How To Avoid Communication Mistakes In The Workplace

When you are in the workplace, it is essential to represent yourself in the most professional way. One area of your behavior that cannot be overlooked is your communication skills. There are certain communication errors that you should strive to avoid at all costs. To find out what they are, keep reading.

Email Correspondences

For some people in the workforce, a majority of communication at work takes place via email. Unfortunately, emails can be taken the wrong way since the reader cannot see your body language or hear the tone in your voice. To steer clear of any miscommunications, remember to be straightforward and direct with the language you use.

Nonverbal Gestures

It may seem ironic that your body language speak louder than words! Nonetheless, it is true. The nonverbal gestures you make can say a lot about how you feel. For example, looking around the room during a meeting can insinuate that you are mentally checked out and not listening to the speaker. Making eye contact with your colleages and nodding at the appropriate times can send the message that you are listening and absorbing the information.

Phone Conversations

When you are talking to someone on the phone, they can hear the tone of your voice, but they cannot see your body language. A sarcastic comment may not be well-received on the phone because the listener cannot see the accompanying nonverbal gestures. Since this can be interpreted as a rude remark, do not use dry humor when you are on the phone with colleagues or clients.

If your phone system is on the fritz, it is time to upgrade your equipment. At Reliable Voice & Data Systems, we have a variety of phone systems that will take your internal and external communication to the next level. To learn more or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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Ways To Optimize A Network for VoIP Phone Systems

There are some businesses out there that adapt a VoIP phone system without integrating it with their exisiting infrastructure. Clearly, this a big mistake. If you would like to avoid this fate and learn how to optimize your network for VoIP, keep reading.

Analyze Bandwidth & Connection
First things first--be sure to assess how much bandwidth you will need. This can be determined by the amount of phones you have and how many calls you make. Once you have an idea of how much bandwidth you'll need, consider the strength of your internet connection. A faster internet connection will allow you to have more high quality VoIP calls.

Upgrade Any Outdated Equipment
Does the equipment in your office look ancient? If you can relate, it is time to replace your outdated equipment immediately. Upgrading to a better router can make all the difference. That way, when a new VoIP phone system is installed, it will go off without a hitch. After all, you cannot teach old equipment new tricks!

Consider How Your VoIP System Will Be Used
Some small businesses forget that VoIP systems do not only allow you to make phone calls. They also let you conduct video conferences, send emails, make file transfers and browse the web. If a business owner does not take these other uses into account, it can stretch the bandwidth too thin and cause problems. As you can see, it is important to be realistic about how the VoIP system will be utilized prior to installation.

There is no doubt that improving communication infrastructure can take your business to the next level. In order to have the best experience possible on the phone, contact Reliable Voice & Data Systems to learn more about VoIP phone systems. To learn more or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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Tips For Choosing The Best CCTV Security Camera System

The security of a business is not something to be taken lightly. Rather, it is an aspect that business owners need to adjust on a continual basis. Luckily, CCTV security cameras can help improve a business' security measures. If you are in the market for a new CCTV security camera system, below are some tips on how to choose the best one. 

IP or Analog Cameras
There are two different types of CCTV security cameras. Before you start your search for the right system, decide if you would like to have an IP or Analog camera. IP cameras, also known as Internet Protocol cameras, tend to be more advanced and have features that analog cameras lack. It is no surprise that analog cameras may be more cost-effective.

Storage Capacity
It is also important to consider how your video footage will be stored. Some systems allow you to upload and store footage to the cloud. That way, you can access footage that has already been recorded. This is convenient for business owners who would like to view the footage from a remote location, as long as they have internet access.

High Resolution Images
When it comes to video recordings, resolution matters! If the resolution of your CCTV camera is too low, it can be hard to decipher facial features or other small but important details. To avoid this altogether, make sure the CCTV camera you purchase produces high resolution images. You will be able to see everything clearly that occurs at your business location. 

Would you like to have CCTV security cameras installed? If so, turn to Reliable Voice & Data Systems. We offer a full line of video cameras. To learn more about our services, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

How To Protect Your Data

It is Love Your Data week! In honor of this observance, it is crucial for businesses to keep their data safe. Even large and well-known companies have fallen victim to data breaches. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this. Continue reading to see what steps you can take to protect your business' data.

Create Strong Passwords

Do not make it easy for hackers to get into your accounts! Some people do not realize this and opt for a short password that is easy to remember. However, this can backfire if a hacker is able to crack the code. Take the time to create a complex password that is not obvious. Strong passwords usually contain capitalized letters and numbers.Best of all, a strong password can help keep hackers out of your account.   

Connect To Secure Networks

WiFi can be a a wonderful thing. Nonetheless, it can also lead to a loss of privacy and expose sensitive business information to the masses if you are not careful. To prevent this from happening, do not connect to unsecured WiFi networks. It is better to be safe than sorry!

Data Encryption

One of the best ways to secure your data is through data encryption. Simply put, data encryption occurs when the data within your computer system is translated into a secret code. This process makes it very difficult for hackers to decipher critical business information. It is just another way to outsmart those hackers. 

If you are looking for strategies to reduce the risk of a data breach at your company, turn to Reliable Voice & Data Systems. Our computer network cabling services can help ensure that your data stays safe. To learn more, or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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Important Features To Consider When Purchasing A Business Phone System

There are plenty of phone systems out there. While it is nice to have a lot of options at your fingertips, it can also be hard for business owners to narrow down the search. If you are on the quest to find the right phone system, there are a few features that can be beneficial for businesses. Keep reading to find out what they are. 

Conference Calling

It is easier than ever to do business with clients that live in different geographic areas. This is made possible due to conference calls. If you are a business owner who relies heavily on conference calls, make sure you purchase a phone system that allows you to connect with multiple callers. 

Auto Attendant

When making a call to a business, it has become commonplace to be greeted by an Auto Attendant. This recording usually supplies the caller with a list of options to better direct their call. In some cases, there may even be a directory of the employees' extensions. This can make it easier for callers to get the information they need or to be connected with the right point of contact. 

Voice Mail

In the event that a customer or client calls your business outside of your hours of operation, it is imperative to have a voice mail option. That way, they can leave a message on the machine. Callers may get agitated if the voice mail feature is not available. Do not let this happen at your business!

If you are ready to take the plunge and upgrade your business' phone system, turn to Reliable Voice & Data Systems. We have a variety of phone systems that will take your internal and external communication to the next level. To learn more or to schedule a free estimate, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!

How To Become A Better Communicator

No matter what profession you have, it is crucial to be a great communicator. If your communication skills are not where you want them to be, do not worry. Find out which techniques can help you become a better communicator. 

Think Before You Speak
The expression think before you speak is self-explanatory. Before you speak up, it is important to formulate the thought in your head. If you need to make a presentation, be sure to plan and think about what you will say ahead of time. When you are prepared to communicate in a professional setting, you will also be more confident and speak with conviction. 

Timing Is Everything
When it comes to effective communication, timing is everything. Wait for a natural pause or lull in the conversation and then offer your opinion. Do not interrupt or talk over people. After all, this can be seen as disrespectful and rude etiquette. 

Give Nonverbal Cues
It may surprise you to learn that giving the right nonverbal cues can help you be a better communicator. Smiling and nodding can help your audience stay focused and engaged. It is a win-win situation for both parties involved. 

The success of a business relies on the ability to communicate effectively. If your communication infrastructure could use some updating, turn to Reliable Voice & Data Systems. To learn more about how we can help your business succeed, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

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Ways To Stay Healthy At Work

Have you noticed that a lot of people in your office have the sniffles? If so, you are not alone. During the winter, employees may show up to work even if they are sick. Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take to fend off illnesses from your colleagues. Keep reading to learn about new ways to stay healthy at work.

Let Your Garden Grow

It is no secret that offices can be stuffy due to poor indoor air quality. Luckily, keeping plants in your office can help filter the air. Not to mention, plants are aesthetically pleasing. If you have a green thumb, it is time to bring your outdoor hobby into your workplace.

Stay Hydrated

In the midst of a busy day, it is easy to become consumed by your work. So much so, that you may forget to drink enough water. Staying hydrated throughout the day can help you stay energized and combat dry air. 

Keep It Clean

When is the last time you thoroughly cleaned your desk? If you cannot remember, that is a problem. Keeping your desk clean on a regular basis is essential to maintaining a healthy workplace. Be sure to wipe down your desk to get rid of any germs that could be lingering.

Maintaining a healthy workplace for your employees is vital to the success of your business. If you need to clean up your business' communication infrastructure, turn to Reliable Voice & Data Systems. To learn more about how we can help your business succeed, give us a call at (877) 385-6657.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!