It wasn’t that long ago when the telephone existed solely as an analog communication instrument. From Alexander Graham Bell’s life changing invention to the iPhone revolution and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems, phone technology has evolved dramatically — redefining the way we live, work, and do business.
The benefits of these innovations are transformative, particularly for small business owners with limited time and budget. But there’s a caveat: it’s also blurring the lines between our personal and professional lives.
The modern business phone solution for entrepreneurs
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in 2022, half (50%) of small business owners reported working longer hours than they used to. This marks a 20 percent increase from six years ago when this question was first asked. Coupled with the fact that entrepreneurs often juggle multiple functions — from sales to marketing to customer service — typically on their personal device, not having work-life boundaries can quickly take its toll.
The good news is, there’s a better way: one phone, two numbers. You can turn your personal smartphone into a virtual business phone and messaging system, while keeping your personal number separate with a second phone number.
What’s a virtual business phone number and why is it important?
As a small business owner, you often have to get creative optimizing resources and finding better, more efficient ways to work. But no matter the size of your business, it deserves a dedicated phone number. You can operate small and still sound big!
The solution is simple: get a second phone number for your business on your personal mobile device. Besides creating a better work-life balance, you’ll have a dedicated business phone line complete with a messaging and virtual phone system, without needing a second device.
Three reasons to get a second business phone number on your mobile device:
- Keep your work life separate from personal
With a virtual business phone number on your smartphone, you can pivot easily from one mode to the other while keeping the two separate. This makes it easier to focus when you need to and allows more quality time to rest and recover after working hours.
- Look and sound professional
Besides a dedicated business phone number, you’ll benefit from a robust virtual phone system that alerts you when business is calling so you can put your best voice forward. Features sucas custom greetings and extensions welcome callers and connect them with the right departments to ensure a positive call experience and establish brand credibility.
- Never miss a business call
You’ll be able to make and receive business calls and text messages wherever you are, using desktop and mobile apps. To ensure your customers never hear another busy signal, simply set up your virtual phone system to route calls to different numbers or team members when your line is busy.
How a separate business phone number improves your privacy
Using your personal mobile number for business doesn’t just cost you peace of mind; it also robs you of your individual space and privacy. Your business is important, but it shouldn’t take over your entire life. Having a dedicated business phone number improves your privacy by:
- Limiting access to your personal number
You work hard — you’re allowed to have a life. Reserve your personal number for private contacts. - Drawing a clear line between work and personal communication
Keep your professional life from spilling over into your personal life while insulating customer data and business matters. This protects both you and your customers’ privacy. - Setting clear business hours
With a virtual phone system, you can set up a business voicemail and call forwarding to manage after-hours calls or when you’re taking a well-deserved break.
Just because you’re a small business owner doesn’t have to mean all work and no play. If anything, it’s even more vital for you to maintain work-life balance so you can bring your A game every day.
How to get a second phone number for business
Want to sound big and grow bigger? Grasshopper’s seamless virtual phone solution is custom-built for entrepreneurs and small business owners, to help sound big while operating small. Get up and running in four simple steps:
- Pick your number and plan.
Start by choosing one of the following: Toll-free number, Vanity number, Local number.
Alternatively, you may wish to port your current number. Next, pick the plan that suits your business needs best. - Download the Grasshopper apps.
Get our desktop and mobile apps for 24/7 access to Grasshopper — whether from the office, at home or on the go. - Configure your settings.
Getting set up is a cinch with our step-by-step guidance on your desktop and mobile device. We’ll have you up and running before you know it. If you get stuck at any point, our award-winning customer support team is available 24/7! - Start using your new number.
That’s it — you’re in business! You’re ready to start receiving and making business calls (and a whole lot more) on a dedicated number with your personal mobile device.
Give your business the professional phone number it deserves
Besides elevating your brand image by making you look and sound bigger, a dedicated business phone number creates a clear separation between your work and personal life. Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of one phone, two numbers?
Start with a 7-day trial now! No credit card. No commitment. All the same features you would get on a full version of Grasshopper.
Take it for a test drive today, on us.