The VoIP space has undergone some changes in recent years, thanks to new technology trends like cloud computing, mobility and BYOD. While VoIP is still a hot commodity and very much part of the communications world, its position has shifted and VoIP and managed VoIP services are part of a much larger picture.
As such, service providers offering VoIP solutions are now vying for dominance in an increasingly competitive and crowded market. With pricing for VoIP services relatively static, managed VoIP providers must come up with different ways to stand out and gain notice. A recent Business 2 Community article highlights several ways VoIP service providers can differentiate themselves from the crowd.
Scalability is a big deal in today’s fluctuating business climate, and organizations want to ensure their communications solutions may be easily built out – or scaled back – to deal with shifts in demand. According to a recent survey from Software Advice, SMBs are most interested in reliability and scalability when making the switch to a new phone system. Proving your VoIP solution meets these criteria is essential for differentiating your business and winning new customers.
Mobility equals money in the current technology landscape, and any good managed VoIP offering will provide options for mobile usage as well as desk phones. Being able to support your clients’ BYOD and mobility needs will go a long way toward helping your business stand out. Security is another important factor, and clients and prospects are going to want to know their options for privacy and security well in advance of making a purchase. By helping to educate clients and prospects about security risks and solutions, you can help them feel confident about choosing your company and managed VoIP service.
Another great way to differentiate your VoIP offering is to become a one-stop shop for all of your clients’ managed VoIP needs. Most organizations are looking for a comprehensive solution, from the planning and design process all the way to post-installation service and support. Ensuring that your customers understand your role throughout the process will instill confidence in your company and their choice.
Along those same lines, acting as a trusted adviser to your customers will go a long way toward earning their respect and business. Your customers should understand that you have their best interests and core business initiatives at heart when helping them make a decision on a managed VoIP offering, and giving them personalized service and support is the ultimate way to stand out from competitors.