There’s been a lot of talk about number porting the past two weeks with Google’s announcement that they will begin doing so for Google Voice users. This is exciting news for individuals using Google Voice and it’s great for us because it brings headlines to a feature that we often forget to talk about!
Most people know that Grasshopper has toll free and local numbers available to buy but they might not know we also have the ability to transfer numbers, also called number porting.
Why port your number?
For businesses that already have a phone number, it can be much easier to transfer it than to get a new one. You don’t have to change your contact info, create new marketing materials, print new business cards, modify your website, etc. Porting your number can save you time and money (two extremely valuable things).
Can I port toll free numbers?
You sure can. Port toll free numbers and the majority of local numbers (check here to see if you can port your local number). Plus, you have all rights to the number. Your phone number will always be yours, even if you decide to change providers.
Posted in Toll Free & Local Numbers | Tagged 800 number, Local Numbers, virtual number, virtual phone number | Leave a comment
In today’s economy, it’s important to make your business seem like number one. That means as a small 1-5 person business, you need to look and sound as professional as the big guys. An 800 number can not only help you sound bigger but can also make life easier for everyone. Here are seven reasons your small business should have an 800 number:
An 800 number centralizes your business. Even if your employees are located in five different states, you still only need one number.
It’s easier for customers to remember your number, especially when you use vanity numbers (think 1-800-Flowers).
Customers are more likely to call an 800 number simply because it’s free!
You own your 800 number. Change businesses, locations, etc…the number is still yours.
They are easily transferable. Your business has grown tenfold and you need a bigger phone system but you don’t want to have to change your number. Good news, you don’t have to! Take it with you.
Posted in Small Business, Toll Free & Local Numbers | Tagged 800 number, Toll Free Numbers, virtual number, virtual phone number | Leave a comment
If you are a small business owner and you don’t have the Grasshopper virtual phone system, there must be a good reason. If you are a small business owner and you don’t want the Grasshopper virtual phone system, well, it’s probably for one of these five reasons:
You don’t believe in toll free. Customers should pay to call you.
You enjoy getting business calls to your personal number. So does your wife/husband
You don’t think a phone system for $10 a month could possibly sound professional.
Your business isn’t going to grow so you won’t need more extensions.
You never leave the office so you don’t have to worry about missing an important call or message.
If any of these are true, then the Grasshopper virtual phone system is definitely not for you. If they aren’t, well maybe you should go find out more.
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Posted in Small Business | Tagged virtual phone number, virtual phone system | Leave a comment
Opening and maintaining an office is one of the costliest moves a new business can make. The obvious expense is the monthly rent, but the financial investment in running an office far exceeds the rent. At minimum, you will need desks and chairs. Most companies eventually want filing cabinets and a water cooler (plus scheduled delivery.) Of course, an office also needs its own Internet connection.
All these costs (and others) are why veteran entrepreneurs advise going without an office early on. That said, some businesses objectively need things like a professional mailing address, a business phone system and meeting areas.
Virtual Receptionists & Assistants
Entrepreneurs frequently take on loaded schedules and find themselves shoving repetitive tasks to the back burner. Traditionally, the solution has been hiring assistants whose sole jobs are to complete those tasks. However, it is actually not necessary for an assistant to physically work beside you in an office. A growing number of entrepreneurs are hiring virtual assistants instead.
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Small Business, Startup | Tagged Small Business, technology, tips, virtual office, virtual phone number | 1 Comment
One of the things we talk a lot about is using Grasshopper to help your business sound more professional. Yes, it’s true, a virtual number with custom greetings, on-hold music and voice mail can help your business sound bigger and certainly more professional, but it can also be fun.
Having your own 800 number with unlimited extensions, voicemail greetings, custom music…imagine the possibilities!
Here are three fun ways you can use your virtual phone number:
Joke of the Day
What if you were put on hold, only to be told a joke? Being on hold wouldn’t be so bad would it? Knock knock jokes, kids jokes, puns, jokes about your industry or profession, etc. Just be sure to keep it tasteful.
Dating Extension
Single? What if you could know it was a personal call before you even picked up? Just like you can create dedicated extensions for specific clients, you can create dedicated extensions for love interests. No more awkwardness, no more wondering who is calling or what you are going to say. When the caller ID shows your dedicated extension, you can be ready.
Posted in Tips & Tricks | Tagged virtual number, virtual phone number | Leave a comment ← Older posts
