We’re only human, everyone makes mistakes. I never make the same mistake twice. I make it five or six times just to be sure.😉 But mistakes are not the problem, not learning from them is. If you are new or thinking of joining the telecommunications industry, keep reading to learn how to prevent them.
Under/Over Estimating your Business Needs
Who knows where you or your organization will be in 3 months or 3 years. If you are new to the industry, it is hard to know exactly what you need. You could purchase way too many extensions or not nearly enough storage space. Some organizations find themselves stuck in contracts with providers, spending double what they estimated for start-up costs or not having enough phones for their employees.
Whatever the case, it is important to work with a provider who offers scalable products. The last thing you want is to be stuck with someone who prevents you from growing (or downsizing if need be). Scalability and flexibility are very important in telecom. Especially if you are selling it!
Not Using Protection
Buying the extra warranty sure comes in handy when you need it. But when you don’t, do you ever wonder what you could have done with that extra cash? Too many people think “that won’t happen to me”, but businesses who are using or selling VoIP are exposed to SIP attacks every day. Some attacks can cost a company thousands of dollars in a matter of seconds.
Protect your business by installing a monitoring system and getting protection against SIP attacks. Did you know, you can purchase insurance strictly for hacking? If you get hacked, the monitoring system will notify you right away and the insurance will save you if the damage is worth thousands of dollars. Don’t lose another dollar to toll fraud and watch this fraud protection webinar.
Not only do you have to prepare for internal damages like hacking, but you also need to think about external problems. Of course, you will have insurance on your office and equipment but if a natural disaster hits your operations will be down.
A proper unified communications solution is hosted and cloud-based. On-premise versions, aka a physical server, can get damaged and worst-case become unsalvageable. Hosted will secure your data safely in the cloud in the event of a fire or flood. It is always important to have a ‘plan b’ set in place.
Not Prioritizing Voice
Whether you’re using VoIP or selling it, voice needs to be a priority. Voice has no tolerance and you can’t wait for a word to catch up to a sentence like you can wait for an email to load. Some virtual platforms on the market were NOT made for voice. Some of these machines were not organically manufactured and are known as “copy cats”. It is important to choose a provider who offers a virtual platform specifically for voice. For example, Bicom Systems’ SERVERware is the only virtual server dedicated to communications. We manufactured in house, making it easy to find and repair problems if they arise.
You’re Reselling Products with Your Providers Logo on Them
Two words. White-label.
Another three words. Get it now.
If you are not selling white-label products, what is stopping your customers from going straight to the provider? Or in some cases your provider going directly to your customer.
It is safe to assume that when your customer is approached by a company with the same logo as what’s on their operating system, they will trust it’s not spam. They may not know any different and pay their fees like normal. This sounds unethical but look at this story.
You think you know what you’re doing
You may be a great salesperson, but that doesn’t mean you are the “IT guy”. Telecommunications is a competitive industry and VoIP can be difficult to understand and implement. Faced with unfamiliarity, you should partner with an experienced telephony provider.
An experienced MSP will support you through the transition and help you enter the industry in a “safe” way. The risk is minimal and you can focus on what you’re good at, selling. Think of it like learning to ride a bike and an MSP is your training wheels. You will learn the system, discover its features and understand firsthand how to use the products.
You are an impulse shopper
Would you buy the first house you saw? The first car you test drove? Those are investment purchases just like telecom providers and vendors! There are MANY options on the market. All you have to decide is what is best for you. But if we go back to the previous mistake, you think you know what you’re doing.
Working with a telecommunications agent will make the overwhelming process of choosing a provider easier. Telecom agents connect customers with service providers in the industry. They will find you the best match based on your needs and preferences. Take a look at the benefits of working with a telecommunications agent here.
In life and business, you will make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you will be a better person and business owner. If you have any questions comment below or send our sales team an email at sales@bicomsystems.com.