Wondering if maybe you can get by without a second line for your business? Well, think again. A second phone number brings professionalism to any situation, and even if your clients can’t see it, they’ll know the moment they call you.
If you need further convincing as to why you need a second phone number for work here are the key benefits that they can offer.
Work-Life Balance
Staying in touch with your personal life is important, even if you’re a business owner. With the popularization of the smartphone, it’s easier than ever to make sure our work phones don’t interfere with our social lives by setting boundaries that help us separate our time between family, friends, and clients.
We recommend setting strict boundaries and rules that whom you speak with when, what you do on your phone when not working (e.g., set times of the day in which you will NOT take calls), and how much personal time is acceptable to use.
On that note, there are apps for smartphones that let you differentiate between work calls and personal calls. It’s possible to keep these two aspects of your life completely separate when necessary.
Professionalism
No matter where you’re at or who you’re with, having a business line provides a sense of professionalism. It also gives others the idea that your company is credible and legitimate and can help provide confidence for potential clients. After all, it’s easier to trust someone who has a business line since it implies stability.
If your phone solely has your personal number on it, potential clients may think you aren’t genuinely committed to your business. A separate line provides professionalism and reliability, which will help establish the right impression about who you are and what you do.
Knowing that the incoming call is one for the business also helps you ensure that the call is answered professionally. If it’s a personal call, then you know that you can answer in the way that fits the situation.
Convenience for Your Client
How does this work? Well, let’s say someone needs your services on the weekends when only your personal line is available (since most of us aren’t working during those times). If there is no other way for them to get hold of you, they’ll simply take their business elsewhere.
Providing your client with an out-of-hours helpline number means that they can call or text your personal number that you’ve given them when they need help, whether it’s on the weekend or later into the evening. Hopefully, it won’t be used very often, but it does mean that clients feel that their needs are being met and you’re providing higher levels of assistance than your competitor.
Privacy
Calls from your business line are easily distinguishable since you can program each line with a different ringtone. This helps filter out the professional calls, so you don’t have to answer if it’s not necessary. Equally, that phone call from your friend is easily spotted when you’re trying to get that proposal finished.
Moreover, having a business line also prevents people from asking for favors without compensation because not only does it imply an establishment of business but also implies a professional relationship between business partners. If someone knows they can’t bother you during work hours, they’re more likely to offer payment or some other form of recognition to avoid being a nuisance.
Keep Work Contacts in One Place
Distinguishing business contacts from personal ones can be difficult sometimes, especially if you have a common name. Using multiple phone numbers for one purpose makes it easier to manage and track your contacts. You can even keep track of all those pesky sales calls by blocking them as long as both your lines are with the same service provider.
Final Words
Even though having two phone lines is not required, they offer convenience and peace of mind knowing that work doesn’t interfere with pleasure. Even if you don’t mind mixing business and family time or missing out on potential business because you forgot to turn off your ringer at the beach, chances are the next person looking for a professional solution won’t be as understanding.
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