I’ve had a Google Voice number since 2010 and have never really taken advantage of having it because I would never list my phone number on business cards. I always opted for email communication or Skype. Then Google Hangouts were created and I really didn’t see a need for using my Google Voice number. Once I’ve fostered a relationship with someone and feel comfortable, I have no issues giving out my personal phone number. This can be a draw back at networking events or even conferences because you are just connecting with some people.
However for business, having additional lines of communication is always beneficial and people want to talk! I also wanted to keep my personal phone just that… PERSONAL! I didn’t want to have my personal mobile phone serve as a business phone as well and definitely not my home phone. Yes, I still have one of those! I had to really take a look at all the benefits that came along with having a Google Voice number. I also can list my Google Voice phone number in my email signature and on my website in addition to my business cards.
Since 2009, I have definitely grown as a blogger and been forced out of my comfort zone in MANY areas. Believe it or not, using my Google Voice Number is a BIG deal to me. It also shows growth in certain areas of my professional life. I also like to be in control and know who’s calling me, having the freedom to screen the call, take the call, send the call to voicemail or even BLOCK the number if necessary. Below I’m sharing some GREAT Google Voice Features. I can already see how 2016 will be prosperous with continued growth. Always Move Forward!
1. PRIVACY, you don’t have to give out your personal mobile or land line phone number. You can screen calls before answering and also use it as a voicemail service. I LOVE the screen call feature. Listen in on a call before you decide to answer it or while a message is being left.
2. You can forward your calls directly to your cell phone or any other phone for that matter. You can link multiple phones at once for convenience. It’s convenient to be able to give out one number and forward to multiple phones if you want to.
3. Voicemails are transcribed to text for your convenience and also saved in email so you can refer back to them when necessary.
4. Consistency, you can customize your phone number and if you change carriers and end up with a new phone number your Google Voice number doesn’t change! I’ve had the same Google Voice number for years, My personal cell phone has changed over time though…
5. You can make international calls for a very low rate, personalize your voicemail greeting and customize it to a a particular group of people. Ex. Family, Friends, Co-Workers etc.
6. Bonus perks if you have an android phone and have the Google Voice App installed, you can make international calls right fro your android dialer. You can also set it to to make all calls via Google Voice or for your device to ask you before each call.
7. SMS to Email allows you to text for free using Google Voice. You can set it up so that you are able to send and receive messages on your phone through Gmail as long as your Google Account has a number. It will then be converted to SMS for both parties!
8. You don’t have to shell out money and pay for an additional phone line with a number and service for business purposes. Scale down and use Google Voice! No contracts! I’ve been sitting on a dormant number for years. I only did the bare minimum to be able to keep it!
9. I love the feature where you are able to share voicemails through email. It’s super convenient and easy to do.
10. Conference Calling is a BONUS! you can host a conference call using Google Voice and it’s super easy to add people when they call in. I also like that Google Voice is intertwined with Google Hangouts.
Bonus: I have a Motorola Moto X Android Phone. I’ve installed the Google Voice App along with the Google Hangouts Dialer App. This makes my life a whole lot easier. I love convenience! Google Voice is also available on Blackberry and iPhone devices.
If you are using Google Voice, share your thoughts and experience with it. Tell us why you use it. If you’re still on the fence… Why?