Statistics published by the U.S. Small Business Administration show that there were more businesses with 20 or fewer employees in 2014 than in 2011, and the rising cost of business may mean smaller firms should focus on customer-centric tasks while outsourcing other duties to virtual receptionist companies.
In 2011, there were just over 5.1 million business in the United States that hired less than 20 employees. In 2014, that number was just over 5.2 million, representing an increase of more than 100,000 businesses in this niche. While some firms with employee counts in the teens might be able to afford full-time reception services, it's likely that more than one receptionist is an expense such companies might like to avoid.
Virtual reception services, such as those offered by EasyBee, let smaller companies concentrate on what really matters while phone calls are answered and filtered by experienced outsourced staff. Small businesses can use answering services to cover all incoming phone calls during business hours or ensure an in-house receptionist can take a break or vacation or handle complex calls without worrying about other lines going to voice mail.
The SBA statistics also show a recent rise in very small business: those that have between zero and four employees. In 2011, that number was 3,532,058. By 2014, the number of soloprenuer and very small business firms in operation was 3,598,185: an increase of more than 66,000 in just four years.
For firms with only a couple people at the helm, answering every phone call can be a difficult proposition. Specialty companies, such as real estate, HVAC or even dentist offices, often have their hands full with patients, off-site jobs or clients. At the same time, missing a phone call can mean missing out on a new opportunity: something small businesses in today's competitive market can't do.
Virtual receptionists help the smallest companies balance big plans with day-to-day operational needs. SBA statistics don't just show a growth in the number of small businesses between 2011 and 2014. They show a continued struggle for businesses in any niche to survive, especially when economic times get tight. Businesses that think outside of the box and make the most of every resource available are those that are more likely to succeed. By investing in virtual receptionist services, small companies free up in-house staff to dream big and drive revenue.
EasyBee offers comprehensive virtual reception services in multiple packages to meet any business’s budget. Services include answering phone calls, routing calls, providing clients with basic information and even handling appointment setting via company web portals or other tools.