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The blog for Global Call Forwarding has articles on the latest customer service trends, telecommunications technologies, and business news.
Appointment Setter Mistakes and How To Fix Them
9th January 2020 blog, Business Insights

Appointment Setter Mistakes and How To Fix Them

Start Calling With Your Wireless VoIP Phone Set Up With Global Call Forwarding
9th January 2020 blog, Cloud Telephony

Start Calling With Your Wireless VoIP Phone: Set Up With Global Call Forwarding

ITFS
8th January 2020 blog, Cloud Telephony

What is an ITFS Number and How Does it Work?

what is an ivr
28th December 2019 blog, Call Management, Cloud Telephony

What is an IVR?

Measure Website Traffic with Virtual Numbers 5 Simple Steps
13th December 2019 blog, Business Insights

Measure Website Traffic with Virtual Numbers: 5 Simple Steps

How To Get a Virtual Business Address
13th December 2019 blog, Business Phone Numbers

How To Get a Virtual Business Address

make iphone announce calls
11th December 2019 blog, Business Phone Numbers

How To Make Your iPhone Announce Calls

Starting Business Ohio
10th December 2019 blog, Business Insights

Starting a Business in Ohio

Delete Google Voice Number
9th December 2019 blog, Cloud Telephony

How To Delete Google Voice Number

Appointment Setter Mistakes and How To Fix Them

9th January 2020 blog, Business Insights

The job of an appointment setter or call center agent is to call leads and make appointments or sales. Call center agents make multiple calls a day, promote the product, and work hard to generate a sale or appointment. But getting a customer to answer the phone and then stay on the line is a rather difficult job.

Common Mistakes and Solutions to Fix Them

Appointment setters and agents experience great pressure to make sales, as their commissions depend on it. However, you can prepare in advance to decrease the pressure and become a more efficient agent. It is, therefore, essential to be aware of common errors and solutions to fix them. Here are some of the most common ways to perform at the highest level, to achieve the most of your efforts as an appointment setter.

Calling Unqualified Leads

Call center agents and appointment setters may frequently call people that do not match the target audience or ideal customer. These leads are unqualified and they are less-influential prospects.

Fix: Identifying good potential leads helps with time-saving measures. One way to ensure you are calling the right leads is to conduct call center quality assurance (QA). Call center QA will help you identify customer data and create a precise buyer persona. This way, you can focus on contacting the most viable customers.

Straying Away from the Script

Customer service agents may slip away from the script when trying to connect and empathize with a customer. This may lead to a longer and less productive call.

Fix: Sticking to the script and promptly answering queries will demonstrate your qualifications to sell this product or service. It will also demonstrate that you are respectful of your customer’s time.

Ignoring Customer Concerns

Every once in awhile, a customer may ask a question that you’re not qualified to answer. Ignoring the query and moving on with the script will put your customer off, making them less likely to consider your product.

Fix: When this happens, do not ignore the query and move on with your script. Instead, let the customer know that you will find the appropriate response for them and follow up. It will also allow you to answer any other queries or concerns causing hesitancy. Adopt active listening, maintain clear communication, answer any doubts, and deliver unwavering courtesy and respect. If you want to learn more, check out these practical tips we wrote on how to be a good customer service agent.

Disregarding Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is very important. This is where you can identify where you are gaining and losing customers, while also identifying their preferences. This helps when incorporating changes and makes your company more approachable to your target consumer. Not providing customer feedback tools such as surveys or forms, or ignoring feedback received can negatively affect your business.

Fix: Adopt good customer relationship management (CRM) to enable healthy customer interaction. An appointment setter or agent needs to update CRM records. Make notes after a call that can be used as a reference later. Coordinate with marketing teams for information about prospective clients or customers who have previously interacted with your brand.

Mishandling Objections and Rejections

Consumers are often busy and do not have time to answer or indulge in your call. Not being prepared with the right rebuttal may result in the loss of a potential lead.

Fix: Prepare yourself ahead of time with rebuttals. Let your customers know that you are aware that their time is valuable. Tell them that you would like to make an appointment when they are available. They should know that their convenience is a priority. If a customer declines or rejects your service, politely request why or how you could do better. This information is very valuable for CRM records.

Reaching Out During Business Hours Only

Calls during business hours, when a potential customer is neck-deep in their responsibilities, are more likely to go unanswered. As an appointment setter, you need your lead to do more than just answer the phone. It is ideal if they are truly paying attention to what you have to offer. For this reason, calling during business-hours-only is not always productive.

Fix: Call during off-hours as well. This includes early morning or late evening calls, and because they are acutely-timed, they are more successful. Communicating via different media channels can also have a higher response rate. Sending emails and texts gives your clients more time to respond with well-thought-out answers.

Closing: Make Customer Interaction a Priority

Calling customers and leads may prove an exhausting and disappointing job when customer interaction is awkward or error-filled. Keeping just a few things in mind and maintaining a good attitude can go a long way. Global Call Forwarding provides virtual call center solutions to help you maximize your outreach efforts. One option is to have a virtual office, which will allow you to have agents available online at all times of the day. This way, your company is reachable to international customers as well. Sign up for outbound calling for your call center today.

Start Calling With Your Wireless VoIP Phone: Set Up With Global Call Forwarding

9th January 2020 blog, Cloud Telephony

So, you’ve given in to peer pressure and decided to switch to VoIP for more flexible and easy communication. But now you need help setting up your wireless VoIP phone. Global Call Forwarding makes it easy to prepare your phone for incoming and outgoing calls.

Wireless VoIP Phone Systems: Why You Need Them

A voice over internet protocol (VoIP) system allows you to make and receive calls over the internet. Because of this, you don’t need to pay traditional phone line charges or exorbitant long-distance calling fees. You only pay what you sign up for with your virtual phone service provider.

Setting up your wireless VoIP phone with Global Call Forwarding’s service is simple and easy to do. There are different applications you can use that are compatible with our service. Now, since VoIP systems work over the internet, you can use any device to make and receive your calls. For example, you can use your smartphone, laptop, iPad, tablet, or a desk phone. On our Outbound Calling instructions page, you will be prompted to choose between ‘Computer’ and ‘Phone.’ We’ll have a look at how to set up your VoIP on your smartphone.

Wireless VoIP Phone: Android and iOS

To make any of these apps work in configuration with your Global Call Forwarding service, you will need the following information: PIN number, Password, and Domain.

To locate the PIN number for your account:

  • Log into the Global Call Forwarding Control Panel.
  • On the left side, under Account Overview, select Outbound Calling.
  • In the first column, you will see your PIN number.
  • Then, on the right side, click on the Tools icon.
  • A pop-up will appear. Scroll down to Password.
  • Make a note of the PIN number and Password.
  • The domain associated with Global Call Forwarding is mysipaccount.net.

VoIP for Android

If you want to use your VoIP service over your Android phone, select ‘Phone’ from the outbound instructions page. Then, select ‘Android’ from the next dropdown menu. Then, you will have three software/apps to choose from: Zoiper, Grandstream, and CSipSimple. You can also download any of these apps from the Play Store app. After installing any one of the apps, open it and follow the prompts. Add an account by clicking the ‘+’ button, and click on Advanced Settings, if applicable. Next, enter your PIN number (under SIP username, ID, or authentication ID). Then, enter the password and domain, and you should be all set. Once the account is registered, start making calls with your wireless VoIP phone.

VoIP for iOS

Now, if you want to use our VoIP service on your iPhone or iPad, select ‘Phone’ and then iOS (Apple) from the instructions page. You will then be able to choose from Zoiper and Acrobits. These apps can also be found in the Apple Store as well. Install any one app, open it, and follow the prompts like you would for the Android phone. Add a new account and enter your PIN number, password, and domain. This will set your iPhone as a wireless VoIP phone.

Turning Your Laptop into a Wireless VoIP Device

Global Call Forwarding also gives you the option to convert your laptop or home computer into a wireless VoIP phone. On selecting ‘Computer’ from the Outbound Calling instructions page, you can select your operating system (OS): Windows and Mac. And then, download the appropriate software on your desktop to use our service. This way, you can make and receive business calls on your laptop, while multitasking and making call notes. This is a common practice for virtual call centers. Additionally, remote employees find this useful as well, since they need just one device to get all their work and calls done.

VoIP, a Virtual Communication Solution

Having mobile VoIP gives you many additional benefits that improve your communications: good call quality, call connection, group and video chats, and call conferencing. By converting your regular phone or computer to a wireless VoIP phone, you can make calls from just about anywhere. All you need is to set the software up once and then use a good internet connection. VoIP is a convenient and dependable way to ensure you are always accessible, even during international travel. Get equipped with a virtual phone system with Global Call Forwarding today and always stay connected!

What is an ITFS Number and How Does it Work?

8th January 2020 blog, Cloud Telephony

What is an ITFS Number?

An ITFS Number is an international toll free number that can be called with no charge to the person making the call. ITFS stands for International Toll Free Service. These phone numbers enable callers from a certain country to dial a number in a different country without a long-distance charge.

How Does an ITFS Number Work?

While the person making the call does not incur any charge, the person or business that subscribes to the international toll free service gets billed for incoming call activity.

An ITFS number works by forwarding incoming calls internationally. Calls made to an ITFS number can be delivered to other countries using public switched telephone networks (PSTN) or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

International toll free service is particularly useful for customer support and sales in other countries. Let’s assume that a business located in the United States has customers in China. That business would get a China ITFS number. Customers in China could dial the number for free and those calls could be answered in the United States or anywhere else in the world!

Get ITFS numbers

International Toll Free Service versus Direct Inward Dial

Direct Inward Dialing (DID) is a telephone service that enables incoming calls to ring through to a specific phone instead of going to a menu. ITFS also enables incoming calls to bypass a menu and go directly to a phone.

However, the calling party is usually charged a local fee when calling a DID number. Calls to an ITFS number, on the other hand, are completely free of charge.

ITFS Format

The format of ITFS numbers signals to callers that the phone number can be dialed for free. Depending on the country of origination, international toll free service numbers usually start with 800, 0800, or 1800.

International Toll Free Service Around the World

ITFS is available from more than 160 countries around the world. However, the format of the numbers and overall perception can vary across different countries.

United States

For a foreign company wishing to establish a virtual market presence in the United States, the world’s largest economy, a US ITFS number is essential to your success. An ITFS number gives domestic callers access to your company. It allows customers in the United States to reach your foreign offices and virtual call centers at no cost to the customer. Prospective customers and business contacts are more likely to reach out to your company if the call is free.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a major participant in global business, and is a politically authoritative and economically dominant country. Therefore, companies would do well to establish a virtual presence there. Businesses in any country can establish a virtual presence in the UK with an ITFS number. The company simply needs to buy a UK toll free number and forward the calls to the intended destination, anywhere in the world.

Toll free prefixes in the UK include 0800 and 0808, and 0500 (decommissioned in 2017). Toll free numbers are free to call from within the UK. But the cost of calls to the toll free subscriber is dependent upon the international destination. For example, the cost of calls to a business located in the USA differs from calls made to a virtual call center in India.

Germany

Telephone numbers in Germany are confusing because they vary in length. They contain both geographical and non-geographical codes. Cities with larger populations have shorter numbers. Older telephone numbers are also shorter. Therefore, if your company subscribes to a Germany ITFS number, callers in Germany can reach you with ease. The caller can simply dial a toll free number, and not an international dialing code plus an area code, while also paying for the call.

China

China has a population of more than 1.4 billion people. Even the smallest company can gain access to this enormous consumer market, and project an international image in China with an ITFS number. The company simply needs to sign up for an international call forwarding service from China with an ITFS number. This will help the company grow its virtual business presence in China, and enable the firm to compete with large multinational organizations.

A China ITFS number will forward calls from China to a destination anywhere in the world. Call quality is important, and subscribers should look for a service provider that uses Tier 1 network carriers to forward calls from China.

UAE

The UAE is a rapidly emerging market and business center in Western Asia. GCF provides ITFS numbers for the UAE as either 800 plus 6-digit toll free numbers or local numbers with a +971 area code. These numbers allow foreign businesses to establish a virtual business presence in the UAE region. Many businesses have both UAE toll free numbers and local numbers to provide toll free call forwarding to their customers.

If you have these numbers, consider utilizing attendants who are fluent in local dialects and languages. Because of time-zone differences, subscribers should consider setting up a free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that allows a computer greeting system to receive incoming calls from UAE and route them to the appropriate destination based on voice or keypad commands. By using IVR, your customers will appreciate you having gone out of your way to serve them.

India

India is one of the largest countries in the world and many Indian customers transact with foreign businesses. However, businesses extend their reach in India by subscribing to an India ITFS number. An India toll free number gives customers in India a free way to call your business, and will encourage prospects and business contacts to reach out. A toll free forwarding service can be used to route calls from India to your business anywhere in the world.

Related: Toll-Free 2-Way Voice

Get ITFS Numbers

Your business can get multiple ITFS numbers to communicate effectively with customers around the world. You can quickly sign up online and activate your number within minutes! Browse through our online inventory or call us to learn more!

What is an IVR?

28th December 2019 blog, Call Management, Cloud Telephony

IVR stands for interactive voice response. It is a highly effective technology and a simple tool that allows a computer to communicate using a voice and digital tones that are typed into a keypad. In other words, it is the charming voice that lets you know your menu options when you dial a company’s customer service line. The IVR allows customers to interact with its system through their own keypad at home, where they can then be transferred to the point of contact that will best suit their needs. IVR systems are pre-recorded by a human or they can be dynamically generated into audio instructions through a computer “voice.” These systems are also designed to be able to handle a large call volume and can even be used to make outbound calls.

IVR systems are typically used for retail orders, travel information, weather conditions, utilities, mobile purchases, and banking payments. IVRs are sometimes called voice response units, or VRU. These systems are simple and effective tools, but some managers and business owners are unaware of how much they can actually help their companies. The IVR can route phone calls, enable the identification of callers, reduce costs, and increase efficiency within any business.

While IVR systems identify the caller’s intent and route them appropriately, advanced call flows can also prepare agents before the conversation begins. Features like Call Whisper play a short, private prompt to agents after IVR routing—alerting them to the call’s source, region, or purpose before they answer.

what is an ivr
Source: Stockphoto.com O#1202 – ID#100150145640

IVR systems have been around since the 1970s, but they are much more impressive for businesses now. The earliest voice response systems had limited vocabularies, but once more companies began to invest in the technology, telephone lines and hardware evolved and became more intelligent. Today, the software is much more commonplace, therefore it is cheaper, more specialized, and easier to use than ever before.

What can IVR Systems Do?

As previously mentioned IVR’s can create customized greetings that you can choose to record yourself or if you prefer, you can use pre-recorded IVR messages. IVR’s can also collect useful information from callers. When callers listen to your recorded messages, they can choose their best menu option and their calls will be directed to the most useful department, or your customers can choose to contact an agent directly.

IVR’s can also create automated responses to customers’ most frequently asked questions. That way customers can find out the information they need quickly without having to speak to an agent. Having an IVR system also means that your company can now handle a large number of incoming phone calls at once. If your company has been struggling to stay in touch with your customers, the IVR will make sure that each customer gets their needs met or adds them to a queue if every agent is busy. Usually, these systems will have an option to let the caller leave their information in a voicemail so that an agent can call them back if they do not want to wait in the queue.

A feature like IVR Scheduling allows businesses to change how calls are handled throughout the day without manual updates. Calls can be routed to live agents during operating hours and redirected to voicemail or self-service options after hours—all based on predefined schedules.

MonitorsAnyWhere review

IVR: The Best Option for Business Communication

An IVR is such a simple tool that a smaller business can use the system to make their company seem like a larger corporation. Even if there are very few people working for your company, you can still use the IVR as an impressive way to direct your customers to the right professional for their needs.

The Benefits of an IVR System

There are several benefits that happen for a company when you use an IVR system. IVR increases first contact resolution because customers are directed to the most qualified agent for their questions. It also affects the consistency of the agents working for your company. If your agents specialize in one specific area, they will be more efficient at meeting the needs of their customers’ inquiries. This is because they will be skilled with specific problems and will not need to defer to management or other agents.

IVR systems are also cost-efficient since they can replace a customer service agent or receptionist that would usually be in charge of directing calls. Even smaller businesses can afford an IVR system, which makes them an ideal investment for businesses of all sizes. IVR systems are a very professional option since they give customers a chance to be greeted professionally while having their problems handled quickly, or redirected automatically to the right department.

Measure Website Traffic with Virtual Numbers: 5 Simple Steps

13th December 2019 blog, Business Insights

For any company, online or in a physical location, tracking website traffic is a must. With this, you can gain insights into how your business is doing and how it can improve. There are a number of different ways to measure website traffic. Let’s have a look at how you can measure website traffic with virtual numbers.

Why You Should Measure Website Traffic

One of the most effective ways to introduce customers to your brand, product, or service is through a well-developed website. However, how do you know if you have developed your website well enough to get customer calls and leads?

Call tracking is one way to find out how many people are visiting your website and, in turn, calling your business to make a purchase or gather more information. Google Analytics is a common tool used for this purpose. However, there are other ways to determine how well your website is functioning.

So, how can you measure website traffic with the help of virtual numbers?

Step 1: Select a Phone Service Provider That Offers Call Analytics

Research and identify the right phone service provider for your needs. The most important step in call tracking or measuring website traffic is to use a phone service provider with call analytics.

Call analytics give you access to the different areas of call tracking. You can gather information about the duration of your calls, where your calls are coming from, keep records of your leads, and more.

Some providers offer integrations with companies that specialize in customer relationship management (CRM) systems. These tools help you organize customer data and information while tracking call efficiency. With such data, you can identify which marketing strategies are working and how you can improve the others.

Step 2: Purchase Different Toll-Free and Local Virtual Numbers

To identify which of your marketing efforts is most successful, you would first need to create different platforms. And so, focus efforts on developing your website, social media accounts, and email lists.

Then, purchase different virtual phone numbers for each location. For instance, you can have a toll-free number for your website and a vanity number to draw attention to your social media accounts.

Vanity numbers are numbers that you customize with letters or patterns. For example, 800-554-5544 or 1-800-DRINKSS. These make your number recognizable and memorable, attracting customer attention.

Step 3: Place Numbers in Various Marketing Spaces: Website, Print Ads, Billboards, Google Ads

Now that you have your numbers ready, place select numbers on certain platforms. Have your main business number on the website and business cards. And promote vanity or secondary numbers through social media and email marketing. Distributing the numbers will let you keep a record of who is coming from where.

Another option is call-only advertising. Google’s call-only ads encourage customers looking for your company to call it. These are ads that are located at the top of the search result, highlighting your business number and website, enabling the call to occur directly from the link. You are charged on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis.

Step 4: Analyze and Track Incoming Calls

Now, use your call tracking software to pull call detail records and statistics of your incoming calls. Identify how many calls are coming through the website. A caller may have either visited the website and seen your number there. Or, if you are using call-only advertising, they may have called you through the paid ad in the search results. Or, from Google’s mobile search results that offer users a business profile with the website, location, phone number, hours, and more.

Step 5: Measure Website Visitors and Improve

Watch where your calls are coming from. If your website visitors are low, then your calls are probably coming from other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This means that it is time to optimize your website more effectively. Utilize effective strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO) to increase your rankings in Google search results. Add educational and informative content to draw attention from prospective customers. Gradually, your website will move higher in search results and that will drive website traffic.

Develop Your Website as a Way of Gaining New Customers

Company websites need to be well-developed and updated continuously to maintain their rankings in search results. The more website visitors you have, the more attention and clients your company gets. It is, therefore, necessary to do everything you can to support the growth and engagement of your website.

How To Get a Virtual Business Address

13th December 2019 blog, Business Phone Numbers

Companies with a global customer base need a local presence in the countries or states they are conducting business in. Customers need to know they can reach you easily without much hassle. Freelancers, on the other hand, hesitate to provide their home address as their business address in order to maintain a work-life balance. Additionally, a lot of official documents need a business address. So, what can you do to establish your virtual business as a professional one? This is where a virtual business address comes in handy.

Cost-Effective Business Address Option

A virtual business address is basically an address for a location separate from your business or home address. This location can be anywhere, depending on where you want to run or expand your business. Those who run a home-based company or have branches in other states or countries can make use of a virtual business address to establish a local presence. They are generally more cost-effective than renting an office space.

Who Can Make Use of a Virtual Address?

Companies, large and small, can utilize a virtual business address to expand and maintain relations in different markets globally. Enterprises/ business people that can benefit greatly from a virtual address are:

  • Small businesses
  • Start-ups
  • Solo professionals
  • Solopreneurs
  • Self-employed individuals
  • Freelancers
  • Companies looking to expand to other countries.

How to Get a Virtual Business Address

There are different options for obtaining a virtual address for your business. You can get a private mailbox or invest in a virtual mailroom or virtual office. Here’s an overview of how you can maintain mail through these options:

Private Mailboxes

You can sign up for a private mailbox at your local post office. Your address will have a P.O. Box number on it. Cost is usually less than $10/month for most places. However, the rate depends on the size of the box and the duration of use. It is the most cost-effective but has a few drawbacks. Private mailboxes cannot receive packages from other carriers like UPS or FedEX. You can also get a private box through UPS or Pakmail for a slightly higher price. These boxes do not have a P. O. Box number on the address and can receive packages from other carriers.

Virtual Mailroom

Virtual mailrooms provide addresses in a city of your choosing. A virtual mailroom scans and uploads images of your mail to a secure website. You can then decide to have the mail shredded, forwarded to your personal address, deposit checks, etc. Such mailrooms cost more than private mailboxes but offer more convenient services. Companies such as PostScan Mail and Earth Class Mail provide these services. Subscriptions for such services, depending on the type and volume of mail, start at $9.95/month and go up to $60/month.

Virtual Office

If you are looking for a virtual mailroom but also want access to office or conference rooms then a virtual office is the one for you. With a virtual office subscription, you will have the ability to meet customers, hold meetings, and therefore have a stronger local presence. These offices have live receptionists, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) systems, mail forwarding, and professional settings for meetings. And because of these facilities, they are the most expensive of the three with prices starting at $60/month.

Get A Virtual Phone Number To Go With Your Business Address

Now that you have your virtual business address figured out for your mail, it is time to consider virtual phone numbers for your calls. Customers are more likely to get in touch with you through your phone number than any other means of communication. This makes it highly important to invest in a reliable and resourceful phone service that can cover all your virtual needs. You need a phone number that has multiple lines and call forwarding to ensure no call goes unanswered. You can get a local or toll free number for the state or country you are interested in. Get all this and more with a virtual phone number from Global Call Forwarding. Sign up today and let us help you expand globally.

How To Make Your iPhone Announce Calls

11th December 2019 blog, Business Phone Numbers

Want Siri to tell you when your annoying boss or an old friend is calling instead of searching for your phone as it’s ringing? Let’s face it, sometimes we don’t know where our phone is. Other times, we would like to do everything we can to make our lives easier. Having your iPhone announce calls is one more way to make answering your phone convenient. So, how can you make Siri announce calls for you?

Making Your iPhone Announce Calls

Apple is constantly trying to find easier and more handy (or hands-free) ways to use their devices. And Siri has been an invention for this purpose. One of the useful features that come along with Siri is having your iPhone announce calls. This feature came out in 2016 among more than 100 other new features for iOS 10.

With this feature, you will know who is calling you without having to look at your phone. iPhone uses Siri to announce the calls by saying their name out loud. For example, if John Doe is calling, the phone will first start ringing, then the ringtone volume will reduce and Siri will say “John Doe.” If Siri doesn’t know the name of the caller, she will announce the number. The process of making your iPhone announce calls is very easy. To enable this feature, follow the below steps:

make the iphone announce your calls
Source: DepositPhotos.com – Lic#9135188 ID#27446420

iPhone

Step 1: Open “Settings.”
Step 2: Select “Phone.”
Step 3: Then, tap “Announce Calls.”
Step 4: Finally, choose when you want Siri to answer your calls:
• Always
• Headphones & Car
• Headphones Only
• Never

How Can You Use This Feature?

Now you know how to make your iPhone announce calls. But why should you use this feature? Assuming the caller is in your phone contacts, Siri will announce the name of the person calling you. This is a good reason to keep your contacts up to date so that there are no surprises. Otherwise, Siri may announce the number of the incoming call or tell you that it’s an unknown number.

You can determine in what circumstances you want your iPhone to announce calls. Set it up to always announce calls by selecting “Always.” If set to “Always,” Siri will announce the caller through the phone’s speakers only when the phone is in Ring mode. So, if the phone is set on Silent, calls won’t be announced.

Generally, when you are wearing headphones or using the phone hands-free, you can use this feature by selecting “Headphones Only” to let you know who is calling. This way, you don’t have to fish out or locate your phone to see who is calling. Select “Headphones & Car” if you want to answer phones hands-free when driving and when using headphones. Lastly, you can always disable the feature by selecting “Never.”

Customize Incoming Calls

Other ways to know who is calling you are through caller ID or by assigning ringtones to a caller. To set up caller ID functionality, go to “Settings,” scroll to “Phone,” and select “Show My Caller ID” and turn it on or off.iphone

To assign ringtones, open “Contacts,” select the person you want to assign a custom ringtone for. Then tap “Edit,” scroll to “Ringtone,” and select from a list of available tones. Then, tap “Save.”

Get A Virtual Phone Number for Your iPhone

Global Call Forwarding offers virtual numbers for more than 140 countries. You can get a local or international number for your business at a very reasonable price. Virtual numbers route calls over the internet to any device, in any location. Answer business calls on your iPhone, even when you are traveling for business. Sign up for a number with Global Call Forwarding today or contact us for more information at 1-(877)-898-8646.

Starting a Business in Ohio

10th December 2019 blog, Business Insights

With a boom in start-ups and small businesses, Ohio is becoming a popular choice for new enterprises. Expanding to or starting a business in Ohio is an easy task. All you need is determination and the right documents and tools.

Starting a Businesses in Ohio, “the Heart of It All”

Located in the Midwest, Ohio has 88 counties and 247 cities and an estimated population of 11.72 million in 2019. The state is close to densely populated areas of the country like Detroit, Pittsburg, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. This makes the state a hub for transport, businesses, and trade.

Being the 7th largest economy in the U.S., Ohio is continuously expanding in areas of agriculture, aerospace, healthcare, education, research and development, and more. More recently, however, Ohio has also been paying attention to small businesses with 97.9% of Ohio’s companies being small businesses. Ohio’s local resources are encouraging small business growth in industries ranging from retail to clothing to hospitality to technology. The city of Columbus in Ohio created the first Small Business Concierge to assist small businesses with finances and more.

With the range of opportunities and governmental support available, Ohio is a good place to open a new enterprise. So, what do you need to keep in mind when starting a business in Ohio?

Starting a Business in Ohio
Source: DepositPhotos.com – Lic#:2390363 ID#27446420

Step 1: Decide on a Business Name

The business name is your company’s first interaction with the customer. Therefore, you want it to be easy, memorable, and appropriate. Research to see if the name has already been used or may have any potential conflicts. Conduct a trademark search with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Finally, make sure that the name is available with the Ohio Secretary of State’s Business Filing Portal.

Step 2: Create A Business Plan

The next step to starting a business in Ohio is to create a business plan. A detailed business plan will outline:

  • How you plan to proceed with creating this company
  • What factors are necessary to consider for its success
  • Market research and projections to be considered
  • Clear product and services section that explains what you’ll offer and how it meets customer needs.
  • Equipment and software required
  • Expenses and costs (production costs, employee salaries, equipment costs, etc)

Step 3: Choose a Business Structure

Once you have your business plan, you will need to choose a business structure for your company:

  • Doing Business As (DBA): Using a different name than the business name.
  • Corporation: Separate entity that includes shareholders, partners, and directors. More complex than a DBA.
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): Separate entity but doesn’t need directors or officers and provides easy management and taxation. Most popular business structure.

Step 4: Register the Business

It is important to register your new company with the Ohio Secretary of State by providing information and submitting the necessary forms. Also, you must register with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Step 5: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to apply for and obtain an EIN number.

 Step 6: Open Company Bank Accounts

Once you receive your EIN, you can open bank accounts needed to run the business.

 Step 7: Obtain Necessary Licenses & Permits

The Ohio Business Gateway Licenses and Permits will provide you with a list of licenses and business permits. Make sure you obtain the appropriate licenses and documentation.

Step 8: Get a Business Phone Number

Once all of this is done, your company will be registered and open for business. This means it is time to start contacting and attracting customers or clients. To do so, you will need a business phone number. Whether you will be physically located in Ohio or plan on running your business remotely, having a local number will increase your chances of customer interactions. Customers prefer local numbers because they charge less to call. Additionally, consider getting a virtual toll free number because calls made to toll free numbers are charged to the receiver instead of the caller. This makes it even easier for customers to contact you. After getting a business number, market it on billboards, websites, paid ads, etc.

How Can Global Call Forwarding Help?

Global Call Forwarding can assist your efforts in starting a business in Ohio by providing you with a virtual or local business number. Since virtual numbers work over the internet, you can receive calls on any device in any location. These numbers come with additional benefits of call forwarding, which lets you forward calls to a number where it will definitely be answered. This ensures that no call goes missed. Sign up for a toll free number today and get your business on the road to success in Ohio!

How To Delete Google Voice Number

9th December 2019 blog, Cloud Telephony

Switching to a new phone service and want to get rid of your Google Voice number? It’s absolutely doable but a little complicated. However, by following a few steps you can disable your Voice number and over time the number will get passed on to someone else. So, how to delete a Google Voice number? Read on!

Why Do Users Want To Switch From Google Voice?

Google Voice was launched by Google in 2009 after acquiring GrandCentral, the original owners of the service. Voice is a telecommunications service that works alongside existing phone services as a secondary phone number. It offers additional benefits of voicemail transcription, call forwarding, call screening, and SMS capabilities. You can use this number over different devices including laptops and computers, as this service works through the internet and a web-based application. You can download the Google Voice app from Playstore for Android phones or Apple store for iPhones. To access Voice on your laptop or computer, simply log in through its website.

While Google Voice provides all these useful services, there are a few limitations causing its steady decline. These drawbacks are:

Inability to make emergency calls: Users cannot make or receive emergency calls through their Google Voice number. For example, if a user dials 911, it will appear as an invalid number.

Limited international texting:

Users can send text messages to phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada only but can receive messages from all over the world.

Call screening affecting call forwarding:

Users can set up Google Voice to forward calls from the Voice number to the desired number. However, when forwarding, if the desired number does not answer within 25 seconds, the call is rerouted to Voice’s voicemail system. This is Voice’s screening service where it provides caller information for users to decide if they want to answer or not. So, if the call is not answered in 25 seconds, it is considered unimportant and directed to a virtual voicemail, allowing little time to answer.

Delete a google voice number

Source: DepositPhotos.com – Lic#149139873 ID#27446420

No phone support for customer service:

Lastly, Voice has no direct phone support for customers who have queries or concerns about the service. Users can, however, find help through the Google Voice Help Center FAQ or Google Groups’ Voice forum.

How To Delete Google Voice Number

It is important to note you cannot delete your Google Voice account but you can delete call logs, voicemail, and text messages. If you are certain you don’t want or need a Google Voice number, you can disable Voice and then delete the Google Voice number. Since Voice has many pieces that make it work, you have to disable the different pieces in order to fully disable Voice. Let’s have a further look at how to delete Google Voice Number.

Steps to Delete Your Voice Number

Step 1: On your computer or laptop, go to Google Voice’s website.
Step 2: At the top, click on the ‘Menu’ icon and select ‘Settings.’
Step 3: You will be able to see your Google Voice Number here. Turn off voicemail by clicking on ‘Voicemail’ on the left and unchecking the box to ‘Get Voicemail via Message.’
Step 4: Uncheck other services you wish to stop.
Step 5: Enable Google Voice ‘Do Not Disturb’ on the left to stop calls ringing on your personal phones.
Step 6: Then, click on ‘Account’ on the left.
Step 7: And under your Voice number, click ‘Delete.’
Step 8: Finally to confirm, click ‘Proceed’ and that is how to delete Google Voice number.

Note that after deleting your Voice number, you will have 90 days to recover it. After 90 days, the number will be assigned to someone else. Your Google account will be accessible on the computer so you can listen to past call recordings and voicemails, unless you delete them.

Steps to Delete Your Text, Call Logs, or Voicemail

Note that once you delete texts, call logs, or voicemails, you won’t have access to them again. Additionally, you can only delete text messages one at a time. To delete texts, calls, and voicemails:

Step 1: Open Voice on your computer.
Step 2: Open the tab for ‘Messages,’ ‘Calls,’ or ‘Voicemail.’
Step 3: Select the items you want to remove by pointing your mouse over it and clicking the checkmark sign.
Step 4: Then, after making your selection, click on ‘Delete.’
Step 5: Confirm by clicking ‘Delete’ again.

Looking For A New Virtual Phone Service

In the market for a new virtual phone number for personal use or for your business? Consider Global Call Forwarding for your phone number needs. We have local and toll free numbers in over 150 countries and aim to keep expanding. Give us a call today at 1-(888)-908-6171 or check out our website to see how we can help you with our cloud communications solutions.