Outsourcing Business Functions? VoIP Can Help
Outsourcing is defined as the practice of transferring non-core business activities to outside or foreign suppliers instead of completing them internally. This strategy is used by many startups and businesses because it gives them access to a global talent pool, helps them save on costs, and lets them focus on key areas of the business. Some of the common functions outsourced by companies include accounting, Human Resource (HR), customer service, manufacturing, as well as executive or administrative tasks.
Taking the first steps towards outsourcing can seem like a daunting task. But with the help of various technologies, especially Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), businesses can easily achieve success and profits through outsourcing.
Below are some of the ways VoIP technologies can help businesses maximize the benefits of outsourcing:
Cut costs with VoIP’s low national and international calling rates
Perhaps one of the greatest reasons VoIP is perfect for outsourcing is the low national and international call rates offered by providers. Whether outsourcing nationally or globally, a reliable and low-cost communication solution is key to ensuring that companies and their outsourcing partners are on the same page when it comes to projects or tasks. Businesses can communicate with their employees or partners without fear of incurring hefty long distance charges and fees. In fact, most VoIP providers offer unlimited calling in the United States and Canada and significantly lower call rates to other countries when compared to a traditional PSTN system. And most providers offer free on-network calling, too!
Recruit candidates and train employees without having to travel
In the past, companies with overseas outsourcing operations were often burdened with large travel bills due to recruitment, training, and meetings. VoIP’s cost-efficient features can make it easy for companies to find the right provider or employee without having to spend time and money for travel. VoIP tools such as video conferencing, for instance, can be used by businesses to screen and interview candidates. Training and meetings can also be held online using this feature, along with other collaboration features like file sharing, instant messaging, and a conference bridge.
Extend call center operations
Many businesses find it beneficial to use outside firms to take care of call center operations like customer service or technical support rather than to maintain their own in-house staff. Other businesses also combine their outsourced services with their in-house call center to increase capacity or to provide 24/7 phone support to customers.
VoIP makes it possible for businesses to run and extend their call center operations with its advanced set of phone features, including auto attendant, call analytics, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software integration. Businesses can also make use of local or international virtual numbers which could be customized to route incoming calls to an overseas call center after-hours, during weekends, or when there is a large volume of calls.
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing lets business owners avoid getting bogged down by tedious tasks and helps them shift their time, attention, and resources to activities that help the business grow and succeed. And with the help of VoIP, businesses can innovate and improve their competitive advantage even further through recruitment efforts, low cost calling, and collaboration features that are not limited by national or international boundaries.