It’s no secret that an effective communications system is one of the most important investments in itself your company can make. Communication systems are the various processes (both formal and informal) by which information is passed within a business, either between managers and employees, or between the business and external forces like customers. This includes electronic, written, verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication – all of which have a significant impact on the way business is conducted. The goal of any communication is to secure the complete understanding of a message, and so a breakdown in communication – where that message has been lost or misinterpreted – can be devastating for any business.
To prevent a breakdown in communication, it’s crucial that you choose the correct communications system for your company right the offset. Here are some top tips for making that choice:
Understand the importance.
As we’ve touched upon, picking a communications system for your business is a decision which shouldn’t be taken lightly. Rather than opting for the first provider you come across, or sticking with a well-known company, do some research to make sure that your system provides the best value and features for your business.
Assess your company’s needs.
Providers now offer a variety of communication channels and platforms; packages are designed to accommodate any business. Choose a plan that is best suited to yours. Think about the way your company currently communicates – what is essential, what is working well, and what you’ll need to expand in the future. Talk to the competing providers and find out who is offering the most appropriate features for you.
Consider the support provided.
When choosing a communications provider, don’t underestimate the importance of the customer support they provide. Problems will inevitably occur within communications, but when there’s an issue with your system, you need it handling quickly and effectively. Consult other business owners, read reviews, and conduct thorough research on the customer support side of things.
Shop around!
Considering how quickly technology is developing, it should come as no surprise to you that the market for business communication is rapidly expanding. This means that there are plenty of providers to choose from. With this in mind you should be calling around, getting quotes, and generally comparing providers – securing the best deal possible for your company.
Ask about updates.
The business communications industry is fast-growing, so you don’t want to miss out on new features and updates simply because you’re tied to a contract with a provider. Before you sign on the dotted line, ask whether the company is working on any new features and how often they expect to update their technology.
Try a unified system.
Unified communications systems are becoming all the rage; they combine many forms of communication into one platform, ensuring that your company is using its technology as effectively as possible. The Office 365 Roadmap by Addin 365, for instance, helps you to utilise the many features of Office 365, maximising your return on investment in the platform.
