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Category: Learn

What is Phone Number Regulatory Compliance?

9th June 2022 blog, Customer Service
what is phone number regulatory compliance

This guide talks about phone number regulatory compliance with Global Call Forwarding. Phone Number Regulatory Compliance: An Overview Global Call Forwarding provides virtual phone numbers in more than 150 countries. …Read More »

3CX vs Asterisk: Features, Pricing, Deployment

9th June 2022 blog, Reviews
3cx vs asterisk pbx

Want to upgrade your business phone system but don’t know which provider is better? In this comparison, we will look at 3CX vs Asterisk. More specifically, we’ll review their features, …Read More »

What is an Outbound Call? (Benefits, Best Practices, & Strategies)

8th June 2022 blog
What is an outbound call

Sales and other outbound services mainly use phone calls to connect with existing or potential customers. In fact, 70% of outbound teams connect with prospects using the phone. Since outbound …Read More »

What is an Inbound Call? (Strategies, Tips & Benefits)

7th June 2022 blog, Call Management
What is an inbound call

Most customers still prefer using phone calls to resolve any service issues or questions. In fact, more than 40% of consumers favor calling a business over digital channels like email. …Read More »

What is SIP Failover and How to Set it Up?

6th June 2022 blog, VoIP
what is sip failover

As a business, the difference between a good and bad service is being accessible and reachable at all times. So, needless to say, the best way to build trust in …Read More »

12 Reasons to Use Hosted IVR

1st June 2022 blog, Call Management
reasons to use hosted ivr

Hosted IVR solutions help businesses automate call processes and manage their phone system effectively. In fact, it offers many benefits to any business – regardless of what industry your company …Read More »

3 Ways to Make Sure You Never Miss A Voicemail

20th June 2018 Learn, Tips

Nobody chooses to miss an important phone call. In fact, many of us wait by the phone when we know something important is coming up, but it tends to be that the second we walk away or start an activity is when the phone buzzes. Sometimes missing a phone call cannot be avoided, but missing a voicemail is something that can certainly be avoided. However, the odds are stacked against you. It is easy to slip up and accidentally delete a voicemail or completely forget about it. Or perhaps you’ve let your voicemails pile up into a loaded abyss that you’re unsure of how to dig yourself out of. It’s time to clean up these mishaps.

lady at phone

Staying Ahead by Staying on Top of Your Voicemail

You never know what you may have missed out on if you aren’t constantly checking your voicemails. This is especially true if you’re trying to run a good business. Any missed call could become a missed opportunity. If you follow these three guidelines and make them a healthy habit then you can be sure that you will never miss an important voicemail again. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind to ensure you’re on top of those voicemails and on top of your business.

1. Invest in a Professional Phone Service

You could take the risk and rely on the voicemail box that was provided by your cell provider. You know, the same provider that doesn’t show that you missed a call every time you go underground on the subway? If your clients are tired of hearing the “mailbox is full” response every time they try to leave you a message then it might be time to consider other options. If you really want to be professional, it might be time to upgrade to a business voicemail.

Professional voicemail services have more than enough storage space to keep all of your important messages and you’ll never have to worry about the message being accidentally deleted. These business voicemails have plenty of features to save your messages and manage them accordingly. Plus, you can switch your voicemail greeting to be more professional while keeping a more personal message on your private line.

2. Take Your Messages Somewhere Else

If you’re more likely to check your email than your voicemails, why not turn your voicemails into emails? With Global Call Forwarding’s virtual numbers and mailboxes, you have the option to have all of your voicemail messages configured into mp3 files so they can be sent by email. This feature is called voicemail-to-email and it is very simple to use. Voicemail-to-email is great for businesses that have a lot of call volume. Not every message can be picked up by a regular voicemail box. By using email you can still receive your messages using a second source which guarantees that your messages will never be lost. Each time you log into your email you will find your unread and unheard messages. Play them right from your computer; you do not even have to log in to your virtual phone number account before hearing them. Simply set up your account to have your excess messages sent to your email.

3. Clean Up Your Mailbox

High volumes of voicemail messages can become overwhelming very quickly. In order to keep your voicemail box from getting overly chaotic and out of order, you may need to set up a few different mailbox systems for each department in your business. That way, the right department receives the voicemail and can answer any customer’s question with ease. By using a menu tool on your voicemail greeting, the client can choose which department he or she needs to speak with and can then leave a message with that chosen department. It will be much easier for all employees and various departments to have their own mailbox. This will also help cut down on response time. Instead of looking around for the right person with the answers, the right person will already have the message.

Each business is different and will need to monitor their customers’ inquiries in a way that works for the company. Setting up a virtual phone number with Global Call Forwarding is simple, provides organization, and is an easy way to get started. If you want to elevate your business, sign up for a free trial and see how simple it is to never miss a voicemail.

How To Create The Perfect Voicemail Greeting

20th June 2018 Learn, Tips

Can’t get to the phone? That might be fine for your personal number, but not for your business. That doesn’t mean you can’t take a vacation or let the office celebrate their holidays in peace. It just means that you need to create the perfect voicemail greeting. Customers appreciate custom greetings when trying to reach a company. Of course, they prefer to get through and reach someone, but it’s not always possible 24/7 if you’ve got a small business. However, when customers get the chance to leave a voicemail, you could end up with some questions unanswered. Making sure that your voicemail is straightforward and can help guide your customers ensures that you can return the call to your customer with the confidence that you understand the issue and how to resolve it. In order to stay in touch with all of your calling customers while you’re living it up on vacation, or away from your office on a business conference, here are some tips for creating the perfect voicemail greeting.

Create the Right Background

Try to find someplace quiet to record your greeting. Sounds of others chatting away in the background can come off as unprofessional. Plus, you want your customers to understand what you’re saying; if there are loud, busy, and obnoxious noises permeating through, your caller will be turned off. The whole reason that you are creating a virtual voicemail greeting for your customer is to walk them through the process that you would like them to adhere to when leaving a message, therefore the message needs to be heard and the customer needs to understand it.

Be Positive and Engaging

An easy way to emit positive energy through the phone is to smile while you speak. People can hear a smile in others’ voices. Use positive phrases instead of negative ones. Instead of saying “unfortunately, we can’t answer the phone” begin by saying “thank you for calling (name of the business) we look forward to returning your call.” It may seem like a very small change, but you will be surprised how better people respond to the same phrase when it is worded in a positive way.

Rehearse Your Greeting

Write down exactly what you want your perfect voicemail greeting to say and practice it. Once you’ve said it a few times out loud, you won’t stumble over your words. It will flow naturally even though you have written it down, and you will be able to practice the right tone of voice while delivering the message. The tone should be positive and happy, but not forced. There is no need to go overboard with the happiness in a message, just do whatever feels comfortable to you.

customized greeting
Source: Stockphoto.com O#22222 – ID# 100117581500

Let Them Know They’ve Reached the Right Place!

“Thanks for calling us! Please leave a voicemail and we will be sure to get right back to you!” This message is missing a lot of vital information. If a customer is dialing your business for the first time and they come upon a message that is very vague, they may think they have the wrong number. Especially if you don’t even mention the name of your business and what service/ product it provides. “Thank you for calling Dr. Thompson’s office. The #1 dental office serving Bridgeport and surrounding boroughs…”

Change It Up

You may have created the perfect voicemail greeting, but who wants to listen to the same voicemail greeting month after month? Change it up! Every season you could create a new message that can introduce new products or services, or can convey a seasonal attitude. For example, if the wintertime is full of fun, family holidays, and if your greeting doesn’t include a message, your customer may think that if your voicemail isn’t up-to-date, maybe your products aren’t either.

Customize Your Voicemail Greetings

There’s always room for creativity and fun in creating voicemail greetings. Your voicemail doesn’t need to be super professional sounding as long as it conveys the correct information. Creating a relatable and even witty message is a great way to reflect your brand and make the call fun for the customer.

What to do When Your Business Outgrows Your Cell Phone

12th June 2018 Learn, Tips

Starting a small business from your cell phone can easily work… for a while. But as your business takes off, you will see that your flashy smartphone may not have all the bells and whistles you’ll need for the growing demand. If you’re in this position, it may be time to upgrade to a system that can manage your phone calls in an efficient manner. Not only will your business appear to be more professional, having more reliable options to handle the increase of calls may be a welcome relief. Here is what to do when your business outgrows your cell phone.

Set Up A Voicemail Box

Changing your personal voicemail to a professional voicemail is the first step in making your business more professional. A personal voicemail isn’t the best way to greet customers, and it may even confuse them into believing that they have dialed the wrong number. There are many ways that you can go about creating a professional voicemail greeting. But even as your daily calls increase, even your smartphone’s mailbox won’t be able to handle all the incoming callers.

Be Sure That You Aren’t Missing Any Calls

Once your business has begun to grow, you’ll notice that you’re getting a lot more callers, from loyal customers, and new prospective buyers. It is crucial that your business has a high response to these callers. If you’re on the phone with one customer and another customer calls, it will go to voicemail. If another customer calls at that exact moment, the call is going to receive a busy signal. A busy signal is the worst thing that your customer can get. It shows them that you’re not available and that their call is not important to you. If your call volume has increased to the point where it is possible for three callers to be calling simultaneously, it is probably the right time to get a phone system that can handle multiple phone calls so no one gets lost in the abyss.

Get a Virtual Phone Number

Now that you’ve realized that even the most polished voicemail greeting won’t suffice in every situation, it’s time to think about other options. A lot of business people have an extra cell phone that they use only when emailing or speaking to clients. But having an extra cell phone can feel clunky. Not to mention overwhelming, when you finally look over at your second smartphone to see that you’ve missed 1,000 emails. Getting a virtual phone number allows you to have a second phone line without having to purchase another device. Also, most virtual phone numbers can be set up to your tablet, smartphone, and computer. Which means that you can have access to your customers from more than one device, with total convenience.

Getting a virtual number is a simple process that offers many benefits to business owners. Virtual phone numbers come with a variety of fantastic features that will help you connect with your consumers more easily while making your business look even more professional. Some features that are available with virtual phone numbers include personalized voicemail greetings, local ringback tones, and time of day routing. If your workday is from 9-5, then you can easily set up your virtual phone number to forward over to voicemail or your email account so that way you can spend more time enjoying life. Instead of answering constant calls from customers during your son’s soccer game, you can actually be there! If you have a business that employs more than one person, then you’ll have the option of transferring the call to another member of staff who is better prepared to answer a customer’s particular questions. For example, if you are the CEO of your company and your only employee is the head of sales, then you have the option to forward any calls to his line if they pertain to his particular line of knowledge.

There are several options available for choosing a call forwarding company, but none stand out more than Global Call Forwarding. You can even try a virtual phone number risk-free at GlobalCallForwarding.com. They are currently offering a 7-day free trial for prospective customers. If your business is ready to expand, take the next step and contact Global Call Forwarding today.

Should It Be Okay To Bring Pets To Work?

5th June 2018 Learn, Tips

Imagine if the monotony of a work day could be lessened by bringing along your favorite furry friends. It is becoming increasingly more common to allow dogs and other pets into the workplace. Huge companies such as Etsy, Google, and Amazon allow their employees to bring their pets to work. Many pet-centric companies, such as Purina, have been doing this for years as well. If you’re thinking about working for a company that allows pets in the office or if you are thinking about adding a pet policy to your business, first you should check out this list of pros and cons of bringing pets to the office. While the affection of our furry friends is pretty much the best thing ever, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

Pro: Pets remind us that we need to take breaks sometimes.

When you’re caring for a dog, you become very aware of their needs for food and bathroom breaks, and this can lead to great perks like regularly-scheduled walks around the block. Often employees will ignore their basic needs in order to continue working. Having a pet to feed and nurture, reminds workers that they may need a snack and a break, too. Employees who listen to their bodies and take regular time to stretch out and care for themselves are able to perform better at their jobs, too.

Con: Distraction

On the other side of the coin, you may be working on a problem and nearing a solution when Fido starts to paw at you and turn around in circles, letting you know he has to go out. To leave your projects sitting around and then not being able to remember where you left off when you return can be a real problem. You may begin missing deadlines or leaving out important details that you would have otherwise included if you hadn’t been interrupted.

Pro: Improvements in employee satisfaction and morale

Employees are more relaxed when there are animals around. This 2012 study found that employees who brought their animals with them to the workplace had decreased levels of stress hormones compared to people who did not bring their pets. People who did not bring their pets experienced higher levels of stress at work. Not only do animals decrease stress at work for people, but allowing employees to bring their dogs to work also eliminates costs for the employees who may be paying for doggie daycare or a dog walking business.

Con: Hiring people with allergies or who are afraid of animals.

There could be a lot of legal trouble that happens if you refuse to hire a person because they’re severely allergic to cats or who are afraid of dogs. If there are people in your office that have severe allergies to animals and/ or have phobias of certain animals, then it will be necessary to create a safe area to prevent them from interacting with the animals. That may become a hassle over time, and you may risk losing employees with great talent who do not want to work in the presence of animals all day.

Pro: Employee turnover and performance

Companies that allow pets into the workplace often have lower levels of employee turnover. In addition, people want to show up for work! There are fewer absences reported and people are even more willing to work longer hours. Since the dogs are already running around the office, no employee is rushing home to let their dogs out.

Con: Potential for damage and legal issues

There are some legal issues that you will have to worry about as well. In the event a dog bites or trips an employee or customer, you could be dealing with a liability lawsuit. It is also possible that a pet may cause permanent damage, by breaking important items or having an accident somewhere that is potentially dangerous.

Bringing pets to work comes down to each individual’s preference. As the owner of a company, these pros and cons should be something you factor into making the decision to allow pets or not. As an employee who wants to work in an environment with animals, it is a definite yes. However, if you have found your dream job but you’re afraid of dogs, then you must first discuss options with your employer that will allow you to work safely away from the office terrier.

5 Tips for Entrepreneurs

31st May 2018 Learn, Tips

Thinking of starting your own business? Becoming an entrepreneur takes a lot more than just a great idea. You have to map out a plan of action, assemble the perfect team, and then you have to put in the work. It’s not easy to start your own business, but it is not impossible, either. The hardest part is deciding where to start. Check out these 5 tips for entrepreneurs before starting your journey.

Choose Something That You Care About

If there’s a problem that you have, solve it for yourself. If something didn’t work for you, then there are probably a lot of people out there that need your solution too. You create your own life and your own path. Following your heart and things you’re passionate about is the best path towards success because you won’t give up if you have a stake in it. Energy has a limit in monotonous work, but when you’re really passionate about something, it’s as if the energy comes out of nowhere and helps you to reach your goal. Satisfaction in life comes from going after what you want, after all.

Do The Research / Know Your Client

Do plenty of research before launching a new brand. It is especially important to understand what your client’s wants and needs are. Once you have launched, it is still very important to keep listening to the customer. If they don’t like something, listen to them. When they do like something about your product, listen then too. You always want to have the best product available, but you also need a solid customer base to sell that great product. Let your consumers know that they’re important by delivering the solutions they’ve asked for.

Surround Yourself With The Right People

Always grab opportunities to network with others. Finding a mentor or coach is very helpful when it comes to starting out as an entrepreneur. Along with researching tips like the ones found here, to hear advice straight from other successful entrepreneurs is very advantageous. If you know that you have cultivated a strong team, be kind to them. Show your appreciation every chance that you get. If there are some people who are falling behind, don’t be afraid to give them the opportunity to work somewhere else. This is your dream and you need the strongest team you can create by your side.

Know Your Finances

Being able to balance a budget is key to being successful. You can get yourself into a lot of financial trouble if balancing a checkbook is hard for you. A successful business turns out a profit; it is important to recognize key details that don’t work for your business and even more important to recognize the things that do work. Any cash flow problems need to be addressed immediately, always. Also, plan ahead with finances because you cannot expect to see returns immediately; making money takes time. A business does not become highly profitable right away, so be sure to map out a plan for repaying debts on time.

Don’t Give Up

Above all: keep hustling for your dream and never give up. If you fail, then you can always try again. Failure is never the last option. No matter what happens, as long as you keep your vision alive in your brain you can keep working on it in the physical world. Whenever you see something that seems to be an overnight success, it most likely took a lot longer than you think. If you’re willing to put in the work and keep chasing after those goals, then you’ve got what it takes to succeed. Keep persevering, because after hearing 100 people say “no,” you really only need one to say “yes.”

Getting to the level of success that you want as an entrepreneur will take time. It is important to never lose sight of your original vision and to never stop working towards your goals. These 5 tips, will hopefully help you cultivate your own path to success in your entrepreneurial business.

How To Deal With Rude Customers and Not Go Insane

16th May 2018 How To's, Learn

If you work in customer service, at some point or another you will eventually have to deal with some angry and rude customers. It is important for your job and your own sanity to be able to handle these people correctly. If you fight with every customer that comes your way with an attitude, then you probably will not have a job in the near future. Take a look at these 10 tips to learn new and creative ways to turn that customers’ day around and more importantly to make sure that your day does not get ruined in the process.

Do Not Mirror Their Emotions

It is important that you remain calm and polite during the entirety of the conversation with an angry customer. Do not smile or laugh in an effort to get them to change their emotional state. Smiling at an angry customer might enrage the person more as it seems like you are not taking their problem seriously. Make sure that you stand your ground and try your best to not escalate the situation. It is your duty to try your best to resolve their issue.

Actively Listen and Ask Questions

Be sure to portray to the customer that their problem is valid and that you care. Ask them questions to fully understand what happened and why there is a problem. If you take the time to listen to what they are trying to say, then you might just agree with them. Perhaps you wouldn’t choose to react the same way, but you can still take the time to understand where they are coming from.

Remind Yourself That This Is Their Bad Day, Not Yours.

Try to understand that this person is mad at a situation and taking it out on you. They are not angry at you as a person. Relax and remind yourself that this person chose to react in this way, while you can offer compassion instead.

Breathe

Take a deep breath and try to relax. Focusing on your breathing when you become angry can help you to calm yourself down. Breathing from your stomach is a helpful way to naturally relax your entire body. With a calm and reenergized mindset, you will be able to approach the situation with a fresh take.

Apologize and Empathize

Since you have now found out what the problem is through asking questions, you can properly apologize to the customer. One way to make the apology seem sincere is to empathize with what they are going through. Once you have actively listened to the issue at hand and ignored their outburst, you can now understand how they may be feeling. If you do not think that the customer deserves an apology, still offer one anyway. It is the quickest way to start resolving the conflict and getting the customer what they need. Extinguishing the flames is the most important thing; not fanning them.

Be Informed

It is important that you are aware of how the business you work in runs. If you are on your first or second day, then you should direct the person to someone who is more informed. Not knowing what is going on in the business that you are in will only make the customer angrier. For example, if you work in a restaurant and a customer has an issue with the food, knowing what is in the dish is vital to solving their problem.

Control Your Tone of Voice

Raising your voice at a customer is the quickest way to never work for that company again. There are some tricks available to you that will help you with any conflict you may find yourself involved in. Speaking in a lower voice at a slower speed will put the other person at ease during the conversation. Do not give an angry customer a reason to get even angrier by firing back at them. Lowering your voice will make you sound more professional and that will portray to the customer that they are dealing with someone who is not only competent, but able to maintain control in an uncomfortable situation. Slowing your voice down can also have a natural soothing effect on the recipient.

Solve The Problem Or Don’t

If there is a solution to the problem, offer that solution right away. If there is absolutely no solution then be upfront about that. There are many situations you may find yourself in where there is no solution. If you work at a franchise that shares a corporation with other businesses but often partakes in separate promotions from other franchises, you may run into many issues. For example, if someone comes in with a coupon for another store that your store is not equipped to honor then it will not be possible for you to solve that particular issue. The customer may get even angrier, but once they have realized nothing can be done for them they will have no choice but to leave.

Get Help From A Supervisor

It is best to send an angry customer to the proper management or division right away. If you know immediately that you cannot be of service to them once you have heard their problem, then let them know politely that you are going to direct them to the person that can help. Apologize first and politely excuse yourself to find management. For example, “I’m so sorry to hear about that, let me get my supervisor so we can get that issue resolved for you right away.”

Let It Go

Once the problem has been resolved you may be feeling a bit on edge. Dealing with rude, angry, and insulting people can put a damper on your entire day. Go back to your breathing exercises or simply take a timeout. If you can, take a walk around the block, grab some chamomile tea, or simply head to the restroom to compose yourself. Try not to take the issue home with you, or take it personally. When you feel yourself being reminded of the angry, rude customer, switch your thoughts to something positive. Think positive things about yourself or fantasize about how much fun you’re going to have this weekend. Remind yourself that this angry customer did not come into your life to wage a personal attack on you. They were simply unhappy about an issue and were unable to contain their emotions. You, however, were able to contain your emotions to get through a conflict while maintaining your professionalism. That is something to be proud of.

Be More Professional – Use Toll Free Numbers with Extensions

16th May 2018 Learn, Tips

Consumers prefer to work with a business that they can trust, and the most professional companies allow consumers to feel at ease, enabling them to freely give their trust. There are several ways to make your business appear more professional and gain the trust of your clientele. If your product is amazing but you are struggling with getting people to trust your brand and give it a try, then it is probably time to upgrade your business style. This can be done in a series of ways, such as upgrading your website, using high-quality business cards, and adding a phone number where your customers can reach you.

Invest in Your Website

A website is usually the first thing that potential customers will be viewing before trying your service or product. Having a polished and up-to-date site gives the appearance of validity. You can affordably update your web page by using a popular hosting site or hiring a professional designer to create something that is unlike other sites. Very few businesses can compete in their market without a proper website, and if you have no website is extremely unprofessional, and you’re probably going to miss out on a lot of traffic.

Your Business Card Matters

Sharing a quality digital business card is another great way to leave a lasting impression at networking events. It is always a great idea to use a professional printing company and it may be worth it to splurge on the highest card quality offered. If you are not that creative, it is a good idea to outsource the image that you will be using for your card to a professional artist or graphic designer. This will ensure that your cards are unique and memorable, while clearly representing your work. Word of mouth marketing is one of the greatest marketing tools in your arsenal. Be sure that you are ready to jump on any opportunity that comes your way by being fully prepared with an elevator pitch and a high-quality card.

Open Up Communication with Toll Free Numbers

One of the simplest ways to promote your business and make it appear more professional is to use a toll-free phone number.

Getting a phone number for your business is the first step in creating a more professional brand. Having a toll free phone number shows that your business is legitimate to potential customers. Plus, advertising a phone number on your website will drive more customers to your page. Being able to customize your greeting on a toll free line is a much better first impression than hearing a simple “Hello” with no other prompts. There are several different benefits to using a toll free phone number for your business. You can customize a unique phone number with Global Call Forwarding, take advantage of unlimited forwarding options, and you can benefit from unlimited extensions.

Phone Line Extensions

Phone extensions are different divisions within your company that your toll free phone number will forward to when the person on the other line is prompted to be directed to that department. If you have a small business, your business will seem larger by simply adding several extensions for no extra charge from the provider. If there is only one person working in that department, that is no problem. The unlimited extensions simply create the appearance of having a larger company without having to pay extra.

You can customize your extensions and greeting with your new toll free phone number by using the Global Call Forwarding control panel. You can gain access to your control panel from any device that uses an internet connection. Simply log into your account to begin setting up the different extensions. The more extensions you have, the bigger and more professional your business will seem.

If you have three people working for your company, a sales manager, a CEO, and a marketing person you can still take advantage of the unlimited extensions. For example, you can create your own greeting on the toll free line, and then it will prompt the consumer to dial an extension to reach the department that they need. The prompts may be “Press 1 for the Sales Department, Press 2 for the CEO, and Press 3 for Marketing.” Once your customer has chosen their needed department, they will be forwarded to the person in charge of that department. If you have multiple people working in one department there is also a feature included in every virtual phone number package that will allow your consumer to be forwarded to any person that is available within that department. This is called Sequential Forwarding. This feature ensures that your customer will always be greeted by someone in your business even if an employee has stepped out of the office.

Every extension can also be set up to have their very own personal voicemail and message delivery settings. That way the right people from your company will receive the messages that have been left for their unique department. This is helpful for an organization in any size business. If you only have one employee, and the message was left for the sales department, the employee will know how to respond properly.

Never Underestimate the Power of Your Toll Free Phone Lines

Having a phone number that your business can be reached at is extremely important for growth. Toll free numbers allow customers from anywhere to call your number without being charged. These phone lines create a way for the business and consumer to interact on a more personal level. You can use yours for customer service or as a helpline. Establishing a relationship with your customers in such a direct manner paves the way for a long-term relationship. Customers will be more likely to stay loyal to your company if your helpline or customer service line is filled with helpful and friendly professional people. Once a customer has decided that they are loyal to a certain brand, they are more likely to spend more freely on that brands’ products. While you focus on gaining more customers through marketing and advertising methods, having a customer service line will help your business keep the customers you already have.

The best part about having a virtual toll free phone number is that you can add a line to your everyday cell phone. These virtual lines can also be added to landlines and other devices like computers and tablets.

Fake It Till You Make It – How To Make Your Business Look Bigger

16th May 2018 Learn, Tips

Growing a small business is no easy task, especially when most consumers trust names that have been around for a while. Luckily there are easy ways to make any business seem like a large corporation that has been around for years. If you’re looking to grow your small business right away but are unsure of how to do that, check out our 8 ways to Fake It Till You Make It.

Get a P.O. Box

If you’re working from home or a shared space, it is a good idea to use a P.O. Box for your business. It can be dangerous to give out your home address, so this separates your business life from your personal life. You will know that packages will always be safe when using a P.O. Box. There are other options than the USPS, too. UPS offers a street address, that way you can receive mail from anywhere – not just from the USPS.

Amp Up Your Website

Your website should look professional and always be up to date. If you want your business to be taken seriously then a quality website should be at the top of your to-do list. Luckily there are several platforms out there like WordPress, Squarespace and GoDaddy that can offer you your own domain name, hosting, and a premade theme for your site for just a few hundred dollars. If you’re on a budget, which you probably are if you are a small business, then using one of these sites is a great way to have an excellent website to showcase your products and stay in the green.

Get a Toll-Free Number With Extensions

Consider setting up a toll-free number that your consumers can easily reach you at. With a toll-free number from providers like Global Call Forwarding, you can add unlimited extensions. For example, “Press 1 for sales” and so on. The more extensions that you have set up, the bigger your business looks. Even if there is only one person working in each of these departments, and that person is you, it still gives off the perception that the consumer is dealing with a large business.

Add LLC To Your Business Name

This will take a bit of an investment on your part, but in the end will be worth it. With an LLC you can keep your business separated from your personal life. If your business goes into debt it won’t affect your personal assets. An LLC turns your small business into a corporation and it requires a separate tax return from your personal taxes. Plus, it is a lot easier to register as an LLC than an S-Corporation or C-Corporation.

Buy Virtual Phone Numbers in Multiple Locations

Consumers are more likely to trust local businesses. If a potential customer finds that they will be able to reach your business from their local area code, they will be more likely to want to do business with you. If you do not have the means to expand your business to other states or countries you can always claim a virtual presence by using VoIP. This is especially helpful if you already have several customers in a different country or state. Businesses make their money from loyal customers and if you are easily able to stay in contact with them by providing them with a no-fee telephone number they are more likely to stay loyal.

Focus On Social Media

Growing your social media presence is a great way to find new customers and market for free. Small businesses should stay focused on social media since it is a great way to stay in contact with consumers, too. Figure out which social media site will be the best for your particular business and invest time into your page. Restaurants benefit from using Instagram because they can show off pictures of their beautiful food or their lively scene to about 2.3 billion active users. Many businesses also benefit from paying influencers to advertise their products to their thousands or millions of followers. If you are not sure how to go about managing your social media, hire someone to do it for you. There are many marketing companies that specialize in social media, or you can find a freelancer if you want something more personal. If you are trying to grow your social media on your own, then there are several websites that make it simple to follow up on social media statistics, like followers and growth. These sites will usually have the ability to post content for you on a continuous basis, too. That way you can load up on content at one time and the site will post it each day or at different intervals in the day.

Set Up A Separate Business Email

No one is going to take you seriously if your email address ends in @yahoo.com or @gmail.com. Creating an email address with your business’ name looks more professional and will be better for your brand since your business’ name will be constantly displayed in your customers’ inboxes. There are plenty of email providers to choose from and they all have very great features for a low price.

Invest Time and Money Into Good Marketing

If you want your small business to become a big business then you should model your company after them. Large corporations spend a huge amount of their budget on good marketing. You probably won’t be able to spend millions or billions on marketing when you’re just starting out, but investing a chunk of your profits into consistent marketing is a great avenue for creating more revenue. Not only will your products or services get seen by more people, your products and services will be advertised in a professional manner. Plan out your budget and choose marketing strategies that are right for your particular business. If you’re not selling Doritos then you don’t need a 60-second commercial spot during the Super Bowl. However, you may benefit from a direct mail campaign.

Remember that winning in business means being able to compete with the competition. Making it appear that your business is bigger than it actually is is not unethical if you know that your product or service is good. In order to compete sometimes, you gotta fake it till you make it.

Communicating with Coworkers Who Don’t Speak Your Language

24th April 2018 Learn, Tips

Communication is an integral part of any thriving society, it is how we express feelings and cultivate relationships. However, communication at home or at work can be very difficult for some people, and when you add a language/ culture barrier there are even more things that can go wrong. There are thousands of languages in the world, and in your lifetime you have probably met a wide assortment of people who did not speak your language. When you’re working with someone who speaks a different language there are many creative ways to communicate with them that will make collaboration and teamwork easier. Here are a few tips to help business communication go smoother for all parties involved.

Find Some Common Ground

Try to feel out how many words and phrases the other person knows in your language and vice versa. Use those to begin communications. It does not matter if the conversation is very simple, it is a start. Try to avoid the use of any slang words; using slang could lead to a lot of confusion or even offense if the person takes the slang term literally. Remember to speak clearly, loudly, and slowly. You will appreciate the same from them when they attempt to respond in their language. If you’re working with this person on a daily basis, try to use the same words over and over again. Don’t get fancy with your wording because learning a new language takes time and a lot of effort. As soon as you or the other person shows signs of improvement in the new language, then you can start using more complex sentences and challenging words. Using the same words that you both understand will help you communicate, but using the same word over and over that you don’t understand will not help. For example, if your coworker does not know the word for “peach” saying peach over and over again is not going to help them understand what it is. They will not have a Eureka! Moment and suddenly a new idea will pop into their head. Instead, grab a peach and point to it and say the name again. If you can’t find the object or it is an abstract concept, consider explaining the word in a simple definition they will understand.

2. Actively Listen

Listening to someone speak in a foreign language can be very confusing. If you know a few words, trying to translate them in your brain can take a great deal of effort. Try to make that effort and hopefully the person you are speaking back to is doing the same. Look out for confusion on their faces or nonverbal body movements that express perplexity. Most people say “huh” when they are confused no matter where they’re from. Others will shrug their shoulders or raise their eyebrows. If someone is trying to explain something to you in their language, try to learn the phrase for “I don’t understand” in their language so you can let them know they need to explain it differently.

3. Write It Down

Some people may understand a language on paper better than they can understand it while it is being spoken, especially since accents differ greatly among many languages. If someone has studied a language in school, for example, they probably have a lot more experience reading the language instead of speaking it. If you know that you’re going to be speaking with someone who does not speak your language, consider bringing a small notepad with you when you go to see them. If the person will not recognize a word even if you write it down, try drawing it. If you’re not much of an artist, Google the word on your phone and pull up images to show them.

coworkers communicating in different languages.
Source: Stockphoto.com O#20443 – ID#100092592016

4. Be A Mime

Not literally of course, but acting out what you are trying to convey can be very helpful since you are unable to use your words. For example, if you need to let this coworker know that it is time for lunch, mime having a plate and spooning food into your mouth. You can also rub your stomach to let them know you are hungry. Gestures can be helpful as well. For example, lifting up four fingers will let them know that the meeting is at 4 pm, or that you need 4 copies of a certain document, it all depends on the context of your conversation. Just keep in mind that not all gestures mean the same thing throughout the world. In some countries, certain American gestures are considered rude.

5. Get a Helpful Translator

If your company has recently brought in new employees from another country, or you have been hired into a company that works across different time zones or countries, it is a great idea to download some translation apps on your cell phone. You can use Google Translate right from your phone’s internet browser or you can peruse the app site for something to have readily on your phone. A few apps to consider downloading on your iPhone or Android device include iTranslate, TripLingo, SayHi, Voice Translator Free (Android only), and iHandy (iPhone only). If you don’t want to have your phone out all the time consider purchasing a language dictionary. Leave the dictionary in your desk and bring it along with you when you know you’re about to have a conversation with the coworker who doesn’t speak your language.

Overcoming a language barrier is not impossible. It is important to continue at it and not get frustrated with yourself or the other party. Remaining as professional as possible when speaking to any coworker is very important, so don’t forget these rules still apply to someone that doesn’t know your language. Respect the person who has come into your office with a language barrier, do not make them feel bad for not understanding a foreign language overnight. They are clearly at your job because they want to work and therefore they deserve to be treated with dignity. If it is you who is on the other side, you’d most appreciate this treatment returned to you.