Small and medium-sized businesses have a lot to keep tabs on, but some argue managing mobile communications might be one of the most critical components of regular operations. For SMBs specifically, managing communications becomes even more integral in order to ensure continued success. In a recent MarketingProfs article, contributor Mike Pugh outlined a number of tips for managing communications while on the go, explaining that no business opportunity should ever be lost due to a missed call or forgotten voicemail. Pugh also noted a number of key ways to handle daily communications while also saving time and money, building brand credibility and giving a small business the same established appearance of larger enterprises.
“The ever-expanding presence of mobile devices and social media among customers and in the workplace has added marketing communications channels, dramatically affecting the marketing industry,” Pugh wrote. “The resulting demand for responsive communications makes it critical to find both efficient and cost-effective ways to quickly respond to customers, clients, and staff, especially while on the go. One solution, particularly for smaller businesses, is a virtual phone system. With it, marketing professionals can have peace of mind that a client can always reach them, whether they’re in the office or not.”
Tips for Managing Mobile Business Communications
Pugh cited a recent eVoice study, which found that 68 percent of small business owners believe having the right area code or a toll-free 800 number affords them a competitive edge by allowing customers to more easily contact them. With virtual office phone, businesses can also gain a competitive advantage as cloud technology enables them to manage daily communication demands. Pugh detailed the many advantages SMBs can receive from a cloud-hosted phone system.
Mobile Communication Standards
“The modern office is no longer defined by walls and cubicles,” Pugh wrote. “Your business and your customers are on the move, and mobile phones are even more important than ever. A cloud-based phone system can turn your smartphone into a complete mobile office with features such as call routing, call screening, multiple extensions, personalized greetings, voice to text and more. With professional greetings and menus, callers are handled proficiently, and your calls are routed to wherever you are – cell phone, home or office – 24/7.”
Other mobile communication tips that Pugh outlined included:
- Secure advanced professional voicemail
- Utilize VoIP when possible to save money
- Adopt a toll-free business phone number to establish a national presence
- Record professional greetings to enhance a brand
- Use mobile devices to engage in real-time collaboration with remote workers
- Implement unique phone numbers for a business campaign to more easily generate reports
As MTN Business recently revealed, businesses can significantly cut costs by managing communications more effectively. As the world becomes increasingly mobile, more businesses are replacing landlines for communications with mobile solutions. Andre van Zyl, senior manager of enterprise product and services at MTN Business, noted the evidence all around of businesses thriving by using maturing mobile solutions. Furthermore, after examining overall costs of doing business, such as the costs associated with brick-and-mortar stores, travel and lost productivity, the benefits that mobile provides cannot be ignored.
With a virtual PBX from AccessDirect, businesses can embrace mobile and equip themselves with an easy-to-manage mobile communication system.
