Why Do We Celebrate The Fourth Of July With Fireworks?
It started in a letter from John Adams to his wife in which he stated that the signing of the Declaration of Independence should be “solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” A year later, Congress ordained the tradition and enjoyed a fireworks display in Philadelphia, “which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons,” according to The Evening Post.
Aside from Philadelphia, Boston also celebrated with fireworks in 1777. As each year passed, the fireworks tradition spread throughout Boston and New York and various other cities.
Time went on and displays became more extravagant, with large platforms, the creation of festive images with fireworks, and more. These displays became an unspoken competition between cities, with New York coming out ahead (they held 15 different displays throughout the city).
In the early 1800s, pyrotechnicians became a popular profession and many were hired to create and execute cities’ fireworks displays. During this time, fireworks were also being sold to the public, even small children, which made the holiday especially dangerous. This practice was also brought to the West, where dynamite was used instead of traditional fireworks to illuminate the sky.
It wasn’t until the early 1900s that dangers of fireworks were brought to the forefront. Casualties began to be tracked and restrictions on fireworks were slowly introduced. More focus has been put on public displays, with exuberance varying through the years thanks to fiscal allowances.
Many associate fireworks with the lyrics in our National Anthem, and cherish their significance, dating back to the first Independence Day. Now, when you look up at the fireworks this Independence Day, you have a better understanding of what this display means to our history.
Share your favorite Fourth of July or fireworks memories with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Please enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday weekend, from your friends at Startechtel.com!
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How To Set Up Automated Phone Systems
There are different types of automated phone systems, some better suited for certain businesses than others. For example, the Viking Automated Call Attendant provides a greeting and a directory for up to 10 departments. There’s also the Comdial Automated Attendant Module, which offers a single-level menu for greeting and routing. So how do you choose which automated phone system is right for you? Consider your needs and let us help.
Private Vs. Hosted
You may utilize your own PBX system or choose to use a hosted PBX service. If you are purchasing your own equipment, you must consider the appropriate number of lines to handle your call volume. If all of your available lines are occupied, the next caller will receive a busy signal.
With hosted PBX systems, there is no need to worry about the busy signal. Hosted services can handle a large volume of callers, and you may connect multiple office locations under the same, main phone number.
Installation
With hosted PBX services, installation is unnecessary. If you want to save on installation and maintenance costs, you may want to choose hosted services. But if you have lots of usage/talk time, you may benefit more from owning your own equipment.
When it comes to installation, you should choose your technician wisely. He or she should be familiar with your system as well as your specific needs. At Startechtel.com, we have highly experienced and well-versed technicians who can install your system for competitive prices. Learn more here.
Designing The Menu (setup/standards)
When creating your menu, you want to keep it simple, quick, easy, orderly and practical. Easier said than done, right? The best way to start is to get into the mindset of your customers. What will they likely be calling about? What do most customers need/want from your company? Is there common questions or general information that you can include in the greeting or add as an option within the menu? Our experience as customers as well helps to shape a more sensible menu.
When it comes to routing calls to different departments and personnel, would it be better to use names or route through extensions? That is dependent upon the relationship between your employees and customers. You may want to consider including a dial-by-name directory.
No matter how you set up your menu, it’s important to include an option to press zero for a live attendant. In case of emergencies, or for customers who do not tolerate automated menus well, you should always have someone on hand to answer.
Test your system before
It is important to test your system before it goes live to your customers. Go through every option to make sure there are no mistakes or hiccups.
Clearly, there are many things to consider when choosing and setting up an automated phone system. Have any questions or need some advice? Connect with us and your peers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest. Or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045.
Have we sparked your interest in automated phone systems? Visit us online to browse our selection of automated phone systems, telephone equipment, and more.
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VoIP Phone Systems Offer Valuable Features
VoIP phone systems are quite popular these days and many businesses are deciding to make the switch. Consolidate your payments, gain access to convenient operations, hosted options – what’s not to love? Those who haven’t switched over yet may be hesitant because they are unsure of how this can help their business. If that’s you, let us explain just a few of the many beneficial features that VoIP phone systems have to offer.
Door Phone Entry Buzzer Integration
By integrating an analog door phone, you can ultimately screen your visitors. This feature enables you to communicate with people who come to your door, allowing you to determine who enters your property and who stays out. This adds to the safety and protection of your business and employees.
Find Me/Follow Me Call Routing
This feature allows you to enable a trail of contact numbers before the caller gets sent to voicemail, should you be out of the office. For example, when someone calls, your office phone may ring a few times before it is then forwarded to a mobile number. If there still is no answer on your mobile, the call may then be routed to a home phone, and so on. Once the call has been routed to all of your available numbers, your caller is sent to voicemail. This is extremely beneficial for workers on the go.
Voicemail è Email
For your convenience, VoIP systems enable voicemail to email transcription, converting voicemail to text then sending it to your preferred email. No more frantic searches for pens and paper to make note of your voice messages. Instead, easily sort, delete, and organize your voicemail electronically.
Music On Hold
No one likes silence or being put on hold. But with music on hold, you can entertain your callers on hold. Choose the music your callers hear while they wait (maybe avoid boring elevator music).
Data & Call History
Most systems offer bandwidth utilization information, which allows you to see your data usage over time. Inbound and outbound call detail reports provide you with call history information that allows you to analyze different aspects of your calling history as necessary.
Call Screening
Call screening is a standard feature we often take for granted. On our personal phones, it enables us to decide whether to answer or ignore. Within the office, you can easily identify and route the call accordingly.
Coaching Tools/Barge & Whisper
Have you heard of the barge and whisper features? Barge allows you to monitor your employees’ calls, whether known or unknown. Be sure that your employees are doing their job and doing it well. Whisper allows you to actively coach your employees while on call, without the customer knowing.
Auto Attendant
Auto attendant can be the first interaction for your callers. It provides a menu with different options, which enables routing to the appropriate extension. Some use this in lieu of a receptionist or when offices are closed.
Conferencing
The conferencing tools that come with VoIP phone systems help to better manage online conferences, video conferences, or over the phone conference calls. Do things like set up a conference floor monitor, monitor invitations, “hand-raises”, muting, and more.
Do Not Disturb
Turn on the Do Not Disturb function and temporarily halt incoming calls. Ignore calls or redirect them to your voicemail or a different extension. This is helpful when you’re on lunch, in a meeting, or on a conference call.
If you use a VoIP system, what are your favorite features? Share with us and your peers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest!
For excellent VoIP phone systems, equipment, and more, visit us online. You can contact us directly at 1-800-564-8045.
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How To Make A Paging Announcement On The Comdial Impact 8012S Phone
Not sure how to make a paging announcement on your Comdial Impact 8012S phone? Watch our tutorial video that will guide you through the simple steps.
First of all, you should know that there are two types of page features available on the Comdial Impact 8012S phone. The first is the all-call paging feature, which sounds the announcement through all telephones. The second is the zone paging feature, which only sounds the announcements through the telephones in a designated area. Your System Administrator will have more information about zones, preprogrammed Page buttons, and which paging and access method is best for you.
Now, to send a paging announcement, lift the handset and press the Intercom button. Next, you will dial a number based on the zone you would like to page. Zones 1-8 are designated by the numbers 70-77. For example, for zone 1 = dial 70, zone 2 = dial 71, zone 3 = dial 72, zone 4 = dial 73, and so on. Again, for zone assignments, please see your System Administrator. If you have preprogrammed Page buttons, you may use those instead of the zone codes.
After inputting either a zone code or pressing a preprogrammed Page button, you may then make your announcement by speaking into the receiver. Once you are done, you may hang up, or wait on the line for a Meet-Me page.
The Meet-Me page allows the announcer to request a person dial in to “Meet” them on the line. If you need to reply to a Meet-Me page, find the nearest telephone and lift the handset. You will then press the Intercom button, dial 78, and you will be connected with the paging party.
And that’s it. If you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-564-8045 or visit us online. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel so stay up-to-date with our video tutorial series. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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How Unified Communications Can Help Your Business
Unified Communications, The Cloud, & Integration
With an option to host UC in the cloud, businesses see a reduced cost among other benefits. By saving money and providing convenience, UC becomes more feasible for different businesses with different budgets and demands. A cloud UC packages typically includes some, if not all, of the following: voice, unified messaging (voice messages sent through email or text), instant messaging, presence, mobility (smart phone replaces hard phone), along with audio, Web, and video conferencing.
The cloud also offers the more flexible option of making use of your existing on-premise tools in conjunction with cloud services. While this isn’t quite a full migration from on-premise to cloud services, it offers a happy medium for customers who need it. Integration allows businesses to easily transition from their current system to the cloud with the help of an integrator. With this option, should you feel so inclined, you may choose different services from different providers to your liking, to create the UC service you desire.
Hosted UC & Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
A hosted solution may be easier for some businesses, but can be a bit more complicated to decide upon. Managed services can be convenient, but often businesses prefer a mix of managed services and cloud UC to create a more tailored experience for their business. Figuring out which hosted services you would like and who will manage them will require specific outlines of what your business wants to achieve with UC. Most MSPs have ways to determine what businesses need and how to find the right fit for them.
Choosing What’s Right For You
Much like the method previously mentioned, answering a series of questions in relation to your goal and desired outcome with UC will help determine what you need in your UC platform. Different packages and services may be better suited for different needs. Depending on your employees, your work environment, and the size of your business, some features will make more sense for you to utilize than others. Consulting with an expert in the field may help you find the UC system for you. But ultimately, your UC system is only effective if your employees adopt it.
What are your thoughts on Unified Communication services? Does your office currently use a UC platform? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Visit us online to shop our stock of new and refurbished business phones, phone systems, and equipment from leading manufacturers. You can speak with us directly Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm via phone 1-800-564-8045.
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The Future Of Communications
PSTN
Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN, is also known as POTS, or plain old telephone service. That designation alone is self-explanatory. Formerly our sole communication route, emerging new technologies seem to be pushing PSTN out of the picture. Some are hesitant to make the switch, as PSTN offers a bit more reliability, however, VoIP systems and Unified communications offer more practical services.
VoIP
VoIP systems experienced a gradual climb to the top. Its allure of decreasing costs and improving scalability and flexibility were promising, but ironing out all the kinks took some time. Still, that didn’t stop customers from signing up, and now, with necessary improvements and a solid reputation, many businesses are making the switch (if they haven’t already). Since the feat of lowering costs was achieved, VoIP systems can now focus on better integration for a well-rounded user experience.
Unified Communications
UC operations help to bring all types of communication together for one seamless experience. The focus is now put on creating an effective experience for the employee, boosting productivity and company morale. A spotlight on the customer experience should be emphasized as well. Since our society values independence, and much like the self-checkout registers at grocery stores, when calling in for customer support, an easy, self-service option should be available before resorting to speaking to an agent. While many appreciate speaking directly to an agent, others would much rather resolve an issue as quickly and simply as possible. As time goes on, fine-tuning of UC features and an expansion to include more routes of communications (namely texting) will likely occur, thus, perpetuating the appeal of UC.
Mobile/Wearable Technology
The development of better technologies will further enhance the user experience. This is especially true for mobile and wearable technology. We will likely see an increase in wearables in the workplace, as they could potentially provide employee tracking and push notifications. This would allow workers the freedom and flexibility of working out of office while still remaining on track with tasks and schedules.
WebRTC
WebRTC stands for Web Real-Time Communication, allowing direct connections through websites. Through your browser, WebRTC would voice and real-time communication without the necessity of a client application. For now, WebRTC is still fairly knew and not widely known. Many predict that once the ball gets rolling on WebRTC, we will begin to see it in implemented within more and more businesses.
What are your predictions for the future of business communications? Which system do you think will prevail over time? Share your predictions with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For your business phone system needs, shop our selection of new and refurbished equipment online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
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Our Refurbished Phones & Equipment Are Of The Highest Quality
At Startechtel.com, we promise to always provide you with telephones and phone equipment that exceed your expectations for the ultimate satisfaction. When you shop with us, you are receiving the best refurbished equipment around. Our stringent quality control guidelines enable us to provide you with the superior equipment that you love.
Our quality control is unparalleled. We enforce strict presentation and performance standards for which our refurbished equipment must reach before leaving our facility. We thoroughly clean and test our refurbished phones, making sure that our equipment appears and works like new. We replace the necessary parts and provide new designation labels and plastic overlays for our business phones. Because of the impressive condition of our refurbished phones and equipment, we offer competitive prices. We care about your satisfaction, and our goal is to provide you with the finest telephone equipment around.
Our refurbished equipment also comes with a one year warranty. Should your equipment become defective within a year of purchase, we take full responsibility to replace or repair these items.* Please see our Policies page for more information.
What sets us apart from others is our promise of excellence and satisfaction with the products and services we provide. After decades in the telecom business, Startechtel.com 
has built a solid reputation for unmatched new and refurbished products and exceptional customer service. See for yourself and shop with us today. You can visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-564-8045. You may also connect with us on our social profiles – Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Tips For Better Phone Conversations
Many millennials are unfamiliar with phone calls, having grown up with Instant Messaging with minimal emphasis on actual phone calls. So when one has to pick up the phone and speak with a live person, a certain panic may set in. With text and email, you can edit and perfect your message before you send it. On a phone call, you’ve got to be quick and in the moment. This immediacy can intimidate and frighten some. For those who are weary to get back into phone calls, here are some tips to get over your fear and help you sharpen your phone call skills.
Consider The Benefits
When you speak to someone on the phone, you are more able to tune into the person’s warmth. The tone of their voice alone can help you better understand what they are saying, allowing a more genuine connection. You may also avoid common misunderstandings that tend to happen through text or email. And with each call, you gain more experience at refining your communication skills.
Commit To Making The Call In Advance
An “if-then plan” allows you to be specific and complete your goal. If you give yourself a goal and a timeframe, you’re more likely to stick to it, rather than relying on your willpower. An example is this: “If it’s bad news, I will pick up the phone.” So if you have bad news to deliver, you’ve already set out that you will pick up the phone to make a call. And you will.
Open With A Question
Opening with a question shows that you are interested in the person with whom you’re speaking. You will not only come off as more trusting and sincere, but it may also help to calm your nerves. You will be more focused on listening and engaging, you will, again, be improving your skills.
Don’t Overthink It
Writing a script is not encouraged. Real life conversations aren’t scripted, so your phone call shouldn’t be. Instead, take some time to think about what you want to say beforehand, but be present in the call. Since conversations are two-sided, it’s important to listen and play off of what the other person is saying.
Embrace Authenticity
Text and emails are edited many times so as to craft the perfect conversation. Real life conversations are much less polished, and, thus, more authentic.
Keep Your Eye On The Big Picture
Even if you follow all these tips, not every call will be perfect. But it’s important to remember that every call is a learning experience. You learn from your mistakes, you refine your skills, and you get better.
Know You Will Survive
Did you experience a bad phone call? Take some time to think about what went wrong, and how you can improve, then move on. Don’t dwell on the past. We’ve all had bad phone conversations, but we have all survived, too.
Do you have any other tips share? Feel free to connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest and share with your peers.
Need a phone to make these phone calls? Visit Startechtel.com to browse our stock of business phones, phone systems, and more. Or practice your skills by giving us a call at 1-800-564-8045.
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How Important Is A Phone System When It Comes To Customer Service?
It’s important for businesses to maintain a solid, stable communication system so that they can reach their customers, and customers can easily reach them. The best way to accomplish this is to invest in a business phone system. In comparison to typical residential phones, business phones are specifically tailored with features which will enable you to provide excellent customer service. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to the following.
Number Of Lines
Have you ever called a company to be met with a busy signal, a voicemail, or extended wait times? With more lines, you’ll be able to receive more customer calls and route them as necessary, resulting in increased efficiency.
HD Audio
The quality of a call can help to foster clear communication. If you can’t hear the caller, or the caller can’t hear you, it’s likely that frustration will ensue from either party, which leads to a poor customer service experience.
Wireless Headsets
These allow workers to work on the go. For example, in retail shops, you’ll need to be actively working the floor. If a call comes in, you can easily answer it through your wireless headset.
Cordless Handsets
Cordless handsets allow for the same flexibility. You may use these when you’re on the move within the office so that no call goes unanswered.
Two-way Call Recording
With this feature, you may monitor and evaluate your employees and the services they deliver. You can identify practices that help or hinder your business, for improvement on all levels.
Auto-Attendant
Auto-attendant allows you to route calls accordingly without having an actual person pick-up the phone. This is helpful to relieve your receptionist, or allows for a helping hand when all other workers are busy with other calls.
As you can already tell, the appropriate business phones for your company will enable you to be the most productive while delivering the best customer service. Not sure what business phones will suit you best? Contact Startechtel.com and we’ll gladly discuss your options and even provide you with a free quote. Feel free to browse our comprehensive inventory online, or speak with a representative directly by calling 1-800-564-8045. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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How To Turn On/Off Disturb On The Comdial Impact 8012S
Has there ever been a time when you’re swamped with work and you do not want to be disturbed? Or you’re attempting to meet a deadline and every second counts so you want to eliminate any distractions? Or maybe you’re on an important call and you don’t want any other calls coming in. No matter what the situation, there is an answer.
The Do Not Disturb option on the Comdial Impact 8012S phone allows you to decline calls when you simply cannot take calls. While this feature is on, callers will hear two quick tone bursts every two seconds, indicating that the Do Not Disturb function is in order.
The steps to turn this option on and off on the Comdial Impact 8012S phone are quite simple. Follow along to learn how to turn the Do Not Disturb option on and off, and how to override it, if enabled.
Do Not Disturb – On
To turn this option on, press Options. Press Next until the DND option appears. Press DND, then press On. You may then press Exit, and press Speaker to end.
If you hear a call ringing and see caller information on the display screen, you may turn on the Do Not Disturb mode by pressing DND. The ringing will stop and the caller will hear the Do Not Disturb tone. Your phone will remain in this mode until you disable the feature (see below).
Do Not Disturb – Off
To turn the Do Not Disturb mode off, press Options. Press Next until the DND option appears, then press DND. This time, you’ll press Off, then press Exit, and press Speaker to end.
Do Not Disturb – Override
In some cases, your system administrator may program certain phones with the executive override feature. Phones with this feature may override a call in progress or a Do Not Disturb condition. If your phone has the executive override function enabled, press OVER to disable the Do Not Disturb condition at the called station. If it is in voice-first mode, you may speak your announcement. If it is in tone-first mode, you’ll hear a ring-back tone. The called station will have DND disabled until it is reset.
If you have any questions regarding these steps, please contact us at 1-800-564-8045. You may also visit us online at Startechtel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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