I remember when I first decided I wanted to be in business for myself. Since I love real estate so much I decided that I would become a realtor. I signed up for class, took and pass the exam, got my license and paid my initial dues for startup. I even made some business cards. I was so excited. Well I quickly realized that being a Realtor was not for me. I decided to enter the workforce again and do something a little different this time. I started my own virtual assistant company. I bought my domain, hosting and set up my email address. But I realized I needed at least one more thing.
That thing I needed was a phone number. Everyone and every website I went to had a separate phone number for their business. I wasn’t bringing in tons of money; well I wasn’t bringing in any money at first, so how can I afford another phone. Would it be a separate line in the house or a cell since that’s easier to walk around with? Also if I did decided to get another phone line that is another monthly bill that I can’t afford right now. What was I going to do in order to play with the big boys (or girls) in this entrepreneurial world?
Well since I’m in love with Google and have to know or be aware of all the Google projects that’s going on. I found out about Google voice. I was already making phone call to people through my computer when I was logged in to my Gmail account so having a phone number associated with that was no shocker to me. I was now able to have a real phone number for my business. I signed up immediately and created my voicemail. Some great things about Google voice is that you can receive text messages of the voice mail directly to your cell phone. In fact you can have Google voice ring any phone number you want. Your house phone, cell phone, your friend’s, or all three. Lastly the best part is that there is a Google voice app for your blackberry, iPhone, or android phone. So you see who calls, see the messages and even call that person back on your cellphone using Google voice. This is great because the person on the other end will see your Google voice number NOT your personal cell phone number.
To get started with Google voice go to google.com/voice and log in with you Google account email. Follow the instructions to secure your number, and Google voice setup. Once you are complete visit www.google.com/mobile/voice/ so that you can download the Google voice app to your phone.
This is a great tool for small business entrepreneurs on a shoe string budget. What tools are you using for your business number?
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