Technology: How Your Business Can Get More For Less

Majority of companies are avoiding spending money in 2011, and maybe throughout this recession, and focusing on making money. However, the demands for better technology, efficient communication, new customers, and fulfilled prior customers is still at an all-time high. Companies are facing challenges like keeping up with the rapid growth in technology, faster and more reliable communication expectations, expansion and travel, and customers want more for less.  How can you get all this accomplished and not spend unnecessary money or possibly any more than you already are?

In the Telecommunications industry the technology is already there, with an availability for more options and features than ever before.

  • Combining and consolidating. Multiple services like voice, data, and Internet can be combined and costs consolidated to save companies money. A Telecom Broker can assist you with consolidating all your services into one package or one bill, including ongoing maintenance and a Telecom Broker available any time you need one.  
  • Efficiency and reliability. VOIP solutions enable companies to be connected to their customers clearly and directly.
  • Packages and Promotions. Typically a company can get more for less because of various carrier promotions and wholesale pricing NWMAP Telecom Brokers have access to.
  • Current products are designed to be easily integrated into a company’s existing system. NWMAP ensures seamless transitions.
  • Security. Data solutions will keep businesses connected, secure and stable. For example, MPLS Flex provides superior security between multiple locations.  

Implementing New Technology In Your Business

The continuous growth of new technology available for the workplace presents an atmosphere of rapid change that will not slow down any time soon in the near future. Numerous businesses have experienced the process of implementing new technologies and the various issues that creep up, from an overall lack of employee acceptance to unexpected minor malfunctions. The caveat is, despite some of the nuances, new technologies are necessary for a business to remain competitive, relevant, and increase profit margins.

The proper and efficient use of new technology in the workplace is crucial. The younger generations beginning to enter the workforce are tech savvy and widely accept the evolving nature of technology, but all employees need to be on board for a technological implementation to be successful and beneficial. One way of doing this is to provide plenty of training, specific for various departments if necessary, and during and after training to disperse an employee evaluations survey of how effective the training is and thoughts about the new implementations.

When implementing new technology, you require as many people on your team as possible. Technical difficulties can be avoided if you have a team or Agent to work with you during the implementations process. For instance, NWMAP offers the services of their Telecom Brokers to assist from beginning to end; shop for a low cost specific plan for your business, have the experience to know what to troubleshoot and how to move the installation along, provide moving services for successful transfer of technologies, and consulting with on-site visits to help you make choices without resorting to confusing technical jargon.

Client Versus Sales

There is a sense of accomplishment of really doing what is right for the client versus having the burden of selling something that is not the best fit for the client. The focus is on one or the other in any typical company involving sales. We notice it when we shop at specific stores- some are there to sell you something…anything! They may talk you into products you aren’t even looking for.  And some associates are there to help you find what you specifically want or need- they are there for YOU. The latter takes patience, experience, and communication.

These differences in customer service and sales approaches can be identified in the telecom industry.  There are sales agents whose primary goal is to sell you services and/or products- that’s it. They will not likely take into consideration precisely what you need and want for your business. They would also like to close a sell with you as quickly as possible, not searching for specific products and packages complimentary to your needs at the lowest pricing available. The lower the price the lower their sales commission; basically, their goal versus your goal! Their job depends on selling you something you don’t need. They don’t stand to make as much money helping you in the future either- you may never talk to them again. Another common trait among sales agents with superficial goals is a lack of experience. Anybody with experience knows the customer must be the focus, at first contact and all through the sales process into the future as well.

NWMAP has been in the Unified Communications and Telecom industry for numerous years, but they still consider themselves customer service experts first and foremost. Lennie Green, a current Master Agent for NWMAP states: “My success comes from helping my customers be successful.”

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Telecom Broker

Outstanding  customer service is what a Telecom agency should be all about. Telecom Agents/Brokers can possess impressive telecommunications verbiage and tech speak, but experience and customer service dedication outweigh tech speak any day. It’s like judging a book by it’s cover- don’t be fooled. The telecom business is crawling with sales agents and each one wants to impress you with their spiel. How do you make a wise decision without being persuaded by a well-articulated tech spiel about products and/or services you don’t need?

Believe it or not, being aware about customer service practices and your expectations is more important than being tech savvy when choosing a  Telecommunications Broker. Another helpful tip; Choosing your Telecom Agency (MasterAgency) should be done prior to deciding on which Unified Communications/ Telecom Carriers you are interested in. Questions to ask yourself and a Telecom Broker:

  1. How much experience? How long has the Telecom Agency been in business and also how long have the Master Agents been working there?
  2. Are they concerned with providing a specific plan for YOUR business?
  3. When I have an issue, who will be there to answer my questions?
  4. In what part of the process is my Telecom Broker involved in?
  5. Do I have to pay for a quote from the Telecom Broker?

These questions will give you an optimal head start. Because there are so many consistently new Unified Communications products and services available to your business, the determining factors for where you take your business and who you trust comes down to experience and superb customer service.

NWMAP offers free quotes, customer service first promise, and agents with 20+ years experience individually.

Unified Communications and Security

We often hear about security issues on our facebook or twitter account, but what about the security and potential risks within your own business. Truth is, it’s not a common topic of discussion unless it’s the foremost concern for a reason (security breach or malfunction) and/or you are designing a new data/information system specific to your business. Either way, a solid plan can only be accomplished if both you and your Telecom Broker are working together to prevent potential risks or keep some from never occurring…again.

If nothing has ever happened, it can give you a false sense of security and just because you have an updated Unified Communications system, doesn’t mean you are protected. There is always some level of risk, but you must decide what is acceptable for your business. Everyone must be on board; Business owner, IT Manager, Telecom decision makers, CIO, and anyone else who might be able to communicate to your Telecom Broker the best Unified Communications plan for your business. Telecom brokers can help you decide who has access to what information, who has limited access, what data is monitored and managed by who.

It is typical for a Telecom Broker to offer you solutions, but you need to offer information about your enterprise’s specific risks and issues. Doing so will put your bsuiness at a lower level of risk. It only takes one time; security issues can wreak havoc on a business. Ask a Telecom Broker at NWMAP about including VoIP and SIP trunking in your network security policies.

sources: http://unified-communications.tmcnet.com/unified-communications/departments/articles/114537-sip-trunking-unified-communications-security-what-need-know.htm