Business Connections by Adams

S P R I N G 2 0 1 9 7 BUSINESS connections Expandable and Affordable Allworx Phone Systems Do you have an aging phone system that needs replacement? Are you ready to upgrade to a VoIP solution? Adams offers IP-based Allworx phone systems that provide many advantages including: • Flexibility to expand as your business grows • Enterprise-grade features at small-business prices • Improved cost efficiency and call management • Easy to use • Future-proof technology Whether you have a single location with a few phones or run a business with multiple sites, there’s an Allworx phone system for you. What’s more, since VoIP phones can be used anywhere with an Internet connection, they’re ideal for employees to use during work-from-home days. To learn more about Allworx phone systems or our other VoIP phone options, call Adams at 217-214-8708. We’d be happy to answer your questions or schedule a demo. It can be challenging to know which form of communication to use for any given business conversation. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and if you pick the wrong one, it can lead to wasted time or miscommunication. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide: Email to Create Documentation Email is the most popular form of business communication, and reviewing and replying to these messages takes up a sizable portion of many people’s workdays. You’ll probably choose email for most of your messages since it creates a “paper trail” if you later need documentation of the details exchanged. Email has its downsides, however. Tone can be easily misinterpreted in written messages. Email is also a time- consuming and inefficient way to have an extended conversation, since hours or even days may transpire between sending and receiving. Chat for Quick Exchanges and Clarifications Many businesses now use business messaging apps such as Slack for internal chats, especially if they have team members working remotely. Chat works well when you need to have a real-time exchange such as getting a quick answer to a question. You’re likely to get a faster response with chat than you will with email. Of course, if a chat exchange goes on so long that your fingers get tired, you can always switch to a call. Call to Have an Immediate and Important Conversation There are times when you’re better off picking up the phone rather than sending an email or chat message. These situations include when you anticipate many questions, when you need to explain something complicated, when you want to apologize, when you must discuss something personal, and when the message is truly urgent. What’s more, since talking is faster and easier than composing a written message, conversations that take place over the phone tend to generate more comprehensive exchanges and are better for brainstorming ideas. Calls also give participants the benefit of hearing vocal inflection and tone. Adams is here to help you communicate more effectively with business Internet and voice solutions. Visit www.adams.net to learn more. When to Email, When to Chat, and When to Call