Why Do We Need a New Phone System Right Now?
When your communications system lasts beyond its useful life, you risk paying a significant ‘opportunity cost’ by holding on to it.
Every technology has a useful life — that’s when it performs the way it was intended and adds value to your business.
But what about when a technology keeps working after its useful life is over?
At first, this may seem like a good thing: your business enjoys short-term cost savings by not upgrading. However, you risk other costs that can far outweigh those savings:
- You risk the cost of business disruption if the technology suddenly fails.
- You risk the cost of paying for an expensive emergency repair.
- And, you risk the biggest cost of all — the opportunity cost. While you are holding on to your old system, newer technology gets better and better. It delivers efficiencies, productivity, and cost-savings that can far outweigh the value of keeping the old system.
As the owner or manager of a small business, you have your hands full. Why add upgrading your communications system to your to-do list?
The simple answer is, it’s worth it to you and your business.
Small business communications have changed. They aren’t just for making calls and taking messages. A new phone system is a communications solution designed to become directly integrated into your business. This includes streamlining operations, cutting costs, simplifying hiring and real estate decisions, and enhancing customer experience.
In many cases, organizations who upgrade have found that these savings pay for the system in just a few months.
But what if the old phone system seems to be working fine? Should you follow the old adage: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” Well, here are some basic guidelines that can help you make that decision:
Yes, you should upgrade if:
- Your current phone system is more than three years old.
- You haven’t updated your current system for several years. The software and/or hardware used on your current system is no longer supported.
- You plan on continuing to operate your business for at least 5 to 10 years or longer.
- Your business is experiencing growth and/or your business will be relocating in the near future.
- E-mail, social media, and mobile communications are important to your business.
- Your business relies on conference calls.
- You operate more than one location or have remote employees or work at home or in shared offices.
- You would like to know more information about your callers and track marketing successes with real data.
- You would like new features to allow callers to reach the right people in fewer steps.
Remember, a new phone system isn’t just about streamlining communications — it’s about helping you address your biggest business challenges:
- Increasing sales
- Creating a better customer experience
- Lowering costs
Think about your biggest business challenges. Your Phonewire partner will help you match your business challenges to specific system capabilities. This will help to find the right solution to make the biggest impact on your business.
