It is impressive to think of the changes we have experienced in communication methods in such a short time. What used to take months with a sealed letter now takes seconds with a mouse click or finger. Unfortunately, as with most things people come into contact with, there are bound to be some critics.
Although VoIP has been proven time and time again to offer clear benefits with respect to business communications, VoIP service providers have earned a bad reputation that has prevented businesses from experiencing its tremendous benefits. Some would say this is due to a fear of the unknown or a simple misunderstanding of the technology itself.
It’s time to turn this fear of the unknown into growth! That is why we are here to dispel the 5 common myths about VoIP.
- Small businesses cannot benefit
This is an unfortunate myth because it prevents many small business owners from looking for a resource that can ultimately save them time and money. We’re not talking just a few cents each month either; Some businesses see savings of 30% to 60% on annual cost! Although large businesses have been able to successfully rely on VoIP service providers, small businesses would actually benefit more! When you’re operating on a tight budget and scarce resources, consider VoIP service providers who can offer valuable business communication tools such as automated attendants, call logs, personalized call menus, and more.
- unreliability
You wouldn’t run a business without an internet connection, would you? Of course not. How would you receive emails, research competitors, and keep in touch with colleagues across the pond? Many VoIP deniers oppose the technology because it’s seen as an unreliable resource when, in reality, it’s only as reliable as your Internet connection. In fact, if you already have an established Internet connection at your business at this point, then you are almost ready to start using VoIP. As for dropped calls, call continuity is there to ensure you never miss an opportunity.
- sick of call quality
This may have been true in the early days of PBXs, but just as businesses themselves evolve and improve over time, VoIP has seen significant improvements since its inception. With a wider range of frequencies for voice data to travel, congestion is less frequent, and adding a high-speed Internet connection will only improve call quality.
- High price
Gone are the days when you needed to spend a fortune just to add another line of service or expand to other locations. These days, VoIP service providers have made it easy to expand your equipment and business locations without compromising your budget. Most VoIP service providers offer different tiers for the type of services your business needs today, saving you money by giving you what you absolutely need and nothing in excess. VoIP is truly a more cost effective telephony method; perhaps that is why millions of companies already rely on VoIP service providers for their communication strategy.
- Installation and maintenance is a pain in the ass
When you think of a business phone system, you might be envisioning a server that needs to be stored in a closet and maintained by highly trained (and expensive) IT staff. Fortunately, bulky equipment is no longer needed when implementing a VoIP phone service. Most VoIP service providers offer remote provisioning with their hardware for quick and easy setup. If you decide to purchase phones along with the service, all you have to do is plug the phones into the correct ports and watch your phone initialize. In less than 10 minutes, you can be up and running with your new office phone; no wiring or heavy equipment needed. As for maintenance, most VoIP service providers have their own IT staff to handle software updates.
Renewing your trust in VoIP providers
It can be scary to take the first step into something you previously thought was bad for business; but if you know someone who is currently using VoIP, ask them about their experiences. What did you like? How did it help your business? If possible, start with a trial period and see for yourself if VoIP really lives up to your expectations. Once you’re familiar with the many ways VoIP providers can positively impact your business, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
So what should you do when you decide VoIP is right for your business?
Choosing Between Business VoIP Providers
We have established that business VoIP providers bring benefits to businesses of all sizes. If you’re a small business looking to save cost and time, there’s handy communication technology waiting to be discovered.