Choosing a business phone system can be daunting, especially for non-technical people. Why? Because business phone systems are big ticket items that typically only need replacing or upgrading every ten to fifteen years. Oftentimes, the phone system outlasts the people who originally had it installed.
To complicate matters even more, purchasing a business phone system in today’s consumer space can be especially daunting because of the sheer number of choices. Managers in charge of researching and making recommendations now have to know the difference between analog, digital, and IP (VoIP) systems. Then after disseminating all of that information, they have to determine whether a premise-based system or a hosted system will serve their business most effectively. Finally, when the selection has been made, they have to audit and analyze the lines and usage they’re billed from the phone company and determine if their existing service will be compatible with the new system.
With all of these choices and all of this information available for consumption, it’s no wonder that so many managers are feeling stress and anxiety around choosing a new business phone system. Below are the top four mistakes we see managers make when faced with having to select a new phone system for their business:
1. Not Knowing the Difference between Digital and IP (VoIP) Systems
Most basic difference – digital still sends your calls over the telephone lines while VoIP sends your calls over the Internet. Cost is also a difference. Do your research.
2. Getting Oversold on Features
Yes, you need an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) and some decent elevator music for when you put people on hold, but do you really need to spend the extra money on that exciting new intercom feature that you’ll only use twice? Probably not.
3. Maintaining Old Carrier Services on a New System
You wouldn’t put your old 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme tires on your brand-new 2016 Lexus. So don’t hinder your new phone system with old carrier services. Upgrade. You deserve it!
4. Choosing the Wrong System for YOUR Business (Premise-based Vs. Hosted PBX)
Don’t be wooed by that silver-tongued salesman. Make him work for your business by presenting you with reasons this is the RIGHT system for you. What might be good for your neighbor, may not be good for you.
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