Smart VoIP Strategies for Small Businesses

For small business owners, making the switch to a new technology can often be time consuming and costly. Unlike most other technologies that require considerable advanced planning, investment, and training, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) can be integrated into business operations rapidly to deliver immediate cost-savings and convenience.

By utilizing VoIP, small businesses now have the ability to make and receive free calls via the Internet. This can be an incredible savings over time, particularly for businesses that regularly make international calls. However, to take full advantage of this innovative communications technology, you need to carefully evaluate VoIP providers and their service options before making the decision to abandon your current telephone system.

While there are an ever-growing number of VoIP providers to choose from, it's important to narrow your focus to only those that have a strong reputation for providing high quality VoIP services. For the most part, the companies that have been around the longest have the best service reputations. They have invested the time and capital to ensure that they are offering high-quality voice communications and extensive distribution networks.

Once you've identified your short list of possible providers, you'll want to carefully evaluate their offerings. Do not limit yourself by choosing a provider that offers only PC-to-PC calls. To truly take advantage of the benefits of VoIP, select one that also provides PC-to-phone calling and PC-to-mobile phone calling.

If you do make long distance calls, check providers' free-calling destination list. Some offer free international calls to certain countries, as well as highly competitive rates on calls to other locations. As well, you will want to ask about free value-added services. Quality VoIP providers frequently offer useful features such as multi-user voice conferencing, multi-user text collaboration, and instant messaging with presence for no additional cost.

Once you've found the VoIP provider that meets your needs, getting started is truly as simple as downloading software. If you have a computer that has a built-in microphone and speakers, you don't need to purchase additional hardware. With just a PC and an internet connection, you can quickly transform your computer into a free internet phone. For optimal sound quality, you may want to invest in an inexpensive headset to use while on your calls.

Once you've selected a provider, you can request support and information to help you navigate through the steps toward transitioning your business over to VoIP. And, even if you decide not to completely transition all of your business's phones over, you can financially benefit from a blended communication system that allows you to use traditional phone service for local calls and VoIP phones for long distance.