3 Tips For Working in a Remote Office

Not every employee for every company is going to be working within the same office. There are going to be some employees that either live too far or are strategically setup in a different area. When working in these remote (or satellite) offices, it can be slightly different than working in the headquarters. Here’s what you need to know:

Internet Connection

Working away from the main headquarters means you might be in a smaller office, but that doesn’t mean you should have any lesser quality of services. The internet connection should be just as fast as the HQ since most businesses rely on computers and telephones to conduct their procedures. Make sure this satellite office is equipped with the proper server, which should be quite inexpensive compared to the headquarters’ server.

Use Chat Services

In order for a company to be successful, employees need to be working together. This can be quite difficult for employees working out of a remote office. While employees will be using phones and email, the addition of a chat service should also be utilized. Having a quick conversation with a fellow co-worker via a chat service (like Google Hangouts or Slack), can help you stay connected, make group projects easier, and help you stay “in the know” of what’s going on in the company.

VoIP Phone System

The phone system is important when it comes to businesses, as employees will need to speak with customers, vendors, and each other. The best (and most cost-effective) phone system to have for businesses — a VoIP phone system. At half the cost of a traditional phone system, VoIP is perfect for not only large businesses, it’s also perfect for small businesses and remote offices. Why? Because VoIP phone systems can have lines added to them as the company grows without having to setup a new plan.

Working in a remote office away from fellow employees can be challenging, but it can easily be done! When you need to set up a remote office properly, contact the pros at 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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5 Reasons Why You're Losing Customers

No business wants to lose customers, but for a small business that loses a customer — that can really hurt your bottom line. It's important to retain customers and get them coming back, since it's cheaper to retain current customers than it is to acquire new ones. Here's how you're probably losing customers as we speak:

Lack of Training

Yes, it's important to hire capable and qualified employees. However, it's just as important to have them trained properly. You need to make sure they are well versed in the product or service your business provides AND in overall customer service. It’s important for employees to know the details and deliver them in the proper way!

Small Window

The more hours you're open, the more opportunity there will be to do business. While not every business can afford to be open all of the time, it is important to know your target market and be available when they are (unless you need the daylight in order to operate).

Liar Liar

The one thing you should never do to your customers is lie to them. Lying might help you save face in the moment, but will cause the customers to resent you and your business if they find out the truth, or if they feel cheated. It's best to always be honest and upfront so you can create a lifelong relationship with your customer.

Poor Communication

When a customer calls your business, they expect to speak with someone right away with no difficulties. Having a phone system that isn't capable of handling multiple incoming calls can turn customers away. Switch to a VoIP phone system in order for your business to be capable of handling multiple incoming appointments, order placements, and customer service.

A business that is steadily losing customers won't be a business for too much longer. When your business is ready to make the switch to a VoIP phone system, 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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Why Small Businesses Need to Focus on Customer Service

Do you want your small business to experience growth, so that one day it won’t be considered a “small” business? While you will need a product or service that is highly sought after, you will also need to provide this one key thing — excellent customer service! Without this, you’ll be making it harder for your business to grow.

1. Loyal Customers Are Key

Do you know why some customers remain loyal to a single brand or business? Of course it’s because they enjoy the product or service, but they choose you because of the customer service they receive alongside with it. When a customer feels like they’re appreciated, they’re more likely to purchase goods or services more frequently.

2. Saves You Money

Do you know how much a new customer costs (compared to an existing one)? The process of acquiring a new customer can cost up to 25 times more than retaining a loyal one. This statistic should make you appreciate your best employees that continue to get praised for providing excellent customer service. Showing appreciation via raises might cost money up front, but will help you in the long run when you look at your bottom line.

3. Helps You Compete With Large Brands

Do you know how to stay afloat when going head to head with big brands and businesses? Improve the buyer experience and customers will come to you for a good or service (if it’s comparable to the big brand). Being able to make personal connections with customers and making them feel appreciated takes the smallest amount of time and effort, but can pay the biggest dividends in the end.

Excellent customer service is the difference between a failing business and a thriving one. For businesses that provide customer service via the telephone, opt for a VoIP phone system armed with a long list of benefits for your business. To learn more or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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