Find the right business phone system for your team

Think about how your team communicates now, whether you’re on a traditional landline or already using VoIP. What aspects of your current phone system do you want to improve? Business owners often want more reliable call quality, remote access for hybrid teams, and lower monthly costs.

To assess phone system providers, you must understand which features and call volumes will benefit your company the most. Consider the following questions:

• How many employees need a phone line or extension?
• Do you need employees to take calls remotely or on mobile devices?
• Do you need video conferencing or team messaging built in?
• Which third-party software applications need to integrate with your phone system?
• Do you need an auto attendant or call routing rules?
• Should your system include on-hold customization or find me / follow me?

Make a list of phone system providers and your criteria. Read professional reviews involving user testing to get an idea of the pros and cons of deploying and using various tools. Also, check out user reviews and software ratings. Look for patterns of complaints or positive points around call quality and support.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your professional network. Often, other business leaders readily share insights and recommendations. Track your findings in a spreadsheet or project management platform.

Once you’ve narrowed your list, contact the best business phone system providers to request demonstrations, quotes and free trials. Involve staff members who will use the system daily, and encourage them to ask questions. Remember to call or message customer support and interact with various representatives to get a feel for how the company handles support tickets.