In today's digitally connected and increasingly competitive world, it is incredibly important to understand current trends and communicate effectively with customers while keeping costs down. With the ubiquitous use of the internet and the wonders of new technology, there is now a fantastic opportunity with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for any business, large or small, to get ahead of the rest.

In a nutshell, all these aspirations can be achieved with a business VoIP phone system from GI Telecom, which enables you to make low cost calls over the Internet in a quick, affordable and effective way. But in addition to the obvious benefits such as voicemail, call waiting, toll free numbers, and remote operation, there are various other advantages that any cutting edge organisation can capitalise on.

1. Call routing

With find me/follow me call routing, it is possible to create a list of numbers where an employee can be found before the call goes to voicemail. For example, you can have your office phone ring twice and if there is no answer, have it routed to your mobile, ensuring that no calls are ever missed!

2. On call coaching

If you're training new members of staff on how to conduct sales calls or customer service enquiries, VoIP enables you to offer advice while they're talking on the telephone rather than after hanging up. In this way the telephone call training of your staff will be both sped up and improved.

3. Conferencing

Conference calls are now commonplace for most modern businesses and organisations, but they can get a bit confusing if managed incorrectly. But with VoIP you can set-up invitations or mute certain individuals to improve lines of communication helping to get the conference call completed efficiently.

4. Do not disturb

This advantage does not need much explaining, but having a do not disturb option is bound to come in handy. However, rather than simply ignoring callers, you can direct them to your voicemail or another number instead. This is great when you are tied up with tasks and do not want to be interrupted by incoming sales calls and the like.

5. Auto attendant

In order for your business to come across as even more professional and proficient to both clients and prospective clients, consider using an auto attendant. This presents callers with a menu of options, from which they can choose the right extension. This helps to streamline incoming calls saving you time and money and, at the same time, ensuring that the right person picks up the call.

6. Call screening

This feature can markedly improve productivity, as it enables you to look at who is calling and take appropriate action. Therefore, customer calls can be given priority and annoying telemarketers can be ignored. In this way you will never miss those important calls again.

7. Call detail and data reports

Seeing as VoIP calls are made over the Internet, you can receive data usage details thanks to bandwidth utilisation. These inbound and outbound reports will show you things like call history, duration, destination and cost. This comprehensive call data information can prove to be invaluable when you are trying to manage phone calls into or out of your organisation.

8. On hold music

Opinions are probably divided over whether cheesy on hold music is a good or a bad thing. But with VoIP, you can choose which artists or songs your callers will listen to while on hold, but make sure it's not too controversial. For that extra professional touch why not consider the use of a voice over artist with experience of recording messages according to what their clients want.

9. SMS Messaging

Rather than interrupting clients or employees with a phone call, a business VoIP solution enables you to send SMS messages instead, which are often much more convenient. These can be attended to when the time becomes available, allowing your business to concentrates on the important phone calls.

10.Fax to email

Yet another feature that will be warmly welcomed by those on the move, this allows you to receive faxes to your email inbox. So, wherever you may be, you'll still be able to view and respond to important correspondence sent via the fax format.

For more information and advice about business VoIP phone systems, be sure to contact GI Telecom today.