When choosing a small business phone system, it is important to consider costs, functionality, ease of setup, and other factors to select the best option. Comparing different systems allows you to find one that offers an automated attendant with simple menus to route calls, quick and easy setup without technicians, free trials to test features before committing, and inclusive calling features without extra fees. The ideal system is also simple to use like a web browser and allows adding or removing users easily.

1. How To Find The Right Small Business Phone
System For Your Company
When starting a small business, choosing the right phone system can
either help the company succeed or contribute to its failure. Costs,
functionality, ease of set up, and other factors should be considered.
Compare business phone systems in order to select the best match for a
particular workplace.
Automated Attendant
First impressions are crucial for a small company. Customers want to
receive information in a professional, courteous manner when they call.
If they have to go through too many automated options or must repeat
themselves many times because the system didn't understand their
words, they will likely get frustrated and call another service provider.
Compare business phone systems to receive the best automated
attendant services. Also known as a virtual receptionist, this function
allows callers to be transferred to a particular extension without the
necessity of an operator or a receptionist. A caller will hear the recorded
greeting first, and then be prompted to make the correct selection to talk
to the desired person. However, some systems do allow a caller to talk
to a live operator by selecting '0' or another number. Many small
business phone systems include a simple menu such as, 'For sales,
press 1, for service, press 2.' Most providers include the automated
attendant in their services at no additional cost.
Simple Set-up
Another important factor remains to be the complexity of set up.
Entrepreneurs and executives hold their time as form of commodity and
do not want to waste it. Making a profit is not achieved by waiting for
hours or even days for a technician to come and install a small business
phone system. Looking for providers that offer simple set up without any
additional hardware needed will save lots of time and money.

2. Many small business phone system vendors allow managers to buy
online with easy, secure purchasing. Followed by a set up that takes just
a few minutes, these types of services can increase productivity very
quickly without hassle or complicated steps.
Free Trials
To compare business phone systems, take advantage of many
companies' free trials. Some of these offers let a user practice with the
system for a limited time, while others maintain the trial for as long as
needed. Trying before buying provides a way for potential customers to
make sure the system is easy to use and that it offers all the features
their company requires.
Included Features Or Extra Add-ons
Office telephone systems can come with virtually hundreds of features
for switching calls and directing traffic. However, some companies only
need a few of the features, but don't want to have to pay an additional
fee for each feature they add to a basic plan. Some of the most common
aspects of a small business phone system include voice mail, music
while on hold, and conferencing. Shop around and compare business
phone systems to locate a vendor that charges a low monthly fee without
any extra costs for features. This will enable you to avoid a large
surprise bill at the end of the month.
Simple To Use
No one wants to deal with the hassle of a small business phone system
that requires hours of training or days of being on hold with a help-desk
associate because the software is too complicated. Compare business
phone systems to find one that functions similar to a Web 2.0 style
browser-based interface. These services tend to be as easy to use as
email. Managing these types of systems also allows a manager to add
and remove users in seconds. Also, many of these products work
seamlessly with multiple types of supported phones, such as a desk,
mobile, or softphone on a laptop.

3. Voicemail To Text
Imagine how much time could be spared, if voicemail could be read
instead of listened to again and again. Some small business phone
systems offer voicemail-to-text transcription to make this a reality. The
system answers the call by forwarding all voicemail to the user's email
account as an attached audio file with a written transcription of the
message.
Additional Useful Features
Other facets to look for in a small business phone system are intelligent
call routing, unlimited long distance service, and web widgets that allow
customers to click on the company's web page to automatically call the
correct person. These features ensure that office executives will never
miss another call while away from the office. They also don't incur
additional fees with plans offered by some providers.