A Message from your Phone
Hi. It’s your phone here.
I know you’ve been stressed lately and I have seen how busy you have been, but you can’t leave me ringing.
Sometimes I ring for so long I get out of breath, but you are either out of the office or else talking on that floozy mobile phone. And even though I ask the callers to leave a message for you, a lot of them just hang up on me.
I think we need help.
Choosing a Live Answering Service
A live answering service provides a “virtual” receptionist to answer your business phone calls.
These services are run out of call centres, which are staffed by professionals 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Your virtual receptionist greets callers using your business name at times when you’re not available to answer the phone, and immediately sends messages to you via SMS, email, and web-based portal. With some plans, the receptionist can even transfer the call directly to you.
1800, 13 & 1300 Numbers: Selecting the Best Numbers for your Business
All 1300 numbers, 13 numbers and 1800 numbers (known collectively as inbound numbers) belong to the Australian government via the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority). When you buy a number, you’re actually only buying the rights to use that number according to its applicable rights of use (as defined by the ACMA).
There are two types of numbers available:
- Normal issue numbers, which have normal rights of use (similar to the rights of use you have for your mobile phone number).
- Smartnumbers®, which are numbers that spell words or contain a pattern that makes them easy to remember. These numbers have extended/additional rights of use.
1300 Numbers and 1800 Numbers: How do they Work?
1300 numbers, 13 numbers and 1800 numbers (including smartnumbers®) are known collectively as inbound numbers.
These are “virtual” numbers, in that they aren’t tied to any one specific phone in the same way that your landline and mobile numbers are.
Instead, you route each inbound number to the “answerpoints” at which you want it to ring, including landlines, mobile phones, fax machines or call answering services. You can select multiple answerpoints for a single inbound number, for example if you want to ring a different number outside of regular business hours, or if you want your calls to go through to an answering service when your line is busy or not being answered.
Choosing Between Serviced and Virtual Offices
When you’re running a small business, it’s important to present a professional image to your clients. The good news is that modern technology and virtual services are making that professional image more affordable and attainable than ever before.
Not only do virtual services help to make your business look professional and larger than it is, they can also help you increase productivity by freeing your time so you can focus on the things that are most important to your business and your clients.
But before you rush out and sign an extended lease for a serviced office, take a few minutes to work out whether that’s what your business really needs.
Continue reading »
1800/1300 NUMBER SPECIALISTS
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