Small business phone systems come in all sizes with a wide range of features and benefits. There are even small business systems offering Internet Protocol (IP) options.
In order to select the best small business phone system for you organization you need to consider and evaluate several items.
What You Need
Spend a few minutes to determine what functionality your users require. You want the phone system to make them more efficient, walking the line between technology and confusion. Small business phone systems can offer video and audio conferencing tools, the ability to use a computer as a phone (sometimes called mobile soft phones), automated attendants, paging, intercom, wireless IP phones, integration with customer relationship management, and the ability to notify employees by phone, text, or email.
There are even options like presence technology, which would allow users of the business telephone system to see who is available, and the best way to reach them.
Change and Training
Whatever type of small business system you get, you need to understand how to use it. Typically the users of any new telephone system will use about 10% of its capability unless they are trained and encouraged to use its functions. Most will learn how to dial, put a call on hold, transfer a call, and maybe program a few speed dial numbers.
With consistent training and encouragement to learn the system, users will become more efficient and the small business system will be a true asset to your company. It can change the way you do business. For instance an IP system with a wireless phone will allow sales staff to check warehouse stock from anywhere on the premise.
You can hold meetings with clients, who are in different states, with the use of video conferencing. Or hold weekly training meetings with the voice conference feature. There are many features in the small business telephone systems that are typically seen in larger, more expensive systems.
Small Business Phone System Features
Telephone systems for small businesses will have caller ID with the capability of at least four business telephone lines. You can place calls on hold, transfer calls to a mobile phone, home office, or remote location. There may be additional or optional features such as:
- Paging
- Music on hold
- Cordless handsets
- Cordless headsets
- Automated Attendant
- Voice Mailboxes
- Audio/Video Conferencing
- And More
Selection of the Best Small Business Phone System
The systems listed below are some of the best small business phone systems. They cost between $500 and $3000. Most can be installed by simply plugging them in. All the systems listed offer complete mobility with wireless solutions for handsets and headsets. These phone systems also offer standard features that include call forwarding, transferring, intercom, conferencing, paging, voice mail, and music-on-hold.
The Panasonic KX-TG4500B can handle up to four business lines, a desk phone, and eight cordless extensions. Once the phone lines are installed you can just plug the main base or desk unit into the lines and an electrical outlet. The cordless bases can then be set wherever you want, plugged into an electrical outlet for charging.
The AT&T SynJ also offers four lines. You can mix and match a total of ten cordless handsets or desk phones. This small business phone system is recommended for retail outlets, restaurants, schools and daycares, small offices, locations with warehouses, and large home office applications.
The AT&T Synapse will provide up to thirty-nine business lines, with a capacity of hundred desk extensions and five cordless phones. The system self-configures once it is plugged into the phone lines and an Ethernet data network.
One of the largest of the best small business phone systems, the Panasonic KX-TDA50G or KX-NCP500 can be configures with as many as 128 lines. It will handle a total of 156 desk sets and 64 cordless sets. The systems are typically installed in law or medical offices, technology companies, and even for hotels or motels.
Summary
The best small business phone system is one that meets your company’s needs. It is important for any small business to figure out how the phone system can be used to allow staff to be more efficient in dealing with customers and clients. These small systems come in all sizes from just four lines through over a hundred. Some can be configured to work with Internet Protocol. Some small business phone systems also have voice mail, email, and paging capabilities. Check the list of what is standard on the phone system and what comes at an optional cost.
