From Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the first telephone to today’s mobile device revolution, phone technology has evolved dramatically. The benefits of these innovations are undoubtedly transforming the way we live and work, 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, half (50%) of small business owners reported working longer hours in 2022, marking a 20% increase from six years ago. As entrepreneurs often juggle multiple functions — from sales to marketing to customer service — on their personal devices, not having work-life boundaries is quickly taking 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 phone 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 need to get creative by optimizing limited resources and finding more efficient ways to work. But no matter the size of your business, it deserves a dedicated phone number. You can operate small but still sound big.
Here are three reasons to get a dedicated business phone number on your mobile device:
1. Keep your work and personal lives separate.
With a virtual business phone number on your smartphone, you can separate conversations with a client seamlessly from a casual chat with a friend. This makes it easier to keep your professional and personal lives apart, while still using just one device.
2. 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. You also can set up custom greetings to welcome callers and ensure a positive experience that establishes brand credibility.
3. Never miss a business call.
You’ll be able to make and receive business calls and text messages wherever you are, using both desktop and mobile apps. To ensure your clients 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.
What are the Features of a Business Phone System?
If you’re still uncertain about investing in a separate virtual phone system for your business, here’s a breakdown of key features that highlight how it can serve both your business and its clients.
Extensions: Business phone extensions allow you to route callers to the right person or department at the right time — making sure clients are offered the solution they need in less time. And that’s not all. With informational extensions, you also can share useful details when clients call; think “Press 1 for our business hours” and more.
Call forwarding: This feature redirects any incoming call to another phone number or service. You can choose where to transfer your business calls, such as a voicemail, home phone, or a colleague’s smartphone.
Business SMS: Why stop at business phone calls? Now you can conveniently reach customers with text messages as well. Make client interactions more efficient with quick updates and replies using the same recognizable number for both calls and texts.
An Affordable Business Phone System From Grasshopper
Our partner Grasshopper makes the process of getting a virtual business phone number affordable and stress-free. They have plans starting at just $14 per month. Grasshopper is also the only business phone provider that allows you to have unlimited users under one plan without additional charges.
To learn more about Grasshopper’s pricing plans, visit their page here.
How to get a Second Phone Number for Your Business With Grasshopper
Grasshopper can help you get started in four simple steps:
1. 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.
2. Download the Grasshopper apps.
The desktop and mobile apps provide 24/7 access to Grasshopper — whether from the office, at home, or on the go.
3. Configure your settings.
Getting set up is a cinch with the step-by-step guidance on your desktop and mobile devices. In addition, their award-winning customer support team is available 24/7.
4. Start using your new number.
You’re ready to start receiving and making business calls (and a whole lot more) on a dedicated number with your personal mobile device.
Ready to get your virtual business phone number up and running? Click here to learn more. Grasshopper also offers a 7-day trial with no credit card or commitment.