Most businesses rely on phone calls to some degree, whether it’s communicating with customers or vendors. But managing multiple calls can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have the right tools in place.
There are a number of business phone systems solutions that can help businesses efficiently handle multiple calls, from call forwarding and simultaneous ringing to virtual phone systems. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options.
1. Call Centers
Call centers are a common solution for businesses that need to manage a high volume of calls. They can provide features like call forwarding, call recording, a voice platform, and automatic call distribution (ACD). You may wonder what is a voice platform feature and how it helps in call center operations. Basically, it is a feature that automates recurring call-related tasks such as receiving and forwarding calls. ACD is a particularly useful feature for businesses that receive a large number of calls, as it can help to distribute calls evenly among employees. Call centers can be expensive to set up and maintain, however, so they may not be the best option for small businesses.
2. VoIP Phone System
VoIP phone systems are another option for businesses looking to manage multiple calls more efficiently. They can offer features like call forwarding, call recording, caller ID, and call blocking. VoIP phone systems are often less expensive than call centers, making them a more affordable option for small businesses. However, they can be complex to set up and maintain, so businesses should make sure they have the resources and expertise necessary before investing in a VoIP system.
3. Call Forwarding
Call forwarding is a basic but essential tool for managing multiple calls. It allows you to send incoming calls to another number, either automatically or manually. This can be useful if you’re expecting a high volume of calls and need to route them to someone else in your company who can handle them.
To set up call forwarding, you’ll need to access your phone’s settings. For most phones, this can be done by going to the “Call Forwarding” section in the “Phone” settings. Once you’re there, you can add the number you want to forward calls to and enable or disable call forwarding as needed.
4. Simultaneous Ringing
Simultaneous ringing is another helpful tool for managing multiple calls. It allows you to route incoming calls to multiple numbers at the same time, so you can answer them on whichever line is most convenient. This can be useful if you have multiple phone lines and want to make sure you don’t miss any calls.
To set up simultaneous ringing, you’ll need to access your phone’s settings. For most phones, this can be done by going to the “Simultaneous Ringing” or “Call Forwarding” section in the “Phone” settings. Once you’re there, you can add the numbers you want to ring simultaneously and enable or disable the feature as needed.
5. Virtual Phone Systems
Virtual phone systems are a more sophisticated option for managing multiple calls. They allow you to route calls to different numbers based on certain criteria, such as the caller’s location or the time of day. This can be useful if you want to ensure that calls are always routed to the best possible number.
To set up a virtual phone system, you’ll need to sign up for a service like Google Voice or Grasshopper. Once you’ve done that, you can configure your call forwarding rules and add the numbers you want to ring.
There are a number of options available for businesses looking to manage multiple calls more efficiently. The best option for a business will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the business, the number of calls they receive, and the features they need. Save time and money by using Wheelhouse to compare phone systems and choose the best fit for your business. However, all these options can help businesses to better manage multiple calls and improve communication with customers and employees.