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Generally, if a business is small, the blending of the personal and professional can be natural, and the need for a phone used exclusively for business might not be apparent. In the starting days of a business, your personal smartphone is likely to cater to the needs of both you and the business as the challenges of accounting, contact acquisition and incorporation and social media management are still not great.
However, as the business grows, professional phones will become increasingly necessary because of the demands of the business. The solution might seem as simple as going to the nearest store and buying smartphones for both you and your colleagues, but looks can deceive. There is a lot to take into account when choosing the perfect phone for your business needs.
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Consider the specific needs of your business
In many ways, technology has changed the way businesses operate and will continue to influence the world of business for the foreseeable future, which is exactly why your chosen business phone model should be chosen according to the needs of your business.
When choosing, consider which members of staff absolutely need a business phone and for which it would be more of a hindrance than anything else. Also consider the norm of communication in your company, and how often the employees communicate internally and externally via phone.
Ask yourself if text messaging could be the preferred mode of communication and whether or not the employees also travel for work and how available they need to be during working and non-working hours. The longevity of the phone also needs to be taken into account as well as your repair service’s ability to provide you with the services you need.
Pick apps carefully
Depending on the model, the apps available to your phone may vary. It is well-known that iOS, Android and Windows devices all have different apps, but the fact is easily overlooked. Sometimes, these software options are not mutually compatible or complementary, which could potentially disrupt the workflow. For example, Apple iPhones at digiDirect could be the go-to option if Apple products are generally used by your employees and clients, due to Apple’s seamless integration of different devices.
Security is a top priority
While business phones offer many benefits, they also come with considerable risks. There’s always the possibility that an employee forgets their phone somewhere, as well as the more unfortunate possibility of hacking or theft. Typically, a lot of confidential and sensitive data is stored on a single business phone. From personal information and contacts to financials, there’s a lot you’ll want to avoid falling into the wrong hands, which is why measures must be taken to minimise the risk. Certain models are easier to protect as they offer stronger password options and data encryption and can be disabled remotely should the need arise.
Long live the battery
Another phone specification which is essential is the battery’s life span, and while those who work primarily from the office can usually find a way around the battery going dead at the most unfortunate time, those who travel for work could find themselves in an uncomfortable situation if their battery dies on the road, so it’s advisable to pick a phone with a reliable battery.
Consider the cost
While budgeting is important, it’s also important to factor in the cost of being stingy. A business should have a sound phone service plan which is the optimal fit for the needs of the business. Consider the down payment for the phone, the cost of monthly service fees and any additional costs (such as repairs of affordable, low-quality models).
Coverage shouldn’t be overlooked
Closely related to the price is the coverage your phone carrier provides, which is why the cheapest option is not always the best. Good coverage will ensure that there are no obstacles when connecting to your clients and will save you a lot of trouble with missed calls, unavailable service or poor connection quality.
Take other specifications into account
There are also other specifications to take into account when choosing a business phone. Among them are the quality of the camera, the memory available on a device and the power available. Of course, which of these specifications are factored in is largely going to depend on the specific needs of the business. For example, you won’t need a very powerful device with a flawless camera unless recording and streaming are an integral part of your business.
Final thoughts
As was previously stated, the most important criteria for choosing a business phone are going to depend on the requirements of the business. This includes the industry as well as job specifics for different positions, and while choosing a business phone might seem trivial in the global scheme of things, it’s going to have a profound effect on how you conduct your business.
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