How To Hold & Transfer Calls On The Avaya 1608 IP Phone
Within your office, it may be necessary to redirect calls to different parties. You can do so by placing the call on hold and transferring it to the appropriate party. If you use the in your office, follow these steps to learn how to hold and transfer calls on the.
To put an active call on hold, press the HOLD button. The fast blinking LED next to the call/line appearance indicates that you have successfully placed the call on hold.
To resume the call when there is more than one call on hold, you may either press the call/line appearance button or scroll to the call and press the Resume softkey or the OK button.
To resume the call when there is only one call on hold, you may do one of the following:
- Press the HOLD button.
- Press the call/line appearance.
- Press the Resume softkey.
- Press the OK button.
To transfer a call, the call must be active. If the call you want to transfer is not your active call, or if that call is on hold, press the call/line appearance button for that call and then complete the next steps.
While on the active call, press the TRANSFER button. The very fast blinking green LED next to the call/line appearance button indicates that the call is being transferred.
Next, dial the telephone number, or call the party from either the contacts list or the call log. Lastly, press the TRANSFER button or the Complete softkey to transfer the call.
To send an incoming call directly to voicemail without answering, press the To Vmail softkey. Please note that in order to do this, your voicemail must be administered as the first entry in your coverage path. Please see your System Administrator for more information.
And that is how you hold and transfer calls on the Avaya 1608 IP Phone. We are always adding new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
For an excellent selection of business phone systems and equipment, you may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
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How To Save & Redial An Outgoing Phone Number On The Siemens optiPoint 500 Phone
Saving new phone numbers that you have called is easy with the Siemens optiPoint 500 phone. In fact, there are three ways to do it. Follow along as we guide you through the different steps.
First, while you are still on the call, press the SAVED NUMBER REDIAL key if it is available.
If it is not available, you may select “Save Number?” from your optiGuide display while you are still on the call.
Lastly, while the call is still ringing or busy, you can dial #4.
Now that the number is saved, there are also three ways to dial the saved number.
First, press the SAVED NUMBER REDIAL if you have it available.
Or you may press the MENU key, then select “Speed Dial Features?” and scroll to “Saved number redial?” and select it.
Lastly, you may simply get a dial tone and dial #4.
And that is how you save and redial an outgoing phone number on your Siemens phone. We are always adding new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
For an excellent selection of business phone systems and equipment, you may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
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Benefits Of Mobile Apps For Small Business
Geo-targeting
Using geo-location technology within your mobile application allows you to save money while targeting customers nearby with time-sensitive offers. By customizing your reach, you are making the customer feel valued and special, which can turn into increased loyalty and better business.
Customer Loyalty Programs
Going mobile with your customer loyalty program can increase participation. Most businesses offer exclusive perks for downloading and using the app. By utilizing mobile, you eliminate the frustration caused by lost or forgotten punch cards and are able to track everything digitally.
Within your mobile app, you can track how different rewards perform and tailor your strategy accordingly. You can also consider the loyalty programs you are involved in and which specials you are more receptive to in order to improve the effectiveness of your app.
Because mobile apps can track customer behavior, you can send out tailored alerts. For example, if customer activity has declined or been stagnant for some time, you can send a specialized “we’ve missed you” deal. Or you can reward your customer for checking-in at your location or with special birthday perks.
Scheduling & Reminders
If your business provides services/classes, you can use a mobile app to allow your customers to schedule appointments or meetings, or sign up for classes. You can also use the app or SMS to remind customers and employees of upcoming appointments or meetings, as well as allow either party to confirm, cancel, or reschedule services as needed.
Payments
Mobile payments save time and money by eliminating the need for additional hardware. Customers and businesses can make payments on the go, or even automate payments as necessary. Transaction history and records can be managed easily as the data can automatically be sent to other departments.
Communication & collaboration
Allowing your employees to connect with each other through your own mobile app or another app (ex. Slack, Dropbox) can increase and improve collaboration. You enable your employees to easily work together, whether in office or on the field, and share and access various documents easily and securely. This added convenience can boost productivity and employee morale overall.
Customer Service
Because employees can access customer communications from anywhere, mobile apps allow your team to respond to customers quickly and expediently. They also can help track support ticket history and analyze customer service performance to pinpoint any areas for improvement (ex. response time, common issues).
CRM & Sales Support
Mobile CRM is extremely helpful for your business. All the data and information is at your fingertips when you need it. Whether in office or on the field, you can access the information you need. If you need to take notes of important dates or details, you can immediately add it to the system. This cuts down on the time you are fumbling for a pen and paper and allows you to focus on making a connection with the customer.
How have mobile applications helped your business? Which mobile apps do you find most beneficial? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest!
Choose Startechtel.com for your telecom needs! We carry a vast selection of affordable new and refurbished business phones, home phones, phone systems, networking equipment, and more. Visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045 for more information.
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How To Park & Retrieve A Call On The Panasonic KX-T7630 Phone
Parking a call allows you to essentially place a call on hold on one telephone set and retrieve it at a different location. On the , calls are parked in dedicated parking zones and are accessed by those numbers. To learn how to park and retrieve calls on the Panasonic KX-T7630 phone, follow these steps.
To park a call in a specific zone, press TRANSFER while you are on the call. Wait for a confirmation tone and then dial *52. Enter the two digit parking zone number, wait for a confirmation tone, and then you may hang.
To park a call automatically, press TRANSFER while you are on the call. Wait for a confirmation tone and then dial *52*. Wait for another confirmation tone and then you may hang up.
To retrieve a parked call, pick up the handset and listen for the confirmation tone. Dial *52 followed by the two digit stored parking zone number. After hearing the confirmation tone, you may continue your conversation.
And that is how you park and retrieve calls on your Panasonic phone. We are always adding new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
For an excellent selection of business phone systems and equipment, you may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
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Tips For Better Customer Relationship Management
With that being said, here are some smart customer relationship management tactics that businesses should employ immediately.
- Customer data should be reliable & up-to-date.
Make it a routine to review the accuracy of your customer data. Eliminate any duplicates you come across, and make sure names, addresses, contact info, preferred method of contact, etc. are current and correct.
- Be sure that everyone who interacts with customers knows the history.
It is important to know or have access to the details of a customer’s purchase history (dates, quantities, terms) when interacting with them. More often than not, customers will repeat their last order and it will not look good if you do not know what it was or when it was placed. It is also wise to know past issues and problems to avoid making the same mistakes again.
- Know how and where customers are interacting with you.
Engage with your customers on a more personal lever by utilizing the communication outlets they prefer. While phone calls and emails were once standard, more and more people are turning to social media and even texting for communications. If you haven’t already, you may want to broaden your reach by looking into these channels.
- Understand where customers stand in the purchase process.
With proper customer relationship management, you can track orders and essentially see where the customer is in the buying process. Instead of bothering customers who are not ready to buy yet, you can focus your efforts on a customer who is likely ready to buy again based on their order history.
- Personalize the interaction.
Personalized messages and offers make your customers feel special. Customers crave this customized attention and they are much more likely to respond to whatever you’re putting out there. Thanks to advanced geolocation technology, you can send customers offers when they are nearing your location. Also, personalized recommendations based on what they have previously purchased can go a long way.
- Eliminate pain points.
Pay attention to what your customers like, but also what they don’t like (ex. things that cause frustration). Work towards eliminating these by addressing the issue and ensuring that it will not happen again. Soon you will see that the customer experience will improve. Also, customers tend to complain on social media, so if your business is paying attention, you can gain great insight.
- Don’t underestimate the value of human interaction.
Although we are mainly a digital world, nothing beats human interaction. Despite the fact that most companies are cutting back on actual employees in favor of digital customer service solutions, they are alienating their multi-channel customers who prefer a variety of communication routes.
- Train customer service representatives well.
As the first point of contact for most customers, your customer service representatives should be equipped with the proper skills. Aside from being able to take calls, your reps should have proper training in order for them to represent your brand correctly and positively. Teach active listening skills and encourage them to ask questions for a better grasp on the problem or situation. Remember that good customer service can lead to improved customer retention.
- Share customer data within your sales, marketing, and customer service departments.
By allowing your departments to share customer information and data, you can gain a better understanding of their preferences and behavior. This allows all departments to deliver more personable and appropriate service.
- Be mobile.
Because customers are often looking for quick, quality service, your customer support software should be accessible across multiple devices (ex. smartphones, tablets). This allows customers to receive mobile support wherever there is an internet connection, and your team can respond expediently.
- Follow up.
By following up, you are showing your customers that you care. Whether it is a phone call, snail mail, or an automated email, you are enabling your business to provide customers with timely and relevant information while focusing on improving your business.
How does your business manage customer data? Will you employ any of these tactics moving forward? Connect and share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!
Browse our stock of new and refurbished business phones and equipment at Startechtel.com to build your own ideal business phone system. Call 1-800-564-8045 if you have any questions or to place a phone order.
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How To Split, Join, And Drop A Conference Call On The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD Phone
Learning how to make a conference call on the Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone is one thing, but do you know how to split, join, or drop a conference call? Learn how by following our simple steps.
To access these functions, you must be a Conference Master. This simply means you must be the person who initiates the conference call.
The Split feature allows you and another party to leave the conference for a private conversation when you are the Conference Master in a conference call between two or more parties. To use this feature, you must assign the Split feature to one of your flexible buttons.
If your phone does not have a preprogrammed Split button, you can program a flexible button by first dialing #9876 to enter User Programming Mode. Next, press HOLD and then press the flexible button which you would like to program or change. Enter the code 860 to apply the Split feature to that button, and then press the same flexible button to save the setting. Your display will read “DATA PROGRAMMED”.
To split from a conference call, while on the call, press your SPLIT feature button. The display screen will show the first conference member. You may scroll through the list of conference party members by pressing the NEXT softkey. Once you find the extension that you wish to split, press the number that is shown to the left of that extension number.
You may return both yourself and the other party to the conference by pressing JOIN.
The Drop feature allows you to drop, or disconnect, the member you are connected to. To drop the split party from the conference, press the DROP soft key. The party that you were talking to privately will be disconnected and you will rejoin the conference.
If you are in a three-way conference and split with one of the parties, the third party will be “on hold” until you return to the conference.
And that is how you use the split, join, and drop features while on a conference call on your Toshiba phone. We are always adding new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
For an excellent selection of business phone systems and equipment, you may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
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VoIP Calling Plan
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Basically, instead of using a landline or mobile phone, VoIP allows you to speak with someone using an internet connection. The closest, simplified description of VoIP would be “voice chat” – think AOL Instant Messenger but with voices instead of text.
How Does VoIP Work?
Technically, there are two variations on VoIP:
1. Using the internet to make calls
Think Skype, Google Hangouts, or Vonage. Skype and Hangouts are the software version of VoIP, whereas Vonage is more akin to hardware. The basic distinction between the two is that with the software versions, your computer converts Internet data into telephone data. Vonage, however, has a dedicated device that plugs into your router and handles the conversions. All of these systems allow you to dial phone numbers and converse with others using a microphone, whether through your computer or a mobile phone app.
2. Using the internet to voice chat (no phone numbers involved)
Think Mumble, TeamSpeak, Ventrilo, or Skype’s Skype-to-Skype feature. These are commonly used by gamers because these tend to be server-based. This means that users connect to a server, join a particular channel and can chat with anyone on that channel. Viber, Linphone, and Facetime are examples of one-to-one solutions.
Whichever app or service you choose, you simply have to dial a number or choose a contact. VoIP phone plans typically use the first method.
Benefits
When it comes to VoIP phone plans, you simply choose the app (software) or VoIP adapter device (hardware) and then either pay per minute or per month. Please note that rates will differ between providers.
- Save Money
The plans with these apps are relatively inexpensive in comparison to mobile plans. With pay-as-you-go methods, the price you pay per minute ends up being pennies (quite literally). Even if you choose to pay monthly, it’s usually a just few dollars. Other apps allow you to make free calls to Canada and U.S., and only charge a few cents per minute for international calls. If you are calling service to service, however, these calls are usually free regardless of your location.
- No Mobile Plan Necessary
Have an old phone that’s no longer connected to an active mobile plan? You can use it for VoIP calls, simply download the app of your choice! As long as there is Wi-Fi available, you can make calls. Public Wi-Fi counts, however, you should understand the security risks before you decide to connect. Now your old phones don’t have to go to waste!
- Works With Existing Landlines
If you still have a landline phone, all you need is the proper VoIP phone adapter and you can be making VoIP calls in no time.
- Choose Your Own Phone Number
With some VoIP providers, you may be able to choose your own phone number. Some charge for this service, others provide it for free.
- Special Features
VoIP providers don’t limit you to phone calls – there are often other features you can access. For example, you can send text-based messages or even hold conference calls.
Drawbacks
While these sound appealing, not all plans are perfect. While a VoIP plan may be great for one person, it might not be the best choice for another. Here are some things to consider before you make the switch.
- Internet Connection Affects Voice Quality
VoIP calls usually require about 50-90 kbps of bandwidth, which simply measures how much data is transferred per second. More bandwidth means more data capacity which means better voice quality.
It sounds simple enough, however, you must remember that your internet is being used for things other than VoIP. Playing games, downloading big files, or watching YouTube/Netflix can all affect your internet speed and, thus, the voice quality of your VoIP call.
It is recommended that you have an internet connection of at least 5 Mbps up and down each way. Also, prioritizing VoIP traffic on the Quality of Service on your router could help.
- Can Cost More
Do you pay per gigabyte for your data, or do you have a monthly data cap? You may end up paying more for VoIP calls. Let’s assume most VoIP calls use 20-90 kbps, that means you could be using between 150-675 KB per minute or 9-40 MB per hour. While it may not seem like a lot on its own, when combined with your web browsing and video streaming, you may notice that you are reaching your data limit much faster than usual. And if you use VoIP over 3G, 4G, or 5G data, you will end up paying even more.
- Security/Privacy Issues
It’s not commonplace, but it is possible that with VoIP, strangers could be eavesdropping on your conversation. The biggest vulnerability lies in the fact that the global IP is public whereas telco networks are closed. This is exactly why you should use encrypted VoIP apps whenever possible. And when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, take extra precautions to protect your device and personal data.
Considering everything mentioned, do you think VoIP is right for you? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Find excellent business phone systems, equipment, and more at Startechtel.com. If you have any questions or would like to order over the phone, please call 1-800-564-8045.
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What You Need To Know About 5G
Today, there is buzz surrounding the anticipated 5G network. While it does not technically exist yet, wireless carriers are amid a race to create, define, and become the leader in 5G networks.
Before 5G
Before we delve into 5G, we must discuss its predecessors. First of all, the G in 5G simple stands for the generation of wireless technology. These generations are usually defined by their data transmission speeds, however, each generation has also made a distinct breakthrough in encoding methods (or “air interfaces”) which make them incompatible with previous generations.
- 1G was analog cellular.
- 2G (ex. CDMA, GSM, TDMA) was the first generation of digital cellular technologies.
- 3G (ex. EVDO, HSPA, UMTS) improved speeds from 200kbps to a few megabits per second.
- 4G (ex. WiMAX, LTE) scaled up to hundreds of megabits and even gigabit-level speeds.
5G Network
The new 5G network promises higher speeds and capacity with lower latency. While the technologies have yet to be determined, many agree on these general themes.
Similar to the encoding LTE uses, 5G networks will use OFDM. The difference is that it will be designed for much lower latency and increased flexibility.
The range for the new network frequencies goes as low as old TV channels and up to “millimeter wave” (frequencies that can transmit huge amounts of data, but only a few blocks at a time). There is a possibility that 5G may bring Wi-Fi as a seamless part of a cellular network, or use LTE Unlicensed, which transmits LTE-encoded data over Wi-Fi frequencies.
For 5G, it’s not about size. Instead of huge towers radiating over far distances, 5G is likely to be a network of smaller cells (even down to home routers) because of the frequencies it uses, but also to expand its network capacity.
Smarter technology for 5G is necessary since it will be handling a high volume of smaller cells which can change in size and shape. Despite existing macro cells, 5G is expected to boost capacity by leveraging wider bandwidths and advanced antenna technologies.
“Edge intelligence” has also been mentioned as part of the 5G vision. With this comes more autonomy for individual small cells. Because they have more power to decide how and where to route data, latency can be lowered significantly.
The overall goal of 5G is to provide higher speeds, higher capacity per sector, and lower latency than 4G. The general aim is 20Gbps speeds with 1ms latency.
Homes
The home Internet will likely be the first place we see 5G in action. We can likely expect the initial technologies used in 5G to be similar to millimeter wave fixed wireless Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Think Starry in Boston, or Monkeybrains in San Francisco. However, its accessibility will be greater since larger companies are in the mix (ex. Verizon, AT&T). According to AT&T, 5G may replace DSL offerings, allowing them to provide a “quad play” (DirecTV service, 5G home Internet, wireless phone, home phone). On the other hand, Verizon’s first 5G application will be “fixed wireless” (home Internet).
For once, the focus isn’t on speed, but capacity. 5G could offer carriers enough capacity for unlimited home service plans, as the current plans simply aren’t enough. This is important for home Internet competition as only 51% of Americans only have one option for 25Mbps or higher home Internet service.
Cars
As autonomous cars continue to develop, they will need to connect and communicate with other cars and everything else on the road. For this to run smoothly, extremely low latencies are vital. While information exchanged is small, it needs to be done so instantly. Because 5G boasts sub-1ms latency, this technology is vital (One light-millisecond is about 186 miles, so most of that 1ms latency is still processing time).
Cities
5G can connect many more devices, which makes sense for its use in smart cities. Currently, 4G modules are expensive, power-consuming, and require complicated service plans. Because of this, much of the Internet of Things has stuck with Wi-Fi and other home technologies for consumers or 2G for businesses. 5G is ideal since it will accept and connect small, inexpensive, low-power devices.
Mobile
As far as mobile phones go, the biggest impact 5G will have is in relation to virtual and augmented reality. The low latency and consistent speeds are ideal for these applications.
Small cell aspects may help with in-building coverage as 5G encourages every home router to become a cell site.
What Will We Need?
Because 5G has not been fully developed yet, there are no 5G compatible devices yet. When it does come out, you will likely need a new device to access it. For the time being, 4G LTE and Wi-Fi aren’t going anywhere, and as our technology improves, so, too, will their performance.
When?
The official 5G standard (AKA 5G NR – new radio), probably won’t be out until 2018, followed by full commercial rollouts in 2019 or 2020. However, wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T are insisting that they will have “5G” by 2017. This will not be true 5G; instead a non-standard, pre-5G that could be used for backhaul or home Internet.
We still have some time until we see 5G come to fruition. What are you looking forward to the most? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Shop at Startechtel.com for the best selection of new and refurbished business phones, phone systems, telephone equipment, and more. Need assistance? Please feel free to call 1-800-564-8045.
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How To Use The Paging Feature On The Panasonic KX-T7630 Phone
The paging feature on the Panasonic KX-T7630 phone allows you to make an announcement within your business. It also allows you to easily get in contact with someone who may be away from his or her desk. Follow along to learn how to use this feature on your Panasonic phone.
To page someone, pick up the handset and dial *33, followed by the two-digit paging group number. You should hear a confirmation tone, and then you may make your announcement. Wait for an answer, then a confirmation tone, and then you may speak.
To answer a page, pick up the handset and dial *43. Wait for a confirmation tone and then you may speak.
To deny a paged announcement, pick up the handset and dial *7211. Wait for the confirmation tone and then you may hang up.
To allow a paged announcement, pick up the handset and dial *7210. Wait for the confirmation tone and then you may hang up.
And that is how you use the paging feature on your Panasonic phone. We are always adding new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
For an excellent selection of business phone systems and equipment, you may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
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How To Activate The Automatic Busy Redial Feature On The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD Phone
Suppose you need to reach someone, but when you call, the line is busy. Rather than actively dialing the number and calling back, you can set the Automatic Busy Redial feature on the Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone. This feature allows your system to automatically redial the number at regular intervals until the destination is no longer busy. The feature is not attempted while your station is busy, but it continues to time-out. The system inserts a pause (P) on your LCD before redialing the number.
Follow along to learn how to activate and use this feature on your Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone.
Please note that this feature may not be available on some telephones on your system. Please see your System Administrator for more information.
Your Toshiba phone has 20 flexible buttons which can be programmed to store features such as the Automatic Busy Redial feature. To program a flexible button, dial #9876 to enter User Programming Mode, then press HOLD. Press the flexible button you wish to program and the LED will flash. Next, dial 150 for the Automatic Busy Redial – On feature, then press the same flexible button. The flashing will stop and your display will read “DATA PROGRAMMED”.
To activate Automatic Busy Redial when you reach a busy number, press your programmed Auto Busy Redial button, or press Cnf/Trn then dial #441. The LED will flash red and you will hear a confirmation tone. You may then hang up or press SPKR.
Depending on your system programming, the system redials up to 5-20 times, every 30-180 seconds.
Once the number dialed is available, your phone will receive a ring tone and the SPKR LEDs flash green. You may lift the handset or press SPKR and wait for the party to answer.
After a connection is made, if you do not pick up the handset or press SPKR within the recall timeout (which ranges from 5-60 seconds), you will hear a muted ring for another 30 seconds, and then the call disconnects.
To cancel Automatic Busy Redial, press the programmed Auto Busy Redial button, or press an extension button then dial #442.
And that is how you use the Auto Busy Redial feature on your Toshiba phone. We are always adding new video tutorials so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest for updates.
For an excellent selection of business phone systems and equipment, you may visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045.
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