Growing Trends For Small Businesses
Mobility
Businesses, whether large or small, are realizing that going mobile offers a multitude of benefits. For sales and customer service representatives especially, it is an easy way of providing quick and efficient service. Use of mobile apps and BYOD programs are set to increase in the coming years.
Analytics
User-friendly analytics tools are being utilized by small businesses to help make data-driving business decisions. The report noted that high-performing sales teams use analytics more often than others, showing that real-time insights can play a significant role in business sales.
Marketing Automation
Since small businesses don’t usually have large budgets, marketing automation seems to be a cost-effective way for them to improve their marketing efforts. Its use will only continue to grow thanks to its convenience and efficacy. Of those who are already taking advantage of marketing automation, most rate it very effective to effective.
Employee Retention
For smaller businesses, a happy team is a successful team. That is precisely why employee retention for SMBs is important. To maintain this, employee satisfaction needs to be a priority. In comparison to enterprises, small businesses place a higher priority on retention and satisfaction.
New Tech Adoptions
When it comes to new technologies, thanks to smaller teams, small businesses can usually skip the integration process. This allows for faster, more efficient tech adoptions. Firms are then able to find out what works and what doesn’t in a more expedient manner.
Customer-centric
Customer satisfaction is always a priority for businesses. Small businesses pride themselves on a more personalized experience with customers, which they wish to maintain as they grow. This is possible with technologies and solutions that allow service reps to easily access accounts, history, and resolve issues.
Do you own a small business? What works for your business? What trends do you see growing in the near future? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Keep your office connected with our quality stock of new and refurbished business phones, phone systems, and equipment. Visit us online at Startechtel.com or call 1-800-564-8045.
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Nortel Networks Phone Manual: How To Use The Mute Feature On The Norstar T7316E Phone
When you mute a call, the caller will no longer be able to hear you, but you can still hear them. The Mute feature on your phone can be very helpful in different situations. Noisy office? On a conference call? Quickly use the mute to quietly participate and avoid distracting others with background noise.
Do you have the Norstar T7316E phone? Do you know how to use the Mute feature on your phone? Follow along as we break down the steps.
First, locate the Mute button on your phone. You should find it just below the keypad and volume buttons. It will have an image of a microphone with a backslash over it.
To activate Mute, press the Mute button. The indicator light will flash when the feature is active. To turn it off, press the Mute button again and the light will turn off.
Changing a call between handset, headset, or handsfree will automatically cancel mute and reactivate the microphone. And switching between calls will do the same.
And that is how you use the Mute feature on your Norstar T7316E 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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The Future Of Business Communication
Mobile Vs. Desk Phones
While desk phones continue to undergo upgrades and changes to suit current user needs and demands, it is hard to deny the convenience of going mobile. Some businesses have adopted BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs, while others have already made the switch to mobile-only. Many believe that the desk will soon fade away, however, mobile-only does have its drawbacks, including security and reliability.
OTT Messaging Vs. Email
Over The Top (OTT) messaging and collaboration software is believed to replace email as the primary messaging tool. While email is convenient and can be accessed through nearly any devices, the added features and benefits of OTT messaging may take reign.
The Cloud
It’s no surprise that many businesses are warming up to the Cloud. With lowered costs, convenience, and access to more features, UCaaS/hosted PBX is favored among both small and large businesses alike.
What solutions does your business use? Do you prefer some technologies over others? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Shop with us for the best inventory of new and refurbished business phones, phone system packages, telephone equipment, and more! Visit us online or call 1-800-564-8045 to speak with a representative.
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Build A Solid Communication Architecture
When it comes to decision making, there is a constant battle between speed and quality. You want to make decisions quickly without making rash decisions. But sometimes the right decision takes longer as deliberation, discussion, and collaboration are required.
Find the right balance requires a little something called communication architecture.
Communication Architecture
Communication architecture is basically how you effectively communicate within your business. It is how often you collaborate and exchange information or ideas and helps to structure how and when you all get together. Understanding your communication architecture and adapting to changing needs helps to fortify a solid base within your business.
For example, are all of your departments on the same page when it comes to the business and your customer service? How quickly is your new hire adapting to your company? While other factors may play a role, the purpose of communication architecture is to address these issues and find ways to improve, but this practice requires proactive thoughts and time.
Getting Started
To build a strong and solid communication architecture, you must first understand your company, your goals, and your employees. For example, if you are a young, startup company, your needs will differ from an older, more established enterprise. From here you can determine where you stand when it comes to decision-making speed and room for error. Of course, this will change over time as you learn what works and what doesn’t, which is precisely why communication architecture is an ongoing process.
Finding What Works
This part requires some trial and error, however, the pay off can be tremendous. You may want to try things like a regularly scheduled, company-wide meeting or a weekly debriefing. Or maybe you invest some time in team building so your employees can get to know each other and feel comfortable sharing ideas in an open forum. Your employee’s individual communication style may vary across the board, which is why you must also find balance.
Balance
While it could be great to keep open communication and convene regularly, you must also be conscious of information overload and oversharing. Monitor your goals, both immediate and long term, and adjust your practices as necessary. Be open to feedback should anyone have any.
Communication architecture does not have to be perfect, but it must constantly be adjusted and adapted to suit our ever-changing needs. What works for your business? Share your tips and ideas with us and your peers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Visit us online for a great collection of new and refurbished business phones, conference phones, business phone systems, telephone equipment, and much more! Call 1-800-564-8045 for more information about our services.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-tan/why-you-should-care-about_b_8922274.html
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Aastra Phone Manual: How To Use The System Speed Dials On The Aastra 390 Phone
The Aastra PowerTouch 390 phone boasts excellent features and functions and is ideal for most office settings. One of the most convenient features is the system speed dials. To learn how to use the system speed dials, follow along with these simple steps.
Before we begin, the system speed dials are programmed by your System Administrator. If you have any questions regarding your system speed dials, please see your System Administrator.
To use your system speed dials, press the Dial softkey while the phone is idle. The Dial Options screen will appear. Press the SySpeed softkey, and then enter the two-digit speed number at the prompt. You will then be connected to the preprogrammed number and the display screen will switch to the Connected state.
To search the system speed dial list by name, press the DirSrv+ softkey, then press the SySpeed softkey. The Speed Dial Index will appear on the screen. Use the UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor to the desired range of names. If the index table is more than one page long, you may also use the PgUp and PgDn softkeys.
When you have moved the cursor to the desired range of names, press the Select softkey to view the list. Use the UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor to the desired name. If the list is more than one page long, you may also use the Page Up (PgUp) and Page Down (PgDn) softkeys.
The Next and Prev softkeys will move to the next or previous groups of names on the index table respectively. The Back softkey will take you back to the Speed Dial Index.
Once the cursor is on the desired name, you may press the Dial softkey to call the number.
And that’s how you use the system speed dials on your Aastra 390 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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What Is WebRTC & What Do We Need To Know
What is WebRTC? First, RTC stands for Real-Time Communications. WebRTC refers to a program designed to provide browsers and mobile apps with RTC capabilities. Simple Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are the connection points for WebRTC. You may be more familiar with this technology than you think as it is already being implemented through web-enabled customer service agents and free conferencing services.
How To Make A WebRTC Call
To make a WebRTC call, you need to initiate connection through an Internet URL that represents a calling point. This could be a website’s click to call button, but the address could be accessed from any technology or application.
The recipient needs access to a URL that represents a user end-point where the call can be accepted. This could be another Internet browser or an SIP desk phone or smartphone.
Click To Call
Click to Call functions have been around, but WebRTC enables this function without any additional browser extensions or plug-ins. In doing do, WebRTC also creates a standard methodology for connections.
As our technology continues to advance, we will start to see more call from webpage options, but with more accessibility. We will be able to perform these actions through other routes such as your tablet browser, web-based social services, and web applications.
However, with this new technology come safety concerns. While encryption and authentication mechanisms are put in place, security, identity, and privacy issues are still a concern for most. Luckily, companies are aware of these concerns and continue to improve their security as the technology progresses.
What are your thoughts on WebRTC? Will it gain the expected popularity or will it take more time to become widely adopted? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For an excellent selection of business phones, VoIP phones, SIP phones, and more, visit us online. To speak with a representative directly, please call 1-800-564-8045. We are open Monday – Friday 7:00am-5:00pm.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/adrianbridgwater/2015/12/15/will-the-internet-replace-your-phone-number/
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Nortel Phone Manual: How To Use The Do Not Disturb Function On The Nortel T7316 Phone
When you find yourself busy on another call, in a meeting, or away from your desk, the Do Not Disturb feature on your Nortel T7316 phone can be helpful. Do Not Disturb prevents calls from ringing at your telephone. Learn how to use this function on your Nortel phone by following these simple steps.
To activate Do Not Disturb, press FEATURE 8 5. The display will read “Do Not Disturb” and you will only receive priority calls at your phone. A line button will flash when you receive a call, but it will not ring.
To cancel Do Not Disturb, press FEATURE # 8 5. The display will read “Allow Calls” and you will receive your calls normally.
And that’s how you activate and cancel Do Not Disturb on your Nortel T7316 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 Forward Calls On The Aastra 6757i Phone
For businesses, call forwarding helps to improve customer service. When a line is busy or there is no answer after a certain number of rings, the call is then forwarded to another line. This enables customers to be rerouted to the next available representative as soon as possible. Call forwarding also works with outside lines, allowing you to take work calls while you are on the field.
If you have an Aastra 6757i phone, learn how to activate and cancel call forwarding with these simple steps.
First, press the Options button located to the left of your keypad. An Options list will appear. Choose 1. Call Forward and press the Select button. The Call Forward Mode will appear with the following options:
- All
- Busy
- No answer
Select your preferred mode then choose the ‘State’ of the forwarding, either On or Off. Then you may enter the phone number you wish to forward your calls to.
If All or No Answer is selected, you may set the ‘# Of Rings’ which is how many times the line will ring before the call if forwarded. If Busy mode is selected, then it will forward each time the line is busy when a call comes in.
To turn off the Call Forwarding settings, simply repeat these steps and choose Off for the ‘State’.
And that’s how you use call forwarding on the Aastra 6757i 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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Improve Your Business With Proper Phone Etiquette
Answer Effectively
A simple “Hello?” will not suffice in a business setting. This portrays the idea that you are not interested and, in turn, forces the caller to take charge. Instead, think about these things before you answer:
- The type of line you are answering – direct line, company line, or mobile
- The relationship you have with the caller – personal, professional, none
- Whether or not the call was scheduled
For example, for a company line, it would be beneficial to answer inbound calls by identifying your company and introducing yourself. If you are answering your mobile phone, it could help to identify yourself upon calling so that the caller knows that he/she has reached the right person. If you have a scheduled call, and the caller ID matches the expected call, you can improve productivity by starting with the purpose of the call. This helps to save time, while portraying your work ethic in a positive light.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is better and much more efficient than simply ignoring a call and allowing it to go to voicemail. If you’re focused on a task and decide to let it go to voicemail, you burden yourself with the task of checking your voicemail and remembering to return the call. A quick answer can go something like this:
“Jack, Emily here. Hey, I’m in the middle of something. Can I call you back in ten minutes?”
The caller will likely accept this offer and you can get back to the task at hand. Even better, both parties can expect to be prepared for the call, so the caller can focus on something else in the meantime.
If you want to increase your productivity this year, or simply brush up on phone etiquette, consider these tips. Have any tricks of your own you would like to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
For a wide array of new and refurbished business phones, phone systems, networking equipment, telephone parts and accessories, and more, visit Startechtel.com online or call 1-800-564-8045.
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How To Use Call Forwarding & Do Not Disturb on the Panasonic KX-T7730 Phone
The ability to reroute calls can help improve customer service along with your overall productivity. If you own a Panasonic KX-T7730 phone, learn how to use the Call Forwarding and Do Not Disturb features by following these simple steps.
Located above the keypad is the Forward/Do Not Disturb button labeled as FWD/DND. To begin, take the phone off the hook and press the FWD/DND button. Next are a series of options from which to choose.
To set the Do Not Disturb function, press 1.
To forward all calls, press 2 followed by the extension number.
To forward calls when the line is Busy, press 3 followed by the extension number.
To forward calls when there is No Answer, press 4 followed by the extension number.
To forward calls when Busy/No Answer is active, press 5 followed by the extension number.
To forward calls to an outside line, press 6, dial the line access code followed by the phone number and then #.
To forward calls via FollowMe, press 7 followed by your extension number.
To cancel FollowMe, press 8 followed by your extension number.
To cancel call forwarding or the Do Not Disturb function, press 0.
After making your selection and following the appropriate steps, you may then hang up the phone.
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.
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