Over the last couple of decades, communication norms have changed dramatically – so much so that it’s hard to imagine a world wherein NOT being connected while on the go is downright unthinkable. That being said, the concept of making your company communication system mobile (or, at the very least, VIRTUAL) can still be quite daunting. Even with our relative comfort with the Internet (which, along with cellphone technology, made this all possible), the idea sounds difficult to manage.
The funny part is that it’s really not as complicated as you would imagine (although it really is complex). First Things First: Why Go Mobile?
The more appropriate question is: "Why NOT go mobile?" The idea of being available 24/7may sound frightening, but you can’t deny that it does have its benefits. It makes you more productive for one thing, and solving business-related problems can now take far less time than it used to if you can be reached on a phone you carry around with you via a single contact number.
One can even argue that a virtual PBX that is part of a unified communications suite makes it possible for people to use their time more wisely than they ever have before. You can save time by replying to emails via your smartphone, while you’re in a cab on your way to the office or to a meeting. In fact, it’s downright difficult to be competitive without mobile communications. You have to go for it, or risk being left behind by your rivals. How to Go About It.
A lot of people might encourage you to get into it all at once, so you can get it over with. That’s great advice – if you’re the kind of person that can handle it. If you’re a little bit more cautious than that, then you simply have to start slow. Try tinkering with your smartphone, if you already have one, or get one for yourself (an iPhone or BlackBerry is ideal for work, but Android phones are great too). Either way, you need to explore and become comfortable with the technology. Find apps that can increase your productivity and encourage multi-platform connections.
You can also dip your toes into mobile communication for business by delving into virtual PBX technology offered by virtual phone service providers like RingCentral (which review sites hail for having all the features you’ll need), or looking into virtual telephony options like Google Voice (its voicemail capabilities are awesome). If you’re not sure you want to get into voice-based calling yet, you can try out free Internet fax services first, and use your email (or relevant apps) to send and receive faxes via a smartphone.
There are many ways you can try out mobile communication before committing to it – you just have to make sure that you go beyond "trying" and move on to "doing" soon.