In the current recession, a lot of people are starting businesses not because they want to but because they have no jobs. For such individuals, saving money while appearing professional is crucial. A new hosted service called my1voice, offered by Ottawa-based Protus, will help them do that. It provides a business number and office phone features starting at $10 per month. Companies can have incoming calls forwarded anywhere, to any number of employees.
The service allows businesses to have one number for all their incoming calls no matter how large they grow. The number can be local or toll-free. Calls can be forwarded to any number of extensions, and each extension can ring any number of phones – mobile, landline or even extensions of other office systems – simultaneously or in order. Forwarding can vary by time of day or other rules. Other features include a virtual receptionist, dial-by-name directory and call screening. Enhanced voice mail allows access to messages by e-mail, online or by phone.
The cheap rate won't keep a growing business satisfied for long. The $10 package allows for only 150 minutes of calls, with each forwarded call using some of those minutes. When – or even before – a business doubles in size to two employees, it will need a higher-priced plan. A $30 package buys 1,000 minutes, and $50 buys 2,000. But no matter what call volume it reaches, the company will always be able to use just the one number it started with.
I don't know that I'd say these people DON'T want to start businesses. I'd merely say that not having a job is the motivation that they've always needed to finally pursue their goals of business ownership. Just a thought! :)
Posted by: Marcus | 11/14/2009 at 07:01 PM