Top five ways to optimise for 2019
A new year brings new opportunities. A chance to start fresh – and that goes for your communications as well.
For many people the start of the calendar is a great time to look for deals with yearly insurance, etc. Communications are exactly the same. The cost can often range wildly from provider to provider – even for similar services. You’re already in a “starting fresh” mindset, so now is the time to determine if you need to make a switch.
For example, take a look at this list. Do any of these ring a bell?
- Your internet connection lags during the day.
- Speed varies – and isn’t available exactly when you need it.
- You don’t use enough of your bandwidth.
- You have too many phone lines that aren’t being used.
- You don’t have enough phone lines so customers can’t contact you.
- You don’t have a sophisticated SIP (VoIP) system that can handle higher traffic.
- Your phone and internet system has too many features you don’t use.
If so, now is the time to conduct a full assessment of how you can get a better internet and overall communications deal.
Here are the five steps you need to take to ensure you’re prepared for the new year.
- We recommend a yearly 'self-audit' of your communications requirements.
- Technology and pricing changes rapidly; ensure you're getting the best deal.
#1. Compare yourself to the market average
Business telecommunications services can increase in price every year, and often with no reason. It’s a great way for providers to earn money for doing…nothing. Which is exactly why you need to take this opportunity to analyse your charges and compare them to the average.
You can do that yourself, by calling up various providers and see what kind of deals you can get. (Be sure to check that you’re comparing charges for your local area, not just your city overall…you aren’t likely to get good comparisons that way.)
Of course, you don’t have to do this on your own. eComms can do this for you with a free audit of your expenses, leases, maintenance agreements, etc.
Or, why not do both?
#2. Do you have enough of everything?
You might have connections, but are they actually doing enough for you?
Think about:
- Your internet. Is it speedy, or sluggish?
- Do you struggle to connect during certain times of the day?
- Do you have too much bandwidth? You may be over provisioned for your current requirements.
You may be under or overpaying for what you get. Conduct an assessment (or again get eComms to do it for you) and see where you stand.
#3. Are you SIP (VoIP) ready?
Think phones are just phones? Not so much. The old ISDN and PSTN tech is getting shut down, and soon everyone will be moving over to SIP (VoIP) technology.
If you’re using an older ISDN system or you’re unhappy with your current SIP setup, now’s the time to make a change. eComms can conduct an assessment of your current bandwidth and usage patterns to see if you can get a better deal.
The tech is changing anyway. If you’re on an older system, you might as well make the move now.
#4. Is your system just inefficient?
Do you have duplicated services? Are you paying for too many phone lines? Are you paying for services in one area that another is giving you for free?
For example, you might be paying your provider for voicemail and other services like call forwarding, but your technical phone hardware offers this at no extra cost anyway. You’d be paying extra for nothing! eComms can conduct a free assessment to see if you have the right number of channels, services and if you’re paying extra for things that you can already get for free!
#5. …do you know what your actual usage is?
Think about how your business uses voice traffic, versus how much you’re actually paying. Do a detailed breakdown of minutes, hours, days, weeks and months to see when your voice needs actually peak. Many businesses find that they spend too much money year-round on high capacity phone systems when they only need them at certain times!
If your system has reporting capabilities, this should be an easy task. If not? Well, eComms can help you there as well with an assessment.
It’s never too late to find savings
Of course, the start of the year isn’t the only time you can find savings for your telecommunications plans…but it’s often one of the best. You’re in the mood for fixing things and renewing objectives. What better time to set yourself up for success?
Contact us today for a free audit of your business communications.
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