So, you’ve finally taken the plunge. You’re starting your own business. Congratulations! It’s a big step and one that takes courage. Now comes the important part: becoming successful. There are many things written about the path of success, but here’s one simple suggestion every new business can do: Act like you’re already successful. A virtual business phone number can help.
No one wants to do business with a risky proposition. We all like betting on sure things. It’s just human nature.
So how to start? Easy! With your own virtual business phone number. Set one up for your business, and you’ll answer it the same way every time: “Good morning, Acme Widget Company! How can I help you?”
What’s a virtual business phone number?
Now you might be wondering, “What the heck is a virtual business phone number and what’s wrong with using my personal number?” In a word: nothing. It’s just that this solution is even better.
A virtual business number is automatically programmed to forward incoming calls to any number/device that you choose.
Most smart entrepreneurs choose to forward it to ring on their mobile phones so they never miss a call. You can set a separate ring tone so you can immediately distinguish a business call from a personal call.
Benefits of a virtual number
Because it is actually a different number altogether that will roll to voicemail, you can set that up to a separate greeting. Which means no one gets your personal cell phone number nor will he or she find out that you’re using the same phone for your business as for your personal life.
Another perk of having a virtual number? You can create your business identity because you can choose the number.
By choosing a number with a local area code, you give your customer the sense that they are dealing with someone just around the corner. Depending upon the type of business you’re looking to build, this could absolutely be to your advantage. After all, who doesn’t like supporting the local team? On the other hand, if you’re located in Greasy, Oklahoma; Oatmeal, Pennsylvania, or Boring, Oregon, perhaps it doesn’t matter as much that your customers know exactly where you’re based.
Also, if you’re trying to gain a national footprint, having a toll-free virtual business number implies that your company does business from Alaska to West Virginia and everywhere in between. You’ll create just the right perception through use of the area code or toll-free access at the beginning of your company’s phone number.
How do you get a virtual business phone number?
Now you might be thinking: “I don’t have the cash to pay for a separate business line right now. The phone company charges even more money for them and I might even have to hire a secretary to answer it. What to do, what to do?”
Fortunately, GoDaddy has you covered with SmartLine.
This second phone number app (think: one phone, two numbers) is easy to set up, simple to use, and best of all, very affordable. While adding a true second line can get expensive, a virtual business number costs as little as $ 4.99 a month.
To be clear not all virtual business numbers are created equal.
For example, some are simply a call forwarding number that does not distinguish between a personal and a business call (the primary reason you want a virtual business phone number). In addition, some don’t offer any auto-attendant features (that allow you to route callers by pressing 1 for sales, 2 for customer service, etc.). And if you have call quality concerns, you might prefer certain choices that have the best clarity. Here are some other features to look for in a business phone service.
SmartLine offers a robust, affordable solution so you present a professional identity to your callers.
Perception is reality
Now that you’ve got a big idea for your new business, make sure that you also have a big presence by using a virtual business phone number. Because perception is reality. And the truth is, you know you’re going to be big-time soon enough. Getting others to believe it is easier than you think by following these simple suggestions.
