by Crystal Watts
In business, there are many benefits when calls are managed effectively and efficiently. Several benefits include increased productivity, improved time management and forecasting for upcoming meetings, events, trainings or other scheduled activities. Efficient call management also reduces costs and the number of staff members needed to monitor and manage calls. Effective call management is designed to supports environments interested in increasing customer relations, employee satisfaction, increased moral and improved processes.
Google voice is an application that provides a single phone number that will forward calls to all of your preferred phone numbers. Calls are saved online in voicemail and are automatically transcribed into text and readable like email. Google Voice can integrate with your personal phone address book or Google contacts. The application also provides the ability to listen to your messages real time, setup call blocking, and create custom greetings. Other benefits include a custom number, call forwarding and recording, conference calling, mobile Apps, and the ListenInTM feature which lets you know why people are calling before committing to take their calls. Make international calls through Google Voice easily and inexpensively. All calls made within the US and Canada are free. International calling ratesare posted online.
Step 1: Go to the Google’s Voice website (http://google.com/voice).
Step 2: Login to an existing Google account or register to create a new Google account. Afterwards, you will be prompted to complete the Google Voice account setup.
Step 3: Pick a new Number. During this process you are prompted to select a location of choice. Enter a specific area code, city, state or your own search words.
Step 4: Setup call forwarding to a preferred phone. Calls can be forwarded to any number. For example, calls can be sent to a cell phone, home phone, office phone or multiple phones. When sent to multiple phones, the call is answered by the first pickup.
Step 5: Activate Google voicemail on the phone. Select the link (Activate Google voicemail on this phone) and a pop-up window will appear with instructions and a personalized set of numbers to dial and active Google voicemail on the phone.
Step 6: Customize the phone options and preferences. Google voicemail settings can be accessed by selecting the hyperlink (Settings > Voice Settings). Settings include setup of Phone, Voicemail & Text, Calls, Groups, Call Widgets, Billing, and Account.
Step 7: Distribute the new number to contacts and business associates. Distribution of the new number can be accomplished via several options. For example, create and send an announcement via an email or newsletter, have new business cards printed with the number, or promote the new number on an existing website or blog.
Step 8: Get the mobile App for an iPhone, Blackberry, or Android (http://m.google.com/voice). Google Voice for mobile allows users to manage calls via their cell phone. Users can make outgoing calls from the Google Voice number, read voicemails received like an email, send and receive free text messages.
From Helium published on August 26, 2010