Learn how VoIP phone systems & smartphones work together.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume something crazy – you own a smartphone. I know, it's a bit much to presume, but I imagine I'm probably right.
Regardless of whether you're using an iPhone, any various type of Android, or for the select few using a Blackberry or Windows phone, your mobile device can easily become part of your VoIP phone system.
When I meet with folks at various businesses here in New Jersey to discuss their phone systems and communications strategy, it becomes glaringly obvious that their phone system is horribly outdated. They're using old tech, with limited capabilities, but they always have one thing in common: a fancy, modern smartphone.
The phone on their desk, regardless of the brand, usually works 99% of the time and is taken completely for granted. If it works, who cares? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I personally don't like technology just for the sake of technology. I find it impossible to keep up and somewhat a waste of effort to always be on the latest gadget. What I do like is when technology that is very easy and simple to use.
VoIP phone systems & smartphones can work nicely together.
Most modern phone systems have their own version of an app you can download from the Apple or Google store enabling your smartphone or other mobile device to connect with your VoIP system.
Whatever system you're about to buy into, be sure to evaluate the apps that are available. It would be a shame to invest in a product that either doesn't have an app, or one that is a piece of junk.
When it comes to tying your smartphone to a VoIP systems, I believe there are three main benefits that really matter. Sure there's plenty of reasons, but I believe these three are the most important.
"Bring Your Own Device" for added ease & flexibility.
One of the biggest limitations with any older, traditional phone system is they're very rigid in terms of their usability. You have to be at the desk to use the phone. That's it. They don't evolve, they don't update, they just sit on your desk and stay there.
If you 'Bring Your Own Device', you can use your smartphone on the VoIP system you're using, even if you're out of the office. In fact, as long as you're within range of a strong enough internet or data signal, you can effectively use your own device as if you were working in the office. All you need to do is download the corresponding app on your smartphone, and it'll be like you're at the office, ready to answer calls like normal.
Apps on your smartphone keep you connected to your VoIP system when you're on the go.
If you are in sales or service and have to communicate with clients, you can probably relate to the following:
- Have you ever gotten that call back from an important customer but they didn't leave a message?
- Has a customer left an important message but you didn't hear it until the next business day because you can't access voicemail remotely?
- Do you have to call in periodically to check if you have a voicemail?
The point here is your desktop phone and smart phone can mirror each other, so you can be away from your office or desk, and still have the functionality as if you were sitting in your office.
Any business person who travels or isn't glued to your desk or home office can benefit from this. The app on your smart phones takes all the mystery out of missed calls and voicemails. It'll be like you're always there for your customers, even if you're in the field, on the road, at home, or on a working vacation.
Smartphones on a VoIP phone system help you leverage sales & marketing.
We've found that adding your smartphone to your VoIP system is extremely useful for anyone in the sales or marketing department of an organization.
As in your own business, we all spend a lot of time marketing and communicating with potential and existing customers. We all invest time, resources, and very real dollars to attracting and finding new clients. Imagine you're waiting to hear back from a potential or existing customer that wants what you're offering and calls you back.
Your VoIP phone system can tie into your smart phone through that app I mentioned so both devices can ring simultaneously. You can capture more calls live if you're not in your office, handle the call while it's hot, and answer any customer questions when you have the opportunity. We all know the value of handling a customer's call in real-time, and not playing a potentially losing game of phone tag.
If you're in sales, and you leave the office, this capability to always be connected may help you take advantage of an opportunity, or most importantly, make the sale.
Most importantly, when the call hits your phone extension at your office you see it on your smart phone happening in real time as a notification.
I love the quote, "Productivity is an action not a location." Get your work done wherever you are even if you are not in the office.
Bringing your own mobile device to a VoIP phone system has plenty of perks.
The majority of new VoIP smartphone apps available these days are extremely easy to use. For instance, some of the main features of these phones are:
- You can control if and when calls are routed from your desktop phone to your smartphone.
- You can change your voicemail greeting whenever you need to, regardless of whether you're on vacation, traveling, or taking some personal time.
- Checking voicemail is painless, as voicemails can be listened to directly through the app, and don't require a lengthy login procedure.
- Your missed call log gives you expanded capabilities to check who called you.
- You can use your app to intercom or page others on your VoIP network simply by entering 3-digits.
- Instant messaging capabilities are similar to that of texting, enabling quick & efficient communication between you and your coworkers.
- In-app conference calls allow for you to stay in touch with several folks at once.
Your smartphone is an integral part of your VoIP phone system.
The reality of modern telecom is that the concept of a desktop phone, or an office is an antiquated way of looking at things. Your business doesn't act like it's the 1980's anymore, so you shouldn't treat your phone system like it's living in the past.
To learn more about how to stay connected on the go, feel free to contact us online, shoot me an e-mail directly at vin@tele-datasolutions.com, or give me a call on my direct line at 908-378-1218.
By Vincent Finaldi
Vice-President, Tele-Data Solutions
E-mail: vin@tele-datasolutions.com | Direct Line: (908) 378-1218
What brings me satisfaction is meeting with New Jersey–based businesses and genuinely helping them solve communication and business problems. As someone who has lived in New Jersey my entire life, I love working and playing here. I live in Morristown with my wife, Lisa, and root for the New York Giants.
