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As a single mother of two small children, I knew that working from home was something I wanted to do. After taking some classes, I was able to start a dog grooming business. At first, business was extremely slow and I had issues with client communications. When I got my virtual phone system, the business really took off. Getting Started With just me and my two young daughters in the house, the only source of communication I had was my mobile phone. After all, landlines are expensive and it is hard to make ends meet with a single income. When I started my business, I thought I would be able to communicate well with my mobile phone. However, I quickly discovered that this was not the case. My voicemail inbox filled too quickly, I missed calls due to a dead battery more times than I can count, and the call quality was just not what I would have liked it to be. While browsing the web one day, I came across an advertisement for a virtual phone system. The Features The first thing I realized about the virtual phone system was that it was relatively inexpensive when compared to a landline. Previous users had touted that the call quality was amazing through the broadband connection, as well. Some of the features that really caught my eye included the ability to manage voicemails from my laptop, a feature known as a ‘sizzle line’ with which I could provide information to prospective clients without even picking up the telephone, and another feature that would allow me to forward my calls to my mobile phone if I would be away from home. The ability to add a toll-free number to my service was also a huge selling point. Setting it Up When I decided to make the transition to the virtual phone system, I was really happy that I didn’t have to wait for an installer. I simply downloaded the software to my computer and I was ready to go! The support staff was incredibly friendly and they walked me through a few parts of the process. In less than two hours, my new telephone number was ready for use. The desktop interface that allows me to send and receive faxes, check my voicemail messages and even forward calls to other telephone numbers is incredibly easy to use, as well. My Business Today After I set up my toll free number and placed it on flyers and business cards, business really took off; the 800 number I selected makes my business appear more professional to clients and customers. During business hours, each caller is greeted with an automated assistant and the clients can choose whether to listen to information, ring through to me directly or even leave me a voicemail. After business hours, all calls ring straight through to voicemail. I never miss calls anymore, I have no trouble affording the service, and I’m really enjoying all of the new business that the virtual phone system helped me gather. Anyone who is running a small business from home should really consider the type of communications they are using. Speaking with clients and customers is key, and without the ability to do so, a business can never truly succeed.
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