How Start-ups Can Implement VoIP Fast
Speed and efficiency are important factors of business growth, and this is particularly true in the start-up environment. Successful start-ups are defined by innovation and hard work, but the ability to make (and move forward on) the correct decisions quickly is what will truly differentiate your company and help you thrive in a competitive market.
Communication is especially vital in your startup because each business connection has the potential to change your company for the better. As you’re growing though, your budget will not be as robust as larger companies when it comes to purchasing and implementing communication systems and tools for your team members.
Luckily, you can implement a VoIP solution that will provide you with features designed to support your small business without putting strain on your budget, time, or resources. VoIP works through an internet connection, and does not require any expensive hardware or installation costs. This means you can get started with VoIP very quickly, often with no upfront expenses, and maintain all your important business communications for a small monthly fee that adjusts to your usage and needs.
Here are the things you can do to implement VoIP into your startup with ease and speed (often in the same day).
1. Assess your business needs.
Hosted VoIP providers are extremely popular with startups because they are easy and cost-friendly to implement, and you can set up your service and begin using it quickly. However, it is important that you take just a bit of time to assess your business needs.
While this step will require some of your valuable time now, it can save you time in the future by helping you choose and implement the VoIP services that best fulfill your business needs.
2. Research broadband requirements (and know what you use currently).
VoIP solutions work through an internet connection, so it is important that you understand the broadband requirements of your solution, and make sure you have adequate space to run VoIP along with your other programs.
Some people opt to run VoIP through a separate internet connection, but this is not necessary if you can balance your broadband availability wisely. Simply closing other programs and refraining from downloads during your calls can help immensely.
3. Understand how many users will need to access your VoIP system, and where most calls are made.
VoIP plans are available for a monthly fee that can be customized to the number of users who will be using your VoIP services. Although VoIP platforms can report on usage data, you should also dig deeper about where most calls are being made so you know how many domestic and international calls will be needed on your VoIP plan. This is just your starting point, because VoIP plans are incredibly easy to scale along with your growth, and you can add new users and upgrade your plan as needed to support your communication needs.
4. Identify the features and tools your team must have to be successful.
VoIP offers all the same features that you are used to having on your landline or mobile phone, plus many more that can help you build your business by supporting different collaborations. You can forward your number when you’re traveling, recognize and route calls quickly, and add the element of size and prestige to your startup company with interactive menus and auto-attendants.
Knowing what features will best support your growth goals will help you pick the best plan for your business.
To complement your VoIP system, consider deploying a complete toolkit of cloud software must-haves that can help your startup always stay on top of customer experience.
5. Schedule a demo with your shortlisted VoIP providers.
As you’re researching VoIP services and features, make a shortlist of providers you’re considering. Most VoIP vendors offer a free demo of their services and features, and they can help you create the best plan for your communication needs.
6. Determine what equipment or software your team needs to use your VoIP system.
One of the great advantages of VoIP for startups is the cost savings. You won’t have any upfront investments in expensive hardware as you would with an on-site PBX solution, but depending on what your business needs, you may need to purchase some minimal equipment such as IP phones or adapters. However, VoIP can be used from a smartphone or laptop quite easily through low-cost to free software or apps.
7. Engage employees early and provide ongoing support and training.
Employee adoption is an important component of VoIP implementation success, and you should engage your employees in the decision-making process to make sure your plan covers all their needs and that they understand how to use VoIP.
VoIP is a great business communication solution for startups. It is easy, inexpensive, and fast to implement, and supports your business growth with great features and tools that are accessible from a simple internet connection. These steps will help you implement VoIP software with precision and speed, so you can move forward without delays or interruptions in your business growth.
