Microsoft + LinkedIn: What Can We Expect
The Details
Rumors of this deal started in April, stating that LinkedIn stock was beginning to dwindle. Because of their lack of social media presence, Microsoft was interested in gaining access to a fruitful platform with a rich database of business users. It is important to note that LinkedIn has more than 433 million members, about 105 million of which are active monthly users, and 2 million are paid subscribers.
Last week, the announcement of the deal was made. The CEO of LinkedIn, Jeff Weiner, would remain in position under Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The deal is still pending final approvals and reviews, but should close by the end of the year.
Why Sell LinkedIn?
CEO Jeff Weiner sent a company-wide email explaining the process. Basically, Nadella approached Weiner with the idea, stating that they must agree on purpose and structure. As the two discussed the possibilities, they found that they essentially had the same vision and goals, but were attacking it from different angles. They believe that combining their efforts could potentially open doors for new opportunities.
Good or Bad?
Microsoft
Some may argue that this was a smart move, as this will put the Microsoft name in front of billions of users. Because the commonalities among the companies and their customers, it is likely that will complement each other nicely. On the other hand, others believe that Microsoft overpaid for a platform that seems somewhat trivial for them.
LinkedIn
To some, this acquisition is a great opportunity for LinkedIn to grow at a faster rate while still retaining its brand and independence. Others believed LinkedIn had much more potential to grow on their own. All in all, we will have to see what comes of this merger.
Affect On Marketers
It would seem that marketers could greatly benefit from this deal. As Microsoft and LinkedIn work together to help people improve productivity, skills, and connections, marketers should find that they will be able to reach and target customers with the emergence of tailored news feeds and more. However, the skeptics remain, wondering if this deal will eventually pull LinkedIn down and under.
How do you think this acquisition will pan out? Share your thoughts with us in Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and now, LinkedIn!
To browse our vast inventory of business phones, conference phones, phone system packages, networking equipment, and more, please visit Startechtel.com. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-564-8045.
Posted in Business Tips, Business Trends | Comments Off on Microsoft + LinkedIn: What Can We Expect
How To Answer Multiple Calls On The Avaya 1608 IP Phone
When learning the ins and outs of a new phone system, the most basic function is how to answer calls. Especially in offices with high call volumes, mastering the art of answering multiple calls will enable you to route calls quickly and efficiently. Follow these steps to find out how to answer multiple calls on the Avaya 1608 IP phone.
The associated LED for an incoming call will flash green when it comes in. The incoming call is usually selected automatically. If you are already on a call, or if you receive more than one incoming call at a time, you may need to manually select the call you want to answer.
To answer an incoming call, you may lift the handset or press the call/line appearance button with the flashing green LED. You may also press the Answer softkey if one appears.
To answer using speakerphone, press the Speaker button. If you are using a headset, answer the call by pressing Headset. If you are using a wireless headset, press the ON button.
If you are on another call, press the call/line appearance key with the flashing green LED, or you may press the Answer softkey if one appears.
Please note that if the Auto Hold (Communications Manager) feature is enabled by your System Administrator, you can answer another call without putting an active call on hold first.
If Auto Hold is not enabled, you must put your active call on hold before answering the incoming call, otherwise you will drop the active call when you answer the other one. To put an active call on hold, simply press the Hold button.
To ignore an incoming call, press the Ignore softkey to silence the ringer.
To mute a call, press the Mute button and the light will turn on. The other person will no longer be able to hear you. To unmute the call, simply press the Mute button again and the light will turn off. Remember that if the call is on mute and you switch between the handset, headset, or speakerphone, the mute will be turned off.
And that is how you answer multiple calls on your Avaya 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.
Posted in Business Communications, IP/VoIP Phones, Training Videos, Video Tutorials | Comments Off on How To Answer Multiple Calls On The Avaya 1608 IP Phone
Good Communication Practices
When communicating, you want to aim to make people feel:
- Valued
You can’t build a rapport with a person if you are constantly talking about yourself. While highlighting your attributes and achievements may help make you feel important, it fails to make the other person feel valued.
Instead of talking about yourself, do the opposite. Focus your attention on the other person – ask questions and really listen to the answers. At the end of the conversation, refer back to something they mentioned. This shows that you were paying attention and interested in what they were saying.
- Relevant
If you want people to listen, you must give them a reason to pay attention. Much like starting a speech, you can use these four tactics to start a conversation.
First, you can tell them the benefit – that is, what they will gain from this (ex. This will get you more customers).
Second, you can ask a question that will make them think (ex. Would you like to get more customers?).
Third, you can shock them with a call to action (ex. If we don’t get more customers, we are out of business).
Lastly, you can tell a story to engage the audience. Stories work best when you’re trying to illustrate an example and are far better than a hard sell.
By compelling your audience in the beginning, it is likely that you will have their attention all the way through to the end.
- Human
Colleague or client, we should speak to everyone in the same manner. After all, we are all human and should be treated that way. But how can we go about this?
Start by using casual, non-formal words. This portrays authenticity and is helpful when we are under pressure at work. Using our normal language may help us relax more.
Another way is to use our natural voice. To find your natural, authentic voice, try this: sit straight and upright in your chair. Put your hands together in prayer position, making sure your forearms are parallel to the ground. Gently relax and breathe in. Now push your hands together as hard as you can, and as you push, squeeze the air from your lungs out through your mouth. This will release tension in your upper chest and engage your diaphragm triangle as you push air out. Now try speaking and you will find that your voice is more relaxed. By using your natural voice, you may notice that people will believe what you are saying.
By focusing on these ways to converse, we can regain our confidence and refine our communication skills. If you have any tips to share or anything else to add, connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
For an extensive selection of new and refurbished telephone systems and equipment from top manufacturers, please visit Startechtel.com. To place an order over the phone, please call 1-800-564-8045.
Posted in Business Communications, Business Tips | Comments Off on Good Communication Practices
How To Change The Background Music On The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD Phone
Background music may be set to play over your telephone speaker or over external speakers. The Strata CTX system allows up to 16 different music sources, with the first being Quiet Tone. All others may be music or recorded information. Follow these steps to learn how to change the background music on the Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone.
The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone has 20 flexible buttons, which can be programmed to store features including the Background Music feature. To program a flexible button, enter User Programming mode by dialing #9876 and then press HOLD. Next, press the flexible button you wish to program and the LED will flash. Dial 530 for the Background Music feature, and then press the same flexible button. The flashing will stop and the display will show “DATA PROGRAMMED”. You have successfully programmed a Background Music (BGM) key.
To enable background music on your telephone speaker, press the BGM key and the LED will turn on. Alternatively, you may press an extension button and then dial #490. Next, enter a music source code, which is any number from 1 to 15, followed by #.
To cancel background music on your telephone speaker, press the BGM key and the LED will turn off. Or you may press an extension button and then dial #491.
To change the BGM source assigned to the BGM button, press an extension button and then dial #9876. Press the BGM key and then enter the new music source code (1-15). Press the BGM key again to confirm the change.
To enable background music over your external paging speakers, press an extension button and then dial #493. Enter the music source code (1-15) and then press #.
To cancel background music over your external paging speakers, press an extension button, dial #493, and then press SPEAKER (SPKR).
And that is how you change the background music and settings 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.
Posted in Business Phone Systems, Programming Your Phone System, Toshiba DKT Series Business Phones, Training Videos, Video Tutorials | Comments Off on How To Change The Background Music On The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD Phone
Improve Your Communication Skills
June is Effective Communications Month so we’re sharing some helpful tips to improve your workplace communication.
- Write emails the way you want to receive them.
Treat others the way you want to be treated. The same goes for communication through email. Would you like to open up an email that was written in all caps? We didn’t think so. Keep your emails short and sweet – start with a warm greeting, get straight to the point, and end with a cordial closing. If your email is more than 3 sentences long, you may want to consider making a quick phone call instead.
- Don’t let a simple misunderstanding linger.
Deal with any miscommunications as soon as possible. If there is any disconnect or tension between coworkers, it’s best to resolve it quickly and find out what went wrong. Not only will you avoid any further conflicts, but you both will be able to understand the mistake and prevent it from happening again.
- Understand that schedules are not always the same.
Every employee has their own schedule. If you need a coworker to take a look at your work, make sure that you are considerate of their time. While you may be rushing to meet a deadline, they may have their own deadlines to meet and tasks to finish. If they are busy, they will let you know, but you can usually trust that they will get to your request in a timely fashion.
- Stop the gossip.
It’s true, not everyone will get along within a company, but resorting to gossip will create a divide whether anyone is aware of it or not. Gossiping creates a negative atmosphere and that is the last thing you need if you want a productive workspace.
Do you have any other effective communication tips you would like to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest.
Visit Startechtel.com for the best selection of new and refurbished business phones, phone systems, and telephone equipment. If you would like to speak with us directly, please call 1-800-564-8045 Monday-Friday from 7:00am-5:00pm.
Posted in Business Communications, Business Tips | Comments Off on Improve Your Communication Skills
Nortel Networks Phone Manual: How To Use Voicemail Features On The Nortel M7310 Phone
Navigating through different voicemail features and functions can be tricky. If you have the Nortel M7310 phone, let us guide you on how to use the different functions of your voicemail.
Check Voicemail
Press the CHECK VOICEMAIL key or press FEATURE 981. Next, enter your password. You will then hear a menu of options – follow the prompts to listen to your messages.
Access Voicemail From Another Phone
Press the CHECK VOICEMAIL key or press FEATURE 981. Next, press the OTHER softkey. At the “LOG:” prompt, enter your mailbox number (usually your extension number) and your password all together, followed by #. Then press the OK soft key.
Check Voicemail – Out Of Office
To check your voicemail while you are out, simply call the main office or your Direct Inward Dial/DID line (if you have one). If your call is answered by a receptionist, have the person transfer you to your voice mailbox. If your call is answered by the company greeting or your personal greeting, press **. At the prompt, enter your mailbox number and password all together.
Leave Message
To leave a message for someone in your office, press the LEAVE MESSAGE key, or press FEATURE 980. Next, enter the mailbox number of the person for which you would like to leave a message. The display will show the name of the mailbox owner. Press OK if it is correct and then leave your message.
Transfer Call To Voicemail
Press the TRANSFER TO VOICEMAIL key or press FEATURE 986. Next, enter the mailbox number and the display will read “Call Transferred”.
Change Personal Greeting
Press the CHECK VOICEMAIL key or press FEATURE 981. Enter your password and then press the ADMIN softkey, then press the GREET softkey. Next, press the REC softkey, then press the PRIME softkey, and lastly, press the YES softkey. After the tone, record your new personal greeting. Press the OK softkey to stop recording. Press the OK softkey again to accept your new recording.
Record An Alternate Greeting
An alternate greeting can be used when you are on vacation or out of the office. To begin, press the CHECK VOICEMAIL key or press FEATURE 981, then enter your password. Press the ADMIN softkey, then press the GREET softkey, and then press the REC softkey. Next, press the ALT softkey, and then press the YES softkey. After the tone, record your Alternate Greeting. Press the OK softkey to end your recording, and then press the OK softkey again to accept your recording.
Set Alternate Greeting
To have your voice mailbox play the Alternate Greeting, press the GREET softkey, then press the CHOOSE softkey. Press the ALT softkey and then display will read “Accept msgs: Y”. Press the OK softkey to have your voice mailbox accept messages while your Alternate Greeting is turned on. Or you may press the CHNG softkey to change the selection to “N” if you do not want your voice mailbox to accept messages. When you return to the office, be sure to adjust your voicemail to have it play the PRIME greeting.
And that is how to use some common voicemail features on your Nortel M7310 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.
Posted in Business Communications, Nortel Norstar Phones, Training Videos, Video Tutorials | Comments Off on Nortel Networks Phone Manual: How To Use Voicemail Features On The Nortel M7310 Phone
The Benefits Of VoIP Phone Systems For Business
Auto Attendant
Receptionists are becoming rare, as the tasks of these individuals are usually spread out among team members. While some businesses still retain receptionists, others find that nixing an extra employee can save money. With an auto attendant, calls are routed to the appropriate person faster, and it can provide assistance to whomever is on receptionist duty.
Music On Hold
This feature is not limited to music only – you can provide helpful information regarding your company while a caller is on hold. Be sure to keep this information up to date to avoid any misinformation.
If you choose to use music, be sure to have the proper licensing or search the available “royalty-free” music. But note that “royalty-free” doesn’t necessarily mean “free.”
Call Basics
Call waiting, hold, park, pickup, and transfer are all extremely helpful whether you have a large or small office. Call waiting and hold are fairly standard. Call park is similar to hold, but you can access a call from any phone within your system. Call pickup allows you to answer someone else’s call at your station. Various types of transfer functions enable routing calls to the appropriate extensions or mailboxes easily.
Follow Me
There are two options when it comes to the Follow Me feature: multiple ringing (where all the lines are ringing at once) or sequential ringing (if the primary line isn’t answered in a given time, the next line in order is tried, and so on). This is helpful for those who work at home or odd hours, eliminating the need to constantly change settings.
Hunt Groups
These work like the Follow Me feature, but somewhat on a larger scale. For example, you can assign a phone number to your sales team, and incoming calls will be routed to members simultaneously or sequentially. They can even call a specific team member to speak directly with him or her.
Selective Diversion
While diverting calls is nothing new, selective diversion provides you with the ability to route calls according to specific criteria. These criteria can include time of day, day of week, and even a caller’s number. For example, a business that offers emergency services or after hours support may opt to set up a schedule for nights and weekends to divert calls to the mobile phone of the person who is on call at that time. Depending on the time or day, calls that would normally be handled within the office would be diverted to a worker’s mobile phone.
You can also divert calls from your important clients to your private mobile number on weekends or holidays, to ensure that they can contact you in case of emergency from a single number.
Please remember that diverting calls to a fixed line, mobile phone, or a number on another VoIP provider’s network, you will be charged at your usual rate for such calls. You will not incur charges if you are simply diverting calls to another one of your own VoIP lines.
Conference Calls
Three-way calls, or conference calls, let you connect two calls into one. Some systems permit you to add additional parties, which make collaboration easier without having to meet in person.
Call Recording
With this feature, you can record calls as necessary. Within your area, be sure to fully understand the audio recording laws. Also, as common courtesy goes, you should always inform the person if you will be recording the call.
Dial Extensions
Often overlooked as a benefit, dialing extensions allows you to contact other lines easily, without having to dial a whole phone number or use up space on your speed dial list. With VoIP plans, you don’t pay for calls to the same provider, essentially making all of your lines ‘extensions’ in the traditional sense.
Voicemail
Fairly commonplace, voicemail ensures that you don’t miss an important call or message. Voicemail to email is sent as an attachment and allows you to replay the message as often as you’d like without incurring additional fees (especially helpful when overseas).
1300/1800 numbers
Rather than distributing a local line, a 1300 or 1800 number makes your business seem larger and more corporate. Also, they are more flexible if your company decides to move or opens multiple branches. You can point the 1300 or 1800 to your new number, or the caller can be directed to the nearest branch based on location.
Does your small business use a VoIP phone system? What other benefits have you experienced? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For an excellent selection of VoIP phone systems, parts and accessories, please visit us online. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to call 1-800-564-8045.
Posted in Business Communications, Business Phone Systems, Business Tips, VoIP Phone Systems | Comments Off on The Benefits Of VoIP Phone Systems For Business
How To Use Do Not Disturb On The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD Phone
On the Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone, you can utilize a feature called Do Not Disturb (DND). When you set your station to Do Not Disturb mode, calls will not ring at your station, including internal, external, and transferred calls. Also, Off-hook Call Announce calls will be denied.
However, you will still be able to make calls while in DND mode. You will hear a short burst of interrupted dial tone followed by a continuous dial tone to indicate that you are in DND mode. You may start dialing at any time during either tone.
If you put your Primary extension into DND mode, all calls to that phone are rejected. If your phone is set for Call Forward-Busy or Call Forward-Busy/No Answer, the call is redirected to the forwarding destination immediately.
If you put an extension other than your Primary extension into DND mode, only calls to that extension on your telephone will be blocked. Appearances of that extension on other telephones will continue to ring.
To activate DND on your Primary extension, press Do Not Disturb or dial #6091, and you should hear the Success Tone. The LED lights steady red and DND mode is activated for the entire station.
To activate DND on a non-Primary extension, press the desired extension appearance, then press Do Not Disturb or dial #6091. You should then hear the Success Tone. The LED lights steady red and DND mode is activated for that extension on your telephone only.
To deactivate DND mode, press Do Not Disturb or dial #6092, and you should hear the Success Tone. The LED light will turn off and DND mode is cancelled.
To set DND for another extension, dial #6191 and listen for the Entry Tone. Next, enter the Primary extension of the remote extension, followed by the pass code then #. You will then hear the Success Tone. This sets DND as if activated by the Primary extension on the target phone.
To deactivate DND for another extension, dial #6192 and listen for the Entry Tone. Next, enter the Primary extension of the remote extension, followed by the pass code then #, and you should hear the Success Tone. This removes DND from the target telephone.
To change your DND pass code, dial #670 and listen for the Entry Tone. Next enter your extension number followed by your current pass code and #, and listen for the Entry Tone. Lastly, enter your new pass code followed by #, and listen for the Success Tone.
Please note that if you activate DND while a call is still ringing, the ringing stops. The LED continues to flash on your phone and ring on other appearances.
And that is how you use Do Not Disturb on your Toshiba DKT-2020-SD 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.
Posted in Toshiba DKT Series Business Phones, Training Videos, Video Tutorials | Comments Off on How To Use Do Not Disturb On The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD Phone
Benefits Of Wearable Tech At Work
While most people choose wearables for their own personal use, it seems like businesses are starting to introduce them into the workplace. Seemingly a novel idea, there is a wealth of potential for implementing wearable tech in the workplace. Here are a few ways that businesses can apply and benefit from wearable technology.
Health & Wellness
More and more people are making health a priority, which makes companies with excellent wellness programs more appealing. From the business side, aside from employee retention, healthy employees cost less. Without appearing to be a requirement, wearables would help to promote better health among workers.
Safety
Wearables can also help workplace safety overall, especially for those working in hazardous environments. For example, a “Smart Cap” embedded with sensors can monitor the alertness of truck drivers, which could reduce the risk of accidents due to fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel.
Efficiency
In warehouse settings, wearables act as an extra set of eyes. GPS tags and handheld scanners allow workers to find the best routes to collect order items. Consequently, this expedites order fulfillments and shipments.
Potential Roadblocks
While the use of these devices seems great in theory, getting employees to sign on might be a feat in itself. As the business owner, you can see a wealth of benefits, but as employees, different concerns may arise. Monitoring your own activity, heart rate, and water intake is one thing, but the thought of your boss having access to this data may be unsettling.
The best way to combat these hesitations is to make the use of wearables optional, not mandatory. That way those who are skeptical can opt out, and those who do sign on may be able to persuade others. Also, it is important to be clear and transparent about how the data will be collected and used.
Security & Privacy
For any company, privacy and security are major concerns. With the introduction of personal employee data, businesses must take extra precautions. Security breaches can be devastating and make the company liable for identity theft and other legal issues. Before implementing, be sure you understand the responsibilities you are undertaking and be familiar with your provider’s policies in regards to privacy, security, and data. Know that with a new program will come many questions and that you should do your best to help employees understand any security risks.
With the proper implementation, wearable technology can deliver benefits for both the business and employees, including improved communication, productivity, and safety. If your employer started a wearable tech program, would you join? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Find the perfect business phones and phone systems online at Startechtel.com. Shop our stock for the best prices on new and refurbished telephone equipment. If you have any questions or need any help, please call 1-800-564-8045.
Posted in Business Trends | Comments Off on Benefits Of Wearable Tech At Work
Nortel Networks Phone Manual: How To Enter A Personal Speed Dial Code On The Norstar M7310 Phone
Personal speed dial codes on the Norstar M7310 phone allow you to store frequently dialed numbers and access them with a simple 3 digit code. This can help save time and increase efficiency within the office. To learn how to store and use these personal speed dials, complete the following steps.
Before beginning, please note:
- No warning will be given if the entry is already programmed – it will simply be overwritten.
- The personal speed dial codes work for external phone numbers only. They will not work with internal extensions.
- For Software Release 7.1, the personal speed dial entry numbers will range from 256-279. For earlier releases, please refer to your user guide or contact your System Administrator.
To store a personal speed dial, press FEATURE * 4 then dial the personal speed dial entry that you wish to program (256-279). Next, dial 9 and then enter the external telephone number. You may use the BKSP soft key to delete the last digit entered. Press the OK soft key after you have finished entering the phone number. Your display will read “ENTRY ___ STORED” as a confirmation.
Once you have stored an entry, you may use a personal speed dial code by pressing FEATURE 0 and then entering the speed dial number.
And that’s it! 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.
Posted in Business Communications, Nortel Norstar Phones, Training Videos, Video Tutorials | Comments Off on Nortel Networks Phone Manual: How To Enter A Personal Speed Dial Code On The Norstar M7310 Phone
