5 Items You Need to Pack for a Business Trip

Business trips are essential for visiting potential prospects, maintaining existing relationships, working on new projects, etc. Therefore, you need to be properly prepared when venturing out on each and every business trip you make. Forgetting even one of these items might turn your business trip upside down.

1. Business Cards - Whether you're out of town networking or you happen to strike up a conversation with someone you can do business with, nothing is worse than scrambling for a pen and paper. Having an adequate amount of business cards on your person will allow you to provide your contact information in an instant. This will also make you look more professional and prepared than those without cards.
2. Mobile Internet - Since Wi-Fi isn't available everywhere, you must resort to other means so you can get some work done. Bring a mobile broadband device with you so you can connect on your laptop wherever you are. With this little helper, you'll never have to experience any downtime.
3. Carry-On Luggage - Checking your bags isn't the biggest deal, but how else are you going to carry your business essentials like your laptop, documents, etc.? Rather than checking a bag for a two day trip, purchase a carry-on sized piece of luggage so you can keep everything you bring with you at all times.
4. Travel Organizer - Contracts, paperwork, notes, etc. are common pieces of stationary brought on business trips. Rather than having them stuffed into your luggage, bring a travel organizer that can keep them organized and safe from damage.
5. Items for Relaxation - Business trips can be stressful, which means you'll need something to help you relax. Bring a pair of headphones for music or download games for your mobile device to give your mind a break. Take along anything that will help you relax during travel and stressful situations.

Business trips are a necessary part of many jobs, so make sure you're always packed and prepared with these key items. For those who travel often, consider switching to a VoIP phone system to take advantage of the call forwarding and mobile phone connection features. To learn more or to schedule a free estimate, give Reliable Voice & Data Systems a call at (877) 385-6657.

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CCTV Security System Best Practices

Being able to keep an eye on your business at all times is an important thing all business owners should be doing. The easiest way to do this is not by staying there from open to close, but by installing CCTV security cameras. Not only is it important to have this security, but to know the best practices so you can get the most out of this system.

1. Location is Key - When deciding where to install your new security cameras, start with all entrances and exits. Place additional cameras in any blind spot areas you can’t normally see without having to walk over to. Lastly, consider any areas of the building where previous incidents have occurred more frequently than others.
2. Viewing the Tape - You want to be able to watch a live feed of your cameras as well as have a recording. Ideally you want to have a small setup of monitors in a private room and the ability to view it on a mobile device. For recording purposes, a DVR should be set up that can store up to a week’s worth of footage — in case you miss something.
3. Record & Save - Sometimes incidents can happen, whether they’re slips and falls or employee theft. Having security cameras can provide you with the evidence you need to avoid being liable in a false claim or to convict someone participating in theft.
4. Maintenance of Equipment - Sometimes cameras can get knocked out of place, damaged, or become dirty. Check the live feed via the monitors to see if any cameras need to be adjusted, then make adjustments accordingly. You should then inspect the cameras themselves for damage and dirt. Give each one a good cleaning to make sure the video you’re viewing is as clear as possible.
5. Choose a Reliable Company - When installing new security cameras or replacing an old system, make sure you’re choosing a company you can count on. These CCTV security cameras are helping protect your investment, so you want to make sure you have the best equipment, installation, and service as possible.

Every business should have CCTV security cameras and know the best practices to get the most out of their money. When you’re in need of reliable CCTV security cameras, contact Reliable Voice & Data Systems. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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Hardware You Can Pair with Your VoIP Phone System

As a business, a VoIP phone system is the only phone system that makes sense. Between the low costs, expandable lines, and the most features of any other phone system, there’s no reason why a business should have anything else besides VoIP. After you make the switch, it’s time to figure out which hardware you can pair with your new and amazing phone service!

The Classic Analog Phone

Having to throw out your current analog phones because they’re not compatible with VoIP is a complete myth! If money is tight and you would like to save money, you can keep your current analog phones and simply purchase Analog Telephone Adapters (ATA). Simply connect your phone to this adapter and plug it into your router. Your analog phone will now able to receive digital calls via the internet!

IP Phone

For those looking to have more advanced phones with additional features (display screen, programmable keys, headset jack, etc.), opt for the IP phone designed for VoIP services. You can choose to purchase a cost-effective set of phones to get the job done or splurge and purchase the advanced models with even more features.

Mobile Device

Business trips, jobs with odd hours, and working remotely all have the same problem of workers not being by their work phones. Luckily, VoIP phone systems will allow users to forward calls from their work phone directly to their mobile devices. Once you download your VoIP service provider’s mobile app, you’ll be able to work on-the-go!

VoIP phone systems allow you to connect whichever hardware phone works best for you! When you decide to make the switch from a traditional phone system to VoIP, contact Reliable Voice & Data Systems. To learn more or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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Technology Your Small Business Needs

Businesses need to stay up to date on all of the latest industry trends and of course — technology. Along with best practices, the appropriate technology can help launch a business from a simple startup to a flourishing small business. To help improve the performance (and profitability) of your business, you may want to adopt these pieces of business technology.

Mobile-Friendly Website

The days of the desktop being king are over! Mobile internet usage has officially surpassed desktop usage, so it’s time for businesses to place their focus on making their websites mobile-friendly. Optimizing a website to be mobile-friendly has been proven to increase the average time spent on the website and conversions.

Security Cameras

Losing product due to theft and a lack of service due to improper workflow of employees means the business is not making as much money as it could. With the addition of CCTV security cameras, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your employees to ensure they’re working properly and to limit the amount of shoplifting and internal theft. Security cameras can also act as evidence in case there is ever an accident or incident that occurs on the business’s grounds.

Advanced Phone System

Overpaying for a traditional phone system without many features is a wasted expense for all businesses. To cut costs by nearly half and receive a long list of features, make the switch to a VoIP phone system. You’ll have access to call forwarding, call waiting, call tracking, free calls within the phone system, and many more features and benefits. The best part about this phone system — you’ll be able to easily add phones as the business grows in size.

In order for your small business to succeed, you need to stay on top of industry trends and best practices, and equip your business with the appropriate technology. When it’s time for your business to make the switch to VoIP or add CCTV security cameras, contact Reliable Voice & Data Systems. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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