There are many benefits to keeping a small business small. However, there are times when you may want to appear more established. Whether you’re just starting out or are looking to compete with bigger players on the market, having the right phone system in place can heighten your business credibility. Here, Kristian Torode, Director and Co-Founder of business phone system supplier, Crystaline, offers his advice.
Supporting small businesses has gained popularity in recent years. Personalised customer service and follow up calls are some of the touches that attract shoppers to small businesses, according to a recent Natwest survey.
However, the report also found that the cost-of-living crisis has caused support to waiver, with a third of Brits who would usually choose small businesses now opting for the provider offering the best value. Taking too long to solve disputes and rectify problems can also deter customers from supporting small businesses. So, how can you ensure your SME combines the best traits of small and larger businesses in order to attract and retain customers?
Business phoneline benefits
An effective business phone system can make your small business look bigger. But striking the right balance between big and small is key.
Adopting the phone habits of huge businesses can turn customers away, with research by Money Mail showing it takes up to eight clicks to find a phone number for many multinationals. In this regard, being a small business that provides personalised customer support can help you to stand out. At the same time, you don’t want to appear too small, as this could lead customers to think there are not sufficient staff to offer high levels of customer service.
This is where cloud-based phone systems such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) come in handy. They offer greater mobility, since phone calls sound not only through your office phone system, but also on your mobile and even via an app on your computer. In a time where almost half of SMEs leave business calls unanswered, the mobility of VoIP can help you prevent missed calls more easily.
These cloud-based systems also route calls to individual departments, which creates the impression of a larger team, even if each department is actually just you wearing a different hat. What’s more, these business phone systems allow you to create localised numbers for overseas communications, perfect for customers who want to feel as if they are talking with a local operative. This option can not only help your business seem larger, but also support its growth, as it facilitates onboarding customers abroad.
A more flexible option
Additionally, cloud-based options can be more cost-effective than other business comms solutions. VoIP services can be used on phones, tablets and computers, meaning your SME can utilise tech that you have already purchased rather than buying new handsets. With these scalable systems, you only pay for the number of users you need. As a result, SMEs pay a fraction of what multinationals spend for all of the same features.
This affordability allows you to pass on savings to customers, ensuring your business remains competitively priced in a time where consumers are increasingly choosing the most cost-effective option.
The aim of many SMEs is to grow bigger, but this can prove challenging in the current economic climate. Choosing the right business phone system not only helps you appear larger now but also allows you to offer the excellent customer service that will support future business growth.
