Landlines vs. Smartphones: Which Is Better For A Business?

Landlines or telephones are a thing of the past. Or at least, that is what practically everybody thinks. And it’s perfectly understandable to think that. Everyone around you, old or young, has a smartphone and you rarely find a telephone in people’s homes. However, you will find a telephone in many offices, even in yours. After all, most offices offer a telephone to every employee to communicate with co-workers. While some offices do this, others just use smartphones.

If you, as an owner of a small business, are wondering what’s good for your business, then you’ve come to the right blog. We will be looking at the pros and cons of telephones and smartphones and how they could both affect your business. By the end of this article, you will be able to pick an option without a problem!

Pros of Smartphones

Let’s take a look at the pros that a smartphone offers:

Ease-of-Use

The biggest advantage that a smartphone offers anyone is the ease of use. Whether it is because we have been accustomed to it after many years of use, or it is the simple design that smartphone companies are coming up with, the fact still stands. Everyone is familiar with a smartphone and even if you were to hand someone a different model than the one they are using, they are quick to learn how to use that too.

Many small business owners usually start out like this too. Instead of investing in a landline, they start out with a smartphone because it is easier and more accessible for them. They can reach their customers, clients, and co-workers all on their cell phones, which they carry everywhere. Thus, it is convenient! Even if you were to get another phone and another number and keep it just for business, it is still highly convenient to have your phone with you wherever you are.

Internet Access

Not only are you able to call and text people using your cell phone, but you can also check your website, send an email, Google something, etc. Basically, you can connect to the internet and this can help get a lot of things done. You can check up on your social media sites and respond to customer queries and comments, you can check your inbox and send out emails to your suppliers, and whatnot.

Handling a business also means back-to-back meetings, so, you’re going to need to connect with somebody probably every other day. Hence, it makes more sense to have a cell phone on you with internet access so that you don’t have to worry about missing anything.

Cons of Smartphones

Now, let’s take a look at the cons of a cell phone:

Lack of Work-life Boundaries

Having your cell phone on you all the time means you will be looking after your business for practically all hours of the day. People can call or text you at any time of the day and your phone will just be packed with notifications. Even if you don’t necessarily pay attention, you will still be disturbed multiple times throughout the day.

Additional Costs

Keeping your cell phone as the main point of communication for your business comes with a lot of additional costs. Aside from needing additional data packages to keep up with the influx of calls and messages, you will need a data package for the use of the internet as well. And that’s not even the worst part. Sometimes, you might face signal issues or bad coverage depending on different areas and this can affect your calls and texts.

Pros of Telephones

Having looked at the pros and cons of cell phones, let’s take a look at the pros of telephones.

Setting Boundaries

As opposed to smartphones that you carry on yourself 24/7, you can’t exactly carry a telephone. Thus, your telephone is accessible to you only when you are in the office and this helps to set boundaries for your work life and private life.

And unlike a few years ago, when all we could do with landlines was to call somebody or leave a message, telephones now have a variety of features that you can use and customize according to your wishes. Take the Xfinity phone for example. To learn about some of its greatest features, simply click here.

Maintains a Professional Image

Your business must have a professional image and a telephone helps you achieve that. By having an official telephone number, a lot of people understand that this is not just something small, rather it is a professional place, even if it is a small business. Moreover, you will not face any connectivity or voice issues, so, it will be an advantage on your part.

Cons of Telephones

Let’s look at the cons of telephones:

Outdated Technology

Telephones are a dying technology, and that much is clear to anybody. For all its convenience and professional image, it is still no match for the new and updated cell phone. It does not offer to access the internet or take pictures and videos, unlike a cell phone either.

What’s the Verdict?

So, what are you planning on getting? A smartphone is more updated than a telephone will ever be. But a telephone is a more professional approach for your business than a cell phone. It’s all a matter of what you want to focus on, and what your priority is. Hence, you decide!