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Work from Home with These Virtual Business Options

Meryl D'Sa-Wilson 18th March 2020 Tips

Fears of the coronavirus (COVID-19) have put cities and countries on lockdown and forced businesses to shut down. Fortunately, most businesses and job positions have the opportunity and ability to use virtual business tools and ask employees to work from home. And this is made easy with the advancements in technology. So, what are some options your business can adopt during these uncertain times?

Virtual Business Tools

Whether you’re a small business or a large company, you may choose to allow your employees to work from home. At least, for the next few weeks as everyone keeps an eye on the growth and spread of the coronavirus. Virtual business tools can help your business stay on track even as employees work from home. These tools include virtual numbers with call forwarding abilities, management systems, chat tools, video conferencing, and more. The following article will include some options to consider:

Get a Virtual Phone Number

You can easily get a virtual number from a service provider like Global Call Forwarding or port your existing number to us today. Doing this will allow you to take advantage of other virtual communication tools that can help immediately. You can use call forwarding, call transfer, outbound calling, customized greetings, and more. This will help your business maintain communication with its customers and clients.

Getting or porting your number with us is quick and easy. You can have the number ready to use in a few minutes. And you can then have business calls forwarded to your home office or personal line, or have it directed to your customer support team members’ phone lines. In fact, our Simultaneous Ringing feature enables you to have all incoming calls ring on multiple phone lines. This could be your number, your sales team’s home or personal lines, and so on. This ensures that someone will answer the phone and business can still continue. And so, sales and customer support teams can continue to serve existing customers thereby not degrading the quality and standard of your service.

You can set up interactive voice response (IVR), an automated system, to answer calls and greet customers by offering them company updates revolving around the coronavirus. Or, simply add a custom greeting that lets callers know your business is still running and you can still provide them the service they need. Additionally, you can transfer calls to other team members or have calls forwarded to them during specific times of the day. There are many cloud communication tools available, but which ones your business needs depends on what services you want to offer.

Video Conferencing and Chat Tools

Video chatting and conferencing is another virtual business tool that can be used for remote working. You can stay connected with your employees and track their progress or conduct online meetings with video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, and so on. You can schedule meetings, share screens to demonstrate the material, share important files, and documents, and more.

Online Content and Project Management Systems

Take your tasks online. Use online project management systems or apps to remain connected with employees as well as track tasks and projects that need to be completed. You can have different team members work and collaborate on a task and watch its progress. Set deadlines, due dates, and log time for important and prioritized projects. Some popular systems are Teamwork, Slack, Monday, Trello, etc.

Be Productive and Efficient Even When Working Remotely

Most businesses worry that remote working will decrease productivity and slow down the overall success rate. This can be countered with virtual options which ensure that employees can stay on task even outside the office location. For more information on how our cloud communication tools can support your work-from-home days, call us at 1 (888) 908 6171 to talk to an expert.

How to Get a Toll Free Number for KaiOS

Becki Meerbeek 2nd August 2019 How To's

KaiOS is an emerging phone software system. It allows people to use smartphone applications in locations where they would otherwise not be able to. With this emerging software comes the need for various calling features that toll free numbers provide. So, how do people with these types of phone systems get a toll free number for KaiOS? In this article, we determine what KaiOS is and its benefits across the world. We will also cover how people with this phone software can benefit from and use toll free numbers for KaiOS.

What is KaiOS?

KaiOS is a phone software system that is intended to help people across the world get the most from their cellular devices. In many countries, smartphones are still not accessible to every person. For example, in India, most people have cell phones that aren’t touch screen and use a standard keypad. Seeing that these individuals don’t have access to internet applications and search accessibility, Google wanted to provide a new software system with the option of uploading onto these phones. So, with a fund of $22 million, the KaiOS software was developed. Since its beginning, the software system has brought more applications to people who would otherwise not be able to access these types of platforms. And, it continues to grow as a leading software system in India and other countries. In these countries, it has even surpassed Apple IOS systems.

The Benefits of a Toll Free Number for KaiOS

This software can be uploaded to outdated and non-smartphones because it doesn’t take nearly as much memory as other software; only 256MB. This means almost anyone who has a phone can download the software to begin using web-focused applications like WhatsApp, even though they don’t own a smartphone device. Plus, it can connect through various connection options like 4G, LTE, and can even process payments using NFC. Additionally, it can pair devices so they may utilize WIFI. It even has the option of being SIM card compatible. Finally, phones downloaded with the KaiOS system are relatively affordable. So, almost anyone can benefit from using the internet on their phones without having to fork over high monthly fees. For example, one KaiOS option in India called the Reliance’s JioPhone costs only around $20.

The Growth of the KaiOS System

Just like other software systems, KaiOS has an application play store that’s built by HTML5. This allows for the building of various applications that can be utilized on this software system. This allows applications to be created and utilized without a high demand for additional resources. Plus, since KoiOS can work across a number of phones like Nokia, Alcatel, and Reliance, their applications can be universally downloaded. So, app builders only have to make one type of application for it to work on any of the types of phones that KaiOS supports.

Toll Free Number for KaiOS — Source: Stockphoto.com O#23559 ID#100071739333

The Applications Used on KaiOS Systems

(PSo, what types of applications can the KaiOS system support? While the same applications we use on our smartphones may not look or act like the same on KaiOS, the basics of these applications are still there. Some examples of applications you’d recognize on both smartphones and phones with KaiOS software may include:

Youtube
Facebook
Twitter
Google Maps
Google Assistant
WhatsApp
And even some games like Danger Dash

In addition to these applications that you’d recognize, there are some applications built specifically for the KaiOS system. Some of these include weather checking applications and even a QR scanner for help with barcode scanning.

Who Does KaiOS Benefit?

Essentially, this phone software system was developed to get people web-based applications in countries where smartphones still aren’t the norm. But, it can also work well for those who don’t like the functionality of a touch screen. Or, those who simply don’t want to hop on the mainstream smartphone wave. With a toll free number for KaiOS, you get all the regular applications you would use on a smartphone. An additional benefit is a functional device that still offers many conveniences.

Additionally, many people like this type of software for their grandparents or kids. This is because it’s easy to use and regulate for older and younger generations. If you’re worried that your children may spend too much time on their smartphone or that your parent/grandparent may be confused by all the options on a smartphone, a KaiOS phone may be your easiest and most effective solution.

Getting a Toll Free Number for KaiOS Phones

If you do business from a phone that runs off of KaiOS, you may want to take advantage of the features of a toll free number. Virtual phone numbers allow you to make calls from an 800 number. They also ensure that the people you call don’t have to pay a thing. Plus, these numbers are customizable, so you can choose one that is easy to remember and that helps to brand your company.

Choosing Global Call Forwarding for Your Toll Free Numbers

Getting a toll free number on your cellular phone with KaiOS is as easy as giving us a call and getting started today! Choose your telephone number and we’ll route it to your cell phone in minutes! Contact us today if you have additional questions about our toll free numbers for KaiOS phones!

Your Toll Free Number is BORING – Here’s How to Fix It

Ilsa Morales 14th May 2019 How To's, Tips

It’s not a secret that it’s much easier for people to remember vanity numbers over the average phone number or toll-free number. Vanity numbers are making a comeback in popularity for large and small businesses alike. Any business can benefit from using a vanity number, so here is a deeper look at what they are and what they offer. If your toll-free number is boring and you are ready for an upgrade, read on!

If your toll-free number is boring – Use a vanity number!

Vanity numbers work exactly like toll-free numbers, only you can customize the number to reflect your business or products. For example, 1-800-Flowers lets you know exactly what you’re getting when you dial them.

Vanity numbers have all of the benefits of a toll-free number, plus they are easy for people to remember. The more people who know your number by heart, the more often you will receive calls, and the more sales you can make. Vanity numbers are still at no cost to the customer, and they can be used for marketing purposes. Vanity numbers can be placed on billboards, and the drivers whizzing by can read your ad and remember your number on their commute to work. You should also be advertising your number on your website and business cards. Customers and clients prefer the companies they do business with to have a phone number. This is because they know that they can reach your company at any time and be greeted and helped.

Why are words easier to memorize?

According to cognitive neuroscientists, when a customer wants to remember a telephone number they heard or saw, they will use their “working memory,” which is the “voice” inside of their head. The one you hear when repeating something to yourself silently, so you do not forget. However, repeating something over and over to yourself does not guarantee that you will remember it. While your brain works to try to memorize a number, anything can come along to distract you. Whether it is a crying baby, a barking dog, or a car horn honk, things are always around to distract you from what you want to be doing. This is why we will forget a sequence of numbers no matter how hard we try to remember them. The best way to remember a telephone number is to link the number to something meaningful or memorable. This puts the number into our long-term memories, instead of the short-term ones, which are quickly forgotten. For example, if you associate a phone number with a word, then that word will bring up a picture in your head, which is precisely how vanity numbers work.

Oddly enough, some sequences of numbers are easier to remember for humans than other number sequences. Many American citizens have an easier time remembering a number using the series 1776, as that is the year that America gained independence from Great Britain. A citizen that is not from the US will not have that ability, unless they studied American history or it is important to them for another reason, like a date of birth. If your toll-free number is boring, it won’t stick as much as a number with a more familiar number sequence.

Now that you understand how vanity numbers can work for your business, you can begin your research into choosing the right one for your business. So how do you go about finding the number that you want? It can be tricky, because some of the best number and word associations are already claimed, such as 1-800-CONTACTS. Nonetheless, you can still find a vanity number that will get the job done for you. The first step is to brainstorm a list of numbers and words that would work for your business, and then you can search for these numbers. Some of them may already be taken, but Global Call Forwarding will work with you to find you the best number. One way Global Call Forwarding looks out for its customers is that they offer other toll-free prefixes. So if you won’t budge on a word, then you can make an exception from 1-800 to other alternatives such as 1-855 or 1-866. The popularity of alternate toll-free prefixes is rising, and more people are becoming aware that 1-800 isn’t the only toll-free option. All you need to do is use a little bit of creativity, and you will be on the fast track to success.

How Toll Free Numbers Can Be Used to Build Customer Loyalty

Ilsa Morales 9th May 2019 Tech

As your business grows, you may notice that your current phone number can’t handle the influx of new customers. Or maybe you’re missing out on customer calls because you’re using a landline and your customers are upset that they have to pay to call your business in order to make customer service calls. Perhaps you don’t want to take business calls on your personal phone line anymore. When these thoughts begin to creep in your mind, it’s time to think about getting a separate business line. Doing so can help increase customer loyalty and business credibility.

Benefits of a Toll Free Number for Customer Loyalty

So what is the best option for a separate business line? A toll free number has several benefits for a small business. The number one benefit of a toll free number is that it is a great way to begin building a loyal customer base.

Toll-free numbers or 1-800 numbers, as you may remember them as, grew in popularity in the 90s, but they are still prevalent today. One of the reasons is that they are a free way that your customers can make customer service calls to your company with. A toll-free number also gives your business the ability to reach a national audience no matter how small your company is.

So how does a toll free number build customer loyalty?

Recognition

Toll free numbers are easily recognizable, and therefore people have an ingrained trust of a business with a toll free number. Toll-free numbers have been around long enough that people know that they won’t get charged for calling one and therefore have no qualms about making a phone call to your business when they need to.

Branding

Toll free numbers were created to serve the people of the business that uses them. It also helps to brand your company as a trustful company because a company that chooses a toll free number is associated with a larger company. You get access to an entire nation of customers, too. You can take the number and advertise it on all of your marketing materials. From business cards to billboards, when people begin to see your number everywhere, they will start to recognize your brand and associate the number with your company.

Customer Service

Toll free numbers up to the ante on your customer service. Most people prefer to interact with a live human on the phone when they have a problem with a product or service. They want to speak with someone right away, and they want their issues handled immediately. When you refer to the web for customer service there can be delayed responses. Choosing to staff a friendly customer service representative will do wonders for your business because it helps to put an angry customer at ease. Since many of the issues in a company can be solved over the phone, your customers will be happy with the swift response time and help. You can also offer support to your customers around the clock. Only with a toll-free number can you provide 24-hour customer service which in turn builds customer loyalty.

Did we mention it’s free for customers?

Again, customers do not want to have to pay to call a business that messed up their order. A customer service line should be free if you want your business to be taken seriously.

Memorable

Choosing a vanity number for your toll free line can also make your company much more memorable. Using a vanity such as 1-800-FLOWERS shows your customer base exactly what you are selling. Even if they forget the name of your company, they’re not likely to forget a vanity number like that.

It’s better than emails

When customers are frustrated with your company, no matter how polite you try to sound in an email, it is not going to come across well to an angry customer. Customer service lines are the best way to handle upset consumers. A brief email is no match for a charming human on the other line.

Trustworthy

If you are running an e-commerce website, people may be wary of your business. Many of these e-commerce sites are untrustworthy and sell damaged products. When your e-commerce company provides a customer service phone line, a person is more inclined to trust your company because you have provided them a way to get in immediate contact with your business in case something goes awry.

What is a Virtual Phone Number?

Luke Genoyer 28th September 2016 Learn

Do you own a global business with customers across the world? If so, you might ask what is a virtual phone number. This blog gives you the information you need to unlock the true potential of your business with a virtual number and a call forwarding service.

Virtual Numbers: Definition

A virtual phone number is a local or toll free number that enables users to make and receive calls via the internet. This number is not directly associated with a telephone line and doesn’t look any different from a regular phone number. Virtual numbers are typically used with a call forwarding service so callers do not incur long-distance charges. If you don’t already use virtual numbers, you should start taking advantage of this great marketing tool. You can get these numbers for different countries, cities, and regions from a virtual phone number provider like Global Call Forwarding.

Other names for virtual numbers: cloud-based numbers, cloud phone numbers, hosted numbers, and VoIP numbers.

How Does a Virtual Phone Number Work?

Virtual phone numbers use cloud telephony and number hosting to let users communicate over the internet. Unlike a traditional landline, you can make and receive calls from a virtual phone number from anywhere, and you can route incoming calls to any location. This means your business can expand globally without opening physical offices or relocating teams, and you can improve connectivity among your remote, local, and global teams via one centralized hub.

Benefits of a Virtual Phone Number

A virtual phone number is a cost-effective way to make your business more accessible and more scalable from anywhere in the world. When you get a virtual number, you take strides towards unlocking the true potential of your business.

The main reason to own a virtual number is to make your business more accessible. When you have a hosted number in the same country as your clients, it will cost them almost nothing to call you. This will make existing clients more comfortable and will encourage prospects to call your business.

International growth is another major benefit associated with virtual phone numbers. Virtual business phone numbers enable you to operate remotely because they are not tied to any landline. A business can buy a virtual phone number in almost any market while still operating from its headquarters.

1. Establish a Global Presence for Your Brand

Most scalable businesses will understand that their target markets are not confined to any particular region. Rather, their employees are constantly seeking out growth opportunities in different countries. A virtual phone number enables you to establish a virtual presence in any potential market.

Creating a virtual presence in multiple target areas can do wonders for your brand. Potential customers around the globe will become familiar with your company and the services you provide as you advertise in new regions.

Branding is a valuable marketing component. And a professional image can propel the success of a business. A known brand can build incredible value for companies and corporations. And one of the most effective branding tools is a virtual number.

2. Cost-Effective International Expansion

Before opening a new office, you need to consider several factors. One important factor is performing market research focused on the proposed new location. Before opening a new office, it is important to consider all appropriate growth alternatives. This means identifying new target markets as well as measuring demand and competition. You may even want to consider test marketing as part of your market research. An international virtual phone number can help you communicate with and qualify prospects in that area.

Another important factor to consider is funding for the new location. Opening a physical office in a new country comes with many expenses. You will need to pay rent, hire employees, and cover additional operating expenses. Furthermore, you will need to consider accounting and foreign exchange issues.

3. Work Remotely From Anywhere in the World

Countless business opportunities exist globally. Luckily, we have hosted phone numbers from more than 160 countries around the world. This means that you can seize any opportunity no matter where you are located.

How Do I Get Virtual Numbers?

You can set up a virtual phone system for your business with Global Call Forwarding. We provide virtual numbers in over 160 countries and thousands of cities. To sign up, visit our Pricing page or speak with one of our experts. Entrepreneurs should take advantage of this great marketing tool and start growing their business today!