Month: June 2020

Essential Purchases for Small Business: Phone Systems

Priorities change when our society changes – clearly. Everything that has been happening this year in regards to Business vs. COVID has taught us that priorities can pivot swiftly. Business Owners are constantly on their toes to decide how to navigate their industry landscape, make financially intelligent decisions and keep everyone safe at the same time. One of the biggest struggles is deciding what types of purchases you should be making for your business. You can’t neglect the need to grow as a business in any climate, but it’s about being able to evaluate what purchases are necessary for your business. Let’s talk about some essential purchases for small businesses in any climate.

After starting your business, one of the first purchases you should make is your business phone line. You need to keep your business life separate from your personal life and the first step in doing that is at the very least having a business phone number. There are so many options out there and you have to decide what will be the best fit for your business. Do you need any entire physical phone network in your office so every desk has their phone handset? Or can headsets be a viable option for your phone needs. Perhaps it is just you at the moment, but you still need that business number for your business cards and so your potential customer and clients can reach you. 

If you decide that you just want a number that you can run through your existing cell phone, then VoIP is the best option for you. What is VoIP? VoIP is the technology that converts your voice into a digital signal, allowing you to make a call directly from a computer, a VoIP phone, or other data-driven devices. Simply put, it’s phone service delivered over the internet.

Now let’s talk about some of the systems that are available for your business. 

Ring Central is a robust cloud-hosted VoIP phone system and a great option for businesses of all sizes. The system offers nearly every calling, collaboration and mobile feature businesses would want from a phone system. RingCentral is a great choice for conference calling service within a phone system because it’s easy to use and allows every user to host calls with up to 1,000 participants. 

Ooma was built with small businesses specifically in mind. It offers a range of core features: virtual receptionists, voicemail, on-hold music and conference calling. Users can make and receive calls from their business line on their mobile devices. Users do not have access to video conferencing services on Ooma’s platform.

8×8 is a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone system hosted in the cloud, and it is easy to use, affordable and reliable. Each license includes video conferencing capabilities that gives each employee the ability to host meetings with up to 100 people at a time.  

Several factors make this an excellent phone system for small businesses. For example, you don’t need full-time IT staff because with a cloud-hosted VoIP system like 8×8, there is nothing to install, and the phone system provider handles all maintenance and upgrades.  

GoTo Connect Offers a complete unified communications system that combines Jive’s business phone service with GoToMeeting’s audio and video conferencing services.

The system has every feature a business is looking for in a unified communication system, including attendants, call recording, voicemail transcription, call queuing and conference calling. The service efficiently supports both voice and video calls, integrates well with existing CRM systems, and offers contact center services. Further, the service is reliable and works well for both small and large businesses. 

Grasshopper gives businesses the ability to present a professional image at all times without investing in a traditional in-office phone system. With a virtual system, you don’t have to worry about the phones it can connect with or how it will be hosted. Those searching for virtual phone systems are looking for a service that lets them look professional to callers for a low cost. They aren’t looking for some high-priced solution that has every phone system feature imaginable. Mostly, they want a system to keep them and their remote workers connected under one umbrella.

Vonage is the best option for a growing business. They offer cloud-hosted VoIP phone systems that are scalable and full of valuable features. Whether you need three or 3,000 extensions, Vonage has a solution for you. You can customize your plan, add lines and control your account from an online portal, which you can access both in the office and remotely. 

Start Dreaming Your Next Business Move

The best way to relieve stress is through creation. Finding a way to be creative and positively influence your future is a win, for sure. Dream up new strategies for your existing business, new campaigns, new products and services, new branding – or just dream up an entirely new business! Start the process of obtaining the funding to make your dreams a reality, you can call us at any time to find out what type of funding we can get to help you make those next moves. 

Thinking of Starting a Remote Business?

Of course there are more options, which we will share on our next blog, but the key is to start exploring now. Don’t just sit at home watching Netflix and letting this opportunity go by. If you have the dream, we can help you get the funding to take the next step. 

It’s becoming all the rage now, with people looking for opportunities and creating new business ideas. If you are one of the bright new entrepreneurs looking to weather this storm by building a strong boat, we can help you find funding options that are right for you. Why wait another moment?

Financial restraints have been a complaint for many of the dreamers, limiting themselves to their immediate funds. There is an alternative. If you have the dreams and decent credit, Small Business Loans and No Doc Loans are available to you. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need and the resources available to make your dream a reality. Give us a call – we have the education and the perspective to help you obtain the loans you need for your small business. Visit our website or give us a call to find out what financial backing is available to make your business soar!

Unsecured Finances has over 10 years in the consulting business! We specialized in educating and assisting clients on acquiring Unsecured Business Loans and Start-Up Business Specialty Loans including; Unsecured No Documentation (No-Doc Stated Income) Loans, Unsecured Business Loans, and Unsecured Start-Up Business Loans and Lines of Credit from $10,000 to $500,000 without Assets.

Apply on our website to find out if you qualify, or call today for a free consultation: 1-888-294-2584

Reevaluating Your Marketing Strategy

Everything within your business plan requires re-evaluation – and that includes your marketing strategy. Trends are changing at a fast pace, especially in these times we are in. Setting up routine times to take a look at how your marketing strategy is performing and pinpointing your areas of opportunity is something that must be done if you are planning on being in the game. Don’t get left in the dust by your competitors and their constant marketing evolution. Make sure you are always a step ahead with this plan.

Understand Your Strengths & Weaknesses

So maybe you know what needs to be done, but your challenge lies in how exactly you plan on getting these things accomplished. One of the first steps you are going to take is mapping out the strengths and weaknesses in your previous marketing experience. Where have your campaigns excelled, and where have they fallen short? Making mistakes or miscalculations is part of the game, but you don’t want to make the same mistake twice – that’s why it’s important to stay on top of your marketing strategy. 

So what could your strengths and weaknesses look like? Obviously it will vary for each business, but you can look for things like:

  • How is your customer service? Is it personal and flexible?
  • Know how you stand apart. Does your audience know what puts your above the rest? 
  • Financial resources – are you spending enough in your ads, marketing management, etc. and are you able to invest more?
  • Reputation – how do your customers view your business? How do potential customers view you? How is it addressed through your marketing?
  • Competitor Research – have you been keeping tabs on your competition and what they are doing with their marketing? 
  • Aesthetics – how is your marketing actually looking? Is it fresh and modern? Or… could someone think that you still use MS Paint?

Make a New Plan

Whatever it is that you are doing wrong, you can fix it. Sit down with your marketing team, or marketing manager and start addressing the areas that you need to improve upon (there will always be something), and get excited about the areas that are going strong (for now). Don’t be afraid to take risks in your marketing and try concepts that are new to your business or to your industry in marketing overall. What’s the worst that could happen? It fails? Well good. That just means that you can cross that off the list… for now. 

Keep Your Eyes Open

Make it a habit to keep an eye on what other people are doing in their marketing. Businesses in your industry and even those in entirely different spaces. Keep notes somewhere that’s easily accessible – most likely your phone. You never know when something will strike you as a new usable concept for your marketing, and you want to be sure to always have that conversation with your marketing manager. Why? Because “teamwork makes the dream work”. 

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Start Dreaming Your Next Business Move

The best way to relieve stress is through creation. Finding a way to be creative and positively influence your future is a win, for sure. Dream up new strategies for your existing business, new campaigns, new products and services, new branding – or just dream up an entirely new business! Start the process of obtaining the funding to make your dreams a reality, you can call us at any time to find out what type of funding we can get to help you make those next moves. 

Thinking of Starting a Remote Business?

Of course there are more options, which we will share on our next blog, but the key is to start exploring now. Don’t just sit at home watching Netflix and letting this opportunity go by. If you have the dream, we can help you get the funding to take the next step. 

It’s becoming all the rage now, with people looking for opportunities and creating new business ideas. If you are one of the bright new entrepreneurs looking to weather this storm by building a strong boat, we can help you find funding options that are right for you. Why wait another moment?

Financial restraints have been a complaint for many of the dreamers, limiting themselves to their immediate funds. There is an alternative. If you have the dreams and decent credit, Small Business Loans and No Doc Loans are available to you. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need and the resources available to make your dream a reality. Give us a call – we have the education and the perspective to help you obtain the loans you need for your small business. Visit our website or give us a call to find out what financial backing is available to make your business soar!

Unsecured Finances has over 10 years in the consulting business! We specialized in educating and assisting clients on acquiring Unsecured Business Loans and Start-Up Business Specialty Loans including; Unsecured No Documentation (No-Doc Stated Income) Loans, Unsecured Business Loans, and Unsecured Start-Up Business Loans and Lines of Credit from $10,000 to $500,000 without Assets.

Apply on our website to find out if you qualify, or call today for a free consultation: 1-888-294-2584

Anticipating the “Remote” Future of Business


Remote work…actually works.  One positive many business owners and executives have taken away from the lockdowns is the realization that remote work is not an ugly solution to the effects of COVID-19 but the future of their businesses.  A Gartner, Inc. survey of 317 CFOs and Finance leaders in March 2020 (Gartner) revealed that 74% will move at least 5% of their previously on-site workforce to permanently remote positions post COVID-19.   Despite restrictions and stay at home orders being eased, or lifted entirely, around the country, remote business is the future; but before you hop on the latest trend, consider how transitioning fully, or partially, remote could affect your business.     

Why It Works: Before remote work was forced upon businesses, executives had little incentive to test how effective and beneficial it can actually be; today they are seeing the rewards.

Cost-Cutting- Business owners are now realizing remote work can be a solution to cutting overhead, as the need for office space is diminished.  Savings can also be seen as janitorial services are no longer needed. 

Staffing- Remote work offers a larger, and possibly cheaper, talent pool to recruit from as businesses are able to expand their searches to other areas outside their primary city.  

Technological Advances- Technology has come far enough that virtual meetings can function as effectively as those done face to face.  Today’s workforce is more computer-savvy than ever before and capable of completing work without the help of onsite IT support.

Quality of Life- Employees too are reaping the benefits from at home work; eliminating commutes to and from the office helps to reduce their stress levels and improve their quality of life. 

It’s Not All Roses: While there are significant benefits, it is not easy to transition your business to remote work for employees or managers.

Social- While Zoom meetings can replace face to face business meetings, they pale in comparison to the social interaction employees receive in a traditional office atmosphere.  For many working aged men and women, their circle of friends is developed at the office.  Remote work may hinder this and cause loneliness.  

Health- Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global, was concerned about the health repercussions for employees resulting from at home work in her CNBC @Work livestream event, Leadership & Management Amid Crisis.  Physical problems such as pains from working on a couch or weight gain as a result of being close to the refrigerator were noted by Huffington.  

Productivity- Aside from health concerns, productivity too can be difficult to maintain for employees who now are filled with increased distractions from home.  Business owners and executives must adapt to leading and motivating their teams from a remote position and employees must find ways to avoid distractions and remain productive.  

Start Dreaming Your Next Business Move

Maybe you haven’t started a business just yet, but you are taking all the steps to build on a firm foundation. Congratulations! We love to be a resource for small business owners, and pass on the knowledge we have in the business world. In these uncertain times, many people are starting over or starting a new business for the first time. If that is you, we are here for you. We work with small business owners to improve their financial face to the lenders and assist in getting you the most funds that are available to you. 

Thinking of Starting a Remote Business?

Of course there are more options, which we will share on our next blog, but the key is to start exploring now. Don’t just sit at home watching Netflix and letting this opportunity go by. If you have the dream, we can help you get the funding to take the next step. 

It’s becoming all the rage now, with people looking for opportunities and creating new business ideas. If you are one of the bright new entrepreneurs looking to weather this storm by building a strong boat, we can help you find funding options that are right for you. Why wait another moment?

Financial restraints have been a complaint for many of the dreamers, limiting themselves to their immediate funds. There is an alternative. If you have the dreams and decent credit, Small Business Loans and No Doc Loans are available to you. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need and the resources available to make your dream a reality. Give us a call – we have the education and the perspective to help you obtain the loans you need for your small business. Visit our website or give us a call to find out what financial backing is available to make your business soar!

Unsecured Finances has over 10 years in the consulting business! We specialized in educating and assisting clients on acquiring Unsecured Business Loans and Start-Up Business Specialty Loans including; Unsecured No Documentation (No-Doc Stated Income) Loans, Unsecured Business Loans, and Unsecured Start-Up Business Loans and Lines of Credit from $10,000 to $500,000 without Assets.

Apply on our website to find out if you qualify, or call today for a free consultation: 1-888-294-2584


Future Growth Opportunities After COVID-19


While the effects of COVID-19 have stymied what was previously a thriving economy, restrictions are slowly being lifted nation-wide and business owners are in a position to once again see growth.  It isn’t business as usual and it won’t be for some time.  In this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever that business owners are able to identify and act upon growth opportunities.  

Be Creative And Adapt:

The need to be creative has always been a staple of a successful business and that will be more important than ever in a post-COVID-19 world.  During the last few months of restrictions, we have seen many businesses creatively adapt their previous business models in order to survive.  While these efforts may have initially been a temporary solution, their success shows a key to growth post-COVID-19 is adaptability.  Breweries and distilleries began producing hand-sanitizers; restaurants who previously featured dine-in service only have expanded to take out and deliver with tremendous success.  While COVID-19 has certainly created hurdles for all businesses, growth opportunities remain so long as business owners find open avenues and take advantage of them.  

Clean It Up:

A year ago, sanitation was a common concern when you visited say….a restaurant.  Today that has changed and now customers think about cleanliness anytime they leave their house be it a restaurant or a local hardware store.  What might set your business apart from the rest is a focus on cleanliness and a strong marketing effort behind it.  Given the opportunity to enter two competing stores, price is no longer as big a factor to customers but be assured sanitation is.  Implement new cleaning procedures for your staff, provide hand sanitizers to customers; make your customers and staff feel safe in your store.  While these efforts are undeniably necessary and good for the health of everyone entering your store, you cannot forget that this also provides you an edge in your market.  Promote what you are doing so customers not only feel safe doing business with you, but also are more incentivized to do it.

Get Social:

Social media’s effectiveness for businesses has been largely debated given its a rather new medium for marketing.  Some businesses used it, or didn’t use it, without actually knowing if it was working or not.  That was yesterday…or 4 months ago….but it is time to get behind social media if you weren’t using it before and understand how to track it if you were.  Your customers have been stuck at home for weeks now and even as restrictions are lifted, they will be at home more-so than they were in the past.  A strong social media presence will set your business apart from your competitors as more people are scrolling through social media.  Unlike traditional forms of advertising, it isn’t all about a call to action.  Success and brand awareness can be created through strong content.  Nobody is going to stop to look at your post if everything is about the new product you have.  Create posts that people will stop and look at; the more people looking at your business the greater chance you have to attract new customers.    

Start Dreaming Your Next Business Move

Maybe you haven’t started a business just yet, but you are taking all the steps to build on a firm foundation. Congratulations! We love to be a resource for small business owners, and pass on the knowledge we have in the business world. In these uncertain times, many people are starting over or starting a new business for the first time. If that is you, we are here for you. We work with small business owners to improve their financial face to the lenders and assist in getting you the most funds that are available to you. 

Thinking of Starting a Remote Business?

Of course there are more options, which we will share on our next blog, but the key is to start exploring now. Don’t just sit at home watching Netflix and letting this opportunity go by. If you have the dream, we can help you get the funding to take the next step. 

It’s becoming all the rage now, with people looking for opportunities and creating new business ideas. If you are one of the bright new entrepreneurs looking to weather this storm by building a strong boat, we can help you find funding options that are right for you. Why wait another moment?

Financial restraints have been a complaint for many of the dreamers, limiting themselves to their immediate funds. There is an alternative. If you have the dreams and decent credit, Small Business Loans and No Doc Loans are available to you. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need and the resources available to make your dream a reality. Give us a call – we have the education and the perspective to help you obtain the loans you need for your small business. Visit our website or give us a call to find out what financial backing is available to make your business soar!

Unsecured Finances has over 10 years in the consulting business! We specialized in educating and assisting clients on acquiring Unsecured Business Loans and Start-Up Business Specialty Loans including; Unsecured No Documentation (No-Doc Stated Income) Loans, Unsecured Business Loans, and Unsecured Start-Up Business Loans and Lines of Credit from $10,000 to $500,000 without Assets.

Apply on our website to find out if you qualify, or call today for a free consultation: 1-888-294-2584

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