VoIP for the Lone Worker

When VoIP first appeared on the technology scene, it was viewed as a toy for tech savvy people. As usage grew slowly, it became a way for consumers to bypass traditional phone operators. VoIP usage exploded after the 90s with the introduction of broadband Internet which was much faster than the previously slow dial-up connections.

As the quality and reliability of VoIP calling improved to the point where few people can tell the difference between VoIP and PSTN calls. At this point businesses started adopting VoIP as a way to cut costs and benefit from the advanced features that VoIP could offer. Today VoIP has become the default standard for VoIP communication and looks all set to replace the PSTN sometime in the next decade.

In spite of the popularity of VoIP, some people still harbor misconceptions about the technology. For instance, some business owners thought that VoIP is suitable only for large multinational corporations. Others thought that deploying VoIP would take too much time.

The truth is that VoIP technology offers flexibility and scale. It means that it can adapt to the needs of any type and size of organization. Whether you are a one-man startup, a small business with 15 employees or a multinational corporation with offices in several countries, VoIP can work for you.

Voice Calling for the Lone Worker

Many people work alone these days, launching their own business or working as freelance contractors. The option of being your own boss has become attractive in many fields including design, coding, photography etc. However most freelancers use their mobile phone as a primary means of communicating with clients or business partners. For the most part, they feel that VoIP is either too expensive or too complicated for their requirements.

Mobile phones are the most popular choice for entrepreneurs. Our smart phones can do many things but they still don’t offer any business specific features that are appropriate for an entrepreneur or a freelancer. For example, you can put a caller on hold but you can’t play custom music for them. Callers can leave a voicemail but you can’t record different messages for certain groups. You don’t get call routing, visual voicemail, digital faxing etc. or any other basic enterprise feature.

VoIP for Entrepreneurs, Freelancers And Other Lone Workers

You might think that a single person startup is too small to bother with a VoIP PBX. But the truth is that as a business owner, your requirements will be different from the average individual. Getting started with VoIP doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. A hosted VoIP connection would be the best choice if you work alone. Many vendors offer free demos or a short trial so you can test out their service without any commitment. Since your business has just one employee – you – you can start using the phone as soon as you sign up.

What Can VoIP Do for You?

Whether you’re a startup or a small business, you have to present a professional image when someone calls. A hosted VoIP connection can do that for you. You can play hold music or a pre recorded message giving details (such as when you work, when you’re not available etc) for callers. Most people underestimate the power of such small things but it can make a difference when it comes to snagging your next client.

With VoIP you are no longer restricted to a single number or device. Your number is not tied to a single device. You can answer calls on any device that you happen to have with you at the time. A client does not have to know when you are at home, at a shared office space or on the road. They call the same number each time but you can answer it on your mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desk phone.

Nowadays audio and video calls are quickly replacing face-to-face meetings even in large organizations. For freelancers or entrepreneurs, these options are even more attractive. You can make group audio calls or video calls using the same hosted VoIP number. There is no need to pay extra as most providers include this feature even in the most basic plan.

Having a separate VoIP number dedicated to your business can help with the financial aspect of running your own business as well. If you use your personal smartphone for your business, it can be hard to claim such expenses on your tax return. If you have a separate connection, all those bills can be claimed as a business expense with appropriate receipts. Keeping business and personal expenses separate gives you a better picture of how much you’re making, profits or losses etc.

There’s nothing wrong with using a smartphone for your business but VoIP brings so much more to the table. So why not take advantage of it?