Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

eVoiceReceptionist has worked great for my business -- it is economical and allows you to have multiple departments that ring direct to one number. It is a toll-free # that costs approx. $20 per month. I had Kall8 before which is very cheap but not as professional -- and lacks the bells and whistles.

You might want to check out this link http://performtoprofit.com. It will help you achieve the most with your very limited time. Learn to manage your time and not the other way around. It helped me a lot, so I'm hoping it could be of help to you too.

My company provides IT, network and computer services throughout the St. Louis region.

You are on the right track and completely understand what you are saying.  Imagine you are the plumber with the head down the toilet, on your back, one leg in the toolbox, and the other up a pipe and your cell rings.  Er, don't think so.

Gotvmail looks very attractive and may be the solution starting off.  However, watch the $$$ charges as you add features.  Don't let the national presence be a priority as it's difficult for you to work in Washington if you live in Florida.  :-)

I use Broadvoice.com and prefer the instate calling and use my own SIP phone.  They call the program BYOP.  For $17.95 you have in-state calling from your end, all incoming calls are free, the perks of Vonage are there, and they do offer the 800 number.  The $17.95 also includes the surcharges and an extra local number I have for another county.

It is nice to have an office phone when not on the road.

Since all of my business will be online wholesale and the site has a contact page, I have decided to use google talke, skype number and a cell phone and I will give hours on the site people can call, I should be okay.  I also have Nokia Tablet with skype and google talk capability, so I should be okay.  When I am out, which is usually at one of two places Starbucks or Borders, as they are my offices, I will have the cell and tablet with skype loaded up with me.

Since I don't have an office or space at home I can see people, will these tools be okay do think until I have the funds to rent a space, a fixed office space?

Check out Google Voice!

www.google.com/voice

It works great for me!

Hi Everybody,

I just wanted to let everybody know that Virtual PBX recently made some changes to their virtual phone plans -- they now all have unlimited extensions and more free minutes, at no extra cost.  Can't beat that, especially in this economy.  Plans start at $9.99/mo and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have about Virtual PBX.

Thanks,

John Coyle

Well some entrepreneurs use a virtual office to get their calls answered and then forwarded to their cell. It looks quite professional and helps them greet their callers with a real person.

Yes, I agree.  A virtual phone service is definitely the way to go.  Please be careful with using the "Virtual PBX" word as that is a registered trademark of Virtual PBX, the company (www.virtualpbx.com).

By the way, their plans are some of the most affordable on the market, starting at $9.99/month, without requiring a year-long commitment.  Check them out.