How Cloud-Based Phone Systems Have Improved
It made sense for larger businesses to invest in on-premise systems rather than pay a monthly fee for hosted services. But we now see that is changing. Though pricing has not changed, the many improvements of the cloud-based phone system are fueling the shift. Here are a few reasons why more businesses are adopting cloud-based phone systems.
IT
The IT team has transformed, making their role in the company even more important than before. Aside from their traditional duties, IT teams are in charge of improving the customer experience through new tools, portals, smarter website design, and more. With their focus shifting to these tasks, day to day maintenance is best left to someone else, which is where the hosted services comes in to play. Because maintenance is minimal with these systems, IT teams are able to devote more time to these new tasks.
Network
Luckily, our Internet speeds have greatly improved since hosted systems hit the market. Before, most internet speeds were 56K or less, and broadband connections topped out at 1.5MB/sec. Now, we are spoiled with speeds of more than a Gigabit-per-second, plus improvements in QoS and network equipment and security.
Features
Again, when these systems first came about, basic call functions were all they were capable of. Since on-premise systems had access to excellent calling features, businesses were reluctant to switch. These days, the hosted systems are equipped with access to a plethora of advanced features, making this a strong draw for most people to switch. No longer a small business solution, cloud-based phone systems are appealing to medium-sized businesses and enterprise organizations alike.
Has your business made the switch to a Cloud-based phone system? What do you enjoy most about it? Connect and share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Find the best prices on an excellent selection of new and refurbished business phone systems and equipment at Startechtel.com. If you have any questions or would like to speak with us directly, please call 1-800-564-8045.
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How To Use The Do Not Disturb Feature On The Vodavi Infinite IN9015 Phone
The Do Not Disturb feature allows you to silence your calls and keep you distraction free when, for example, you are trying to meet a deadline. Most business phones offer this feature for your convenience. To learn how to use the Do Not Disturb (DND) feature on your Vodavi Infinite IN9015 phone, follow these steps.
If you have a preprogrammed DND button, you may press that button to activate the feature. The DND button LED will turn on when it is activated. You can even press the DND button while the phone is ringing to silence the call.
If you don’t have a preprogrammed DND button, you can dial 631 on the 8-button keyset.
To deactivate ‘Do Not Disturb’, you may press the DND button and the button LED will turn off. Or you may dial either 631 or 662 on the keypad.
To activate One-time Do Not Disturb, press the DND button while you are off-hook and connected to a CO line or intercom call. The DND button LED will light and off-hook tones at your station are cancelled.
To cancel this feature, simply replace the handset and the DND button LED will turn off.
For single line telephones, activate Do Not Disturb by lifting the handset, dialing 631, and then replacing the handset. To cancel Do Not Disturb, lift the handset, dial 631 or 662, and then replace the handset.
And that is how you use the Do Not Disturb feature on your Vodavi Infinite IN9015 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 a Business Phone System
Improve Communication
Phones systems obviously improve communication, not only between customers and the business, but with internal communications as well. When your employees can easily connect and collaborate with each other, you will see increased productivity and team work. This also extends to improved customer service and overall customer experience.
Reduce Expenses
While investing in a quality business phone system may be costly, it will pay off in the end. If you were utilizing different devices for communication, you are likely consolidating those expenses into a low monthly fee.
Maximize Business Resources
Phone systems can help businesses make the most of their resources. With built in features and functions at their fingertips, you can improve communications globally through the use of online resources, potentially reaching more customers.
Improve Sales Potential
By investing in a business phone system, you are opening communications in both directions. While it makes it easier for you to reach customers, it also makes it easier for customers to get a hold of you. With the appropriate phone system, you are no longer missing sales, but improving the number of calls you can take.
Adding a phone system to your business is a smart choice and can help in many ways. How does your business phone system help your company? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest!
If you’re looking for an affordable business phone system, please visit www.Startechtel.com. We carry a wide selection of new and refurbished business phones, phone system packages, and more. Please call 1-800-564-8045 if you have any questions or would like to speak with us directly.
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How To Set Up A Conference Call On The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD Phone
The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone allows you to conference up to eight parties, including yourself, with up to six parties being external lines. The local and far end telephone line conditions will determine the actual number of conference parties with acceptable volume levels.
The person who initiates the conference call is considered the Master. If the Master exits the conference after it has been established, the first internal station to have been added to the conference assumes the role of the Master. If no other internal stations are included in the conference call, the call will be disconnected.
To set up a conference call on the Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone, start with an active call, either incoming or outgoing. While you are on the active call, press Cnf/Trn. You will hear a dial tone and your Line LED will flash green. Dial another station or outside line. When the called party answers, press Cnf/Trn. If you receive a busy tone or no answer, press Cnf/Trn again to return to the original connection.
All parties are now conferenced. If the second call was placed on a Line that appears on your phone, the LED also flashes green. You may repeat these steps to add additional parties to the conference.
As the Master, to hold a conference call, press the Hold key once, or press it twice for an Executive Hold. The other parties can continue with the conference. Music-on-hold is suppressed and your extension LED flashes green. You may rejoin the conference at any time by pressing your extension button. When you return, you retain Master status.
And that is how you set up a conference call 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.
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Communication Techniques For Business
This relationship cannot be formed without the proper communication techniques. Keep these tips in mind to create a strong connection with your customers over the phone.
Preparations
Be prepared when you take or make calls. Understand what the commonly asked questions will be and prepare answers, or even a script. Practice your pace, clarity and volume when you read through your script, and if you’re not confident about your voice throw, use a voice recorder.
Active Listening
Good listening skills are great to have in business and in life. They help to build strong relationships and portray a helping nature. Get into the habit of picking up the call with the intention of listening to the customer, whether it is a question or feedback. Fight the urge to interrupt and stay on track while asking relevant questions.
Business Phones
Plain and simple, business phones are designed to easily handle and manage business calls. Business phone systems allow employees to quickly transfer calls to the appropriate party for improved customer service. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable system with multiple lines and transfer abilities, you may want to go with a used or refurbished phone system.
Simple Explanations
No one likes to feel intimidated by big words or unfamiliar terms. Use layman’s terms when explaining things and avoid using slang. Remember to keep it short and straightforward and clarify problems in the easiest way possible.
Gestures
Body language and communication go hand in hand. While the caller may not be able to see your gestures, they can be conveyed through your tone. Headsets allow you to do this easily, while minimizing any tension and pain in your neck and shoulders.
Remain Positive
Much like your gestures, a caller can hear your smile through the phone. When you deal with angry customers, it is important to remain calm and keep a positive discourse. Eliminate “can’t” and “don’t” from your vocabulary and try to put a positive spin on things.
Summarize
At the end of the call, you want to summarize the main points. This will assure the customer that you were listening and allow you to clear up any misunderstandings, if any.
As a customer, are there any other tactics businesses can use to improve the customer experience? Share your ideas with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Find a wide selection of new and refurbished business phones and phone systems online at Startechtel.com. Contact us at 1-800-564-8045 if you have any questions.
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How To Program & Use Speed Dial On The Vodavi Starplus STS 3515 Phone
If you have people that you contact frequently over the phone, speed dials can be very convenient. They offer a more efficient way of dialing commonly used phone numbers. Learn how to program and use the speed dials on the Vodavi Starplus STS 3515 phone by following these steps.
Please note that a keyset user can associated up to 20 phone numbers as Station Speed Dial Numbers, which range from 9000-9019. The stored numbers cannot exceed 24 digits, including pauses, flash commands, pulse-to-tone switchover, and non-display characters. A pause is automatically inserted after a flash.
To store a speed dial number in your Vodavi Starplus STS 3515 phone, press the SPEED button once. Press and OUTSIDE LINE button or the POOL button, or you may select an outside line by pressing the SPEED button again.
Next, dial the speed bin location. Then dial the desired telephone number and include these special codes as needed:
- Press TRANS to initiate a Pulse-To-Tone switchover.
- Press HOLD to insert a Pause.
- Press FLASH to insert a Flash into the speed number.
- When TRANS is used as the first entry in the speed bin, this inserts a non-display character causing numbers stored in the bin not to appear n the digital telephone’s display when the bin is accessed.
Next, press the SPEED button. Replace the handset to end the speed bin programming.
To erase an existing speed bin, press the SPEED button twice. Then, dial the speed bin location. Lastly, press the SPEED button again and you should hear a confirmation tone.
To use speed dial, you have 3 options:
- Press the SPEED button then dial the speed bin location.
- Press the preprogrammed speed bin button
- Use the Soft Key’s SPD option and then dial the speed bin location when in idle condition.
And that is how you program and use speed dial on your Vodavi 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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Shopping For A PBX Phone System?
If you are looking to invest in a PBX system for your business, be sure to look for the following features:
Mobility
These days, most employees split their time in office and out on the field. In order to keep your employees accessible and efficient, look for a system that supports mobility features (ex. Follow Me, Find Me, remote IP extensions, fixed/mobile convergence).
VoIP Ready
In case you eventually want a hybrid or VoIP system, be sure that your PBX can support IP stations and IP trunks.
Voice Messaging
You can’t always get to your phone so voice messaging can be a helpful tool. Be sure that you can conveniently access your voicemail, through visual voicemail or as an attachment via email.
Conferencing
Multi-party conferencing (not just three-way calling) can help you save time and money on travel. Teleconferences and video conferences make meeting and collaborating with colleagues and partners much easier.
Reporting
For various reasons, basic call history reporting features is essential.
What PBX phone system features do you think are most important? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Our new and refurbished business phone systems deliver excellent performance and value at cost-effective prices. Browse our stock online at Startechtel.com or call 1-800-564-8045.
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How To Place A Conference Call On The NEC DTU-32D-1 Phone
Placing a conference call on the NEC DTU-32D-1 display phone is easy. Simply follow along as we break down the steps for you.
Conference calls help to remotely connect you to other parties. This can save time and money, making it easy to collaborate with others, boosting productivity and efficiency.
Learn how to place a conference call on the NEC DTU-32D-1 phone by following these simple steps.
To begin, place or answer a call with the first party. While you are on the call, press the CONFERENCE key. You should hear an internal dial tone and then you may either dial the extension number or dial 9 plus the outside number of the party you wish to add. When the party answers, announce the conference and then press the CONFERENCE key to establish the conference.
Repeat these steps to add additional parties. The maximum capacity for conference calls is 2 outside calls or 3 inside calls.
And that is how you place a conference call on your NEC 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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Is Your Cell Phone Use Problematic?
According to James A. Roberts, PhD, a marketing professor at Baylor University’s Hankamer School Of Business, the six signs of addiction (behavioral or substance) can relate to our cell phone use and behaviors.
Do any of these statements ring true to you?
“I reach for my cell phone first thing in the morning.”
This statement embodies salience. Salience is a behavior that becomes deeply ingrained, almost like second nature, in your daily routine and takes over your thoughts and emotions.
Are you one of the many that sleep with their cell phone next to their bed? Try charging it elsewhere, or avoid checking your phone before 8am.
“I use my cell phone when I am bored.”
The excitement that comes just before or after the addictive behavior is known as euphoria. This relates to that feeling you may get when you hear an email or text message notification from your phone. To counter this effect, try setting your phone to silent every now and then.
“I am spending more and more time on my cell phone.”
The need to reach an ever-increasing dose to reach a desired “high” is referred to as tolerance. New apps emerge every day, giving you access to new and different functions for your phone. With increased capabilities comes increased times spent using your phone, even at inappropriate times (ex. social functions). Try focusing on being in the moment and keeping your device in your pocket or out of sight.
“I become anxious or agitated when my cell phone is out of sight.”
This statement is akin to withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms include stress, anxiety, irritability, desperation, and panic. Thanks to high costs and the amount of personal data on our phones, most of us have a fear our phones getting lost or stolen. However, if this fear consumes your thoughts, there might be a bigger issue.
“People have complained about my cell phone use.”
When something is interfering with your daily life, people will notice. Maybe you take calls in the middle of conversations, or your cell phone use is negatively affecting your work performance. Confronting the problem, whether your spouse, your coworker, or your children bring it up, may end in conflict.
Open and effective communication can help to ease some conflict. If you are waiting for an important call, let others know. If you must take a call while out, make it brief, and be attentive when you return to your party.
“I can’t seem to cut back on my cell phone use even though I try.”
In regards to cell phone use, relapse happens when you set out with every intention to cut back, but a force that seems out of your control compels you to reach for your phone again. It’s important to remember this minor setback is not the end. It may be frustrating, but you can get back on track.
If you think you might have a problem with your cell phone use, there are ways you can cut back. Set aside a certain amount of time to be “unplugged” each day. As you acclimate, increase your “unplugged” times. Focus on being in the moment when you are out with others and resist the urge to reach for your phone.
Do you have any tips of your own? Share with your peers and connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Shop the best selection of new and refurbished business phones, phone systems, and more online at Startechtel.com. If you have any questions or would like to speak with a representative, please call 1-800-564-8045 Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm.
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How To Use The Call Park Feature On The Toshiba DKT-2020-SD Phone
On the Toshiba DKT-2020-SD phone, the Call Park feature allows you to temporarily hold a call in a location other than your phone called an orbit. You or someone else may retrieve a parked call from its orbit but specifying the orbit number. Follow along as we break down the steps on how to use the Call Park feature on your Toshiba phone.
To begin, while you are on a parked call, press Park In Orbit or press Cnf/Trn # 3 3. The LED will flash green. If you were on an extension during the call and you have a line button on your telephone, the line LED will flash until the call is picked up.
Press * to specify the Park Orbit and the system will automatically select a General Park Orbit between 7000-7019. The chosen orbit will appear on the screen. Next, enter a valid extension and press #. The system will automatically select your extension as the orbit.
You may now hang up. The caller’s extension or line number and the orbit number are shown on the screen. The call will ring back at your telephone if it is not retrieved within a specified time. When this happens, your screen will display the line or extension that is recalling and the orbit number.
To retrieve a parked call, press Park In Orbit or press your extension button followed by # 3 2. Then enter the Orbit Number where the call is parked or # for the extension from which you are calling. Please note, you cannot use * to retrieve a parked call. The extension LED flashes at the in-use rate when the call is retrieved.
And that is how you use the Call Park 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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