telephone service, and there is no expensive equipment that must be installed. Similarly, since time is often associated with money in a business sense, the increased efficiency that the phone system provides will help employees make better use of their time both in the office and out in the field.

Improving Customer Service
The quality of customer service that a small business provides will have a huge impact on its overall success. The best way to provide outstanding customer service to consumers is to start with an excellent communications system that ensures no calls ever go unanswered and that they are properly routed each and every time. A virtual phone system with an auto attendant ensures that each call is answered promptly and that callers always hear a friendly greeting. From this point, they can choose the department they would like to speak to and wait as their call is instantaneously routed. This reduces customer frustration and leads to an all-around better experience for callers.

Easier Navigation
Standard telephones are often complicated to use, and this often leads to accidental disconnects, misrouted calls and angry callers. With a virtual phone system, everything each employee needs can be found on his or her desktop in an easy-to-use interface. By clicking buttons on the screen, the employee can navigate between email, telephone call logs, faxes and more. This reduces the need for the employees to move about from one point to another in order to perform different tasks and provides them with the ability to get things done faster, easier and more efficiently.

Small businesses must find ways to stand out from the crowd in order to be successful. By using a virtual phone system, these businesses can easily improve their customer service, reduce their overhead costs and even promote happier employees.

iTeleCenter’s Virtual Phone System is Changing the Face of Home-Based Businesses

Many home-based businesses are turning to a Virtual Phone System like iTeleCenter to fulfill their need for a toll free business number. They have been able to avoid the expense of installing secondary lines in their homes while still keeping their business line professional. These small companies can choose from a large inventory of 1800 numbers that are tied to the system.

In a recent survey, most respondents noted the low cost of the service bundled with the ability to receive calls on their home or mobile phones – while keeping these numbers private – as the number one reason they purchased iTeleCenter. Some also noted the professional image boost their companies received as a side benefit of having a toll free business number.

The system allows a business to advertise a toll free (or local) phone number which forwards seamlessly to the landline or mobile number of the company’s choice. This flexibility enables small business owners to remain mobile without missing a call. It also allows for growth down the road; if a business outgrows its home office and needs to relocate, there is no need to change the business number.

Home-based offices also enjoy the benefits of the included business-class features. Some business owners opt to automatically forward calls and answer them immediately while others opt to use a professionally recorded greeting and let the system’s auto attendant guide callers to the person or department they are seeking. When a call cannot be answered and the caller is sent to voicemail, the company representative can receive a transcribed version of the message via email. Online faxing from any online device removes the need for a fax machine and reduces the additional cost of ink and paper.

The business number, business-class features, and money-saving perks are changing the face of home-based businesses and giving them an edge over their competition. They get a bigger-business image, increased mobility and are able to keep their personal numbers private.

About iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter was founded in 1992 by entrepreneur Paul Champaneria who wanted to build a company that catered to the needs of virtual companies, direct salespeople, affiliate marketers, real estate professionals, and all forms of home-based or small businesses. iTeleCenter is a virtual phone system that provides individuals with the ability to utilize toll free phone numbers, locally based numbers, or vanity numbers, with call forwarding and voicemail that make professional life a little easier. With the best in customer care and service, along with the latest and most innovative features, it’s a must have for professionals who want to compete on a regional or national level, whether it’s a one-man operation or a million-dollar corporation.
Article Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/9/prweb9867313.htm

How a Virtual Phone System Changed My Home Business

When I first started my home-based cleaning business, I had a handful of clients whom I could count on. However, as time went by and my clientele grew larger, it became difficult to manage my telephone calls. A virtual phone system changed all of this, and now I am able to enjoy a larger client base than ever before—and I make more money as a result.

In The Beginning
When my business first got off the ground, there were so many expenses to contend with that I did not even consider adding a second telephone line at home, much less a virtual phone system. I used the existing telephone number—the same number on which my husband and children receive telephone calls—to take my business calls. When there were only a handful of clients, this was acceptable; these clients were friends and family members who did not mind the hustle and bustle of the household and were not shocked when my six-year-old daughter answered the phone. However, as the business grew, it became evident that something needed to change.

The Saturday that Changed it All
I can distinctly remember a particular client whom I will call Mr. Smith. He was an elderly gentleman who had lost his wife several years earlier, and he had hired me to come into his home once per week for light cleaning and laundry duties. After having been to Mr. Smith’s home on several occasions, he began to call every now and then with something extra that he needed to have done, and this worked well up until the Saturday that changed my business forever. Mr. Smith called at about 10 o’clock that morning, but since I was in the shower, my daughter answered the telephone. Mr. Smith was unable to communicate with her clearly, and as a result, he disconnected the call with her.

The First Lost Client
I called Mr. Smith back immediately, but he was frustrated with his previous experience with my daughter and stated that he needed someone who was more professional to handle his cleaning needs. This was the first client I had ever lost and his words certainly stung, especially when my daughter had meant no harm. That day, I began researching the rates for adding a second line of service—a private line for the business—when I stumbled across an article for a virtual phone system. I was intrigued by this, but at the same time, I was a little put-off. After all, how could something so inexpensive be so effective?

The New Telephone Line
Since the installation fees associated with adding a line of service were non-existent and the monthly cost was affordable, I decided to go ahead and purchase the virtual phone system. Within just a few hours, everything I needed had been downloaded to my computer and I was ready to go. I was extremely shocked by how easy the interface was to navigate, and the auto attendant feature added that level of professionalism that clients like Mr. Smith would have appreciated. To this day, I have not lost another customer due to inferior communications, and I can easily forward calls from my virtual telephone to my mobile phone when I cannot be at home to take them.

While I can certainly understand the need to save money wherever possible when starting or running a home business, I can assure you that a virtual phone system will save you time and money in your ventures. As a matter of fact, it may even help you make more money than you ever thought possible.

Virtual Phone System

Virtual Phone System – The Secret to a Successful Home Business

There are many things to consider when it comes to running a successful home business, but communication with clients and customers is one of the most important. A virtual phone system is a great way to ensure that home business owners are never out of reach, even when they are not at home.

Always Available
The great thing about using a virtual phone system is that it allows the business owner to always be available to their clients and customers. While it may be important to set regular business hours and stick to them, it may not be feasible for the business owner to stay near the home telephone waiting for calls to come through. The virtual phone allows users to forward calls to mobile devices or other locations with just a few clicks of the mouse, and this is important for people who are always on the go. This way, running a business and a household at the same time becomes much easier, and business owners are less stressed and more productive.

Better Organization
One of the difficulties associated with running a small business from home is staying organized in the wake of household schedules and business schedules. Juggling telephone calls from schools, clients, customers, doctors and more can certainly become a hassle, particularly if all of the calls are coming in to the same telephone number. With a virtual phone system, it is easier for business owners to set up secondary telephone numbers, and this helps calls remain better organized. The desktop application makes it easier to check voicemails and view the calls that came in to each individual telephone number.

Call Management
Running a small business from home can be extremely difficult during busy periods, particularly when there is only the business owner to handle the call volume. A virtual phone system provides plenty of features that help with call management; everything from an auto attendant to information hotlines can make communication easier in the long run. When a call cannot be answered right away, the virtual voicemail system will pick it up and provide the business owner with a notification. This voicemail can be checked via any telephone at all or even through the desktop interface. Calls can be easily prioritized, and those calls that require immediate responses can be handled.

Cost Effectiveness
There are many different options available for handling communications needs in a home-based business, but none are as cost-effective as a virtual phone system. A single landline is expensive enough, but when a second is added to suit the needs of the business, the cost can grow exponentially. Jacks must be installed, hardware must be purchased, and expensive monthly fees are imposed. Virtual telephones do not require the purchase of any additional equipment, and the monthly fees are much less than those associated with typical landline services.

All in all, enjoying a successful home-based business comes from combining excellent products or services with great customer service. The quality of customer service provided has much to do with the type of communications selected, and a virtual phone system is always a fantastic choice.