Business phone systems have totally evolved to be more efficient and high tech, so picking a new system for your small business can be a challenge. Take a peek at some of the do's and don'ts to keep in mind. 

Do: Consider what you want your business phone system to change. 

What is your purpose of upgrading your business phone system, or are you installing a new system for a new business? In either case, you probably have specific goals in mind when it comes to telecommunications. For example, maybe you want a new phone system that is going to thwart problems with dropped calls because your staff can't answer calls in a timely fashion, or maybe you want a more modern system that can work with mobile devices just the same as wired telephones in the office. Think of your goals, jot them down, and mention them to the service providers you talk to. 

Don't: Overestimate your budget. 

From investing in hardware and paying for installation, a new business phone system can be quite the investment. Before you get started looking at your options, it is best to know what your budget is and stick to that cost. Work with multiple companies to get pricing on different systems and make choices from there. You do not want to get into the process of installing a system to find out that it is going to take up too much of your budget. 

Do: Consider cloud-hosted phone systems for your business. 

You may think that because you are a small business, it would not make sense for you to go for something like a cloud-hosted PBX system or some other cloud-hosted setup. However, cloud-hosted business phone systems come with a whole list of advantages, not just for bigger businesses but smaller businesses as well. Before you dismiss the idea, make sure you check out some of the advantages of the cloud-hosted phone system and service providers. 

Don't: Sign up for a phone system subscription without doing your research. 

If you do go with a new phone system that is cloud hosted by a service provider, don't just pick up the first subscription service you are offered. These services can vary differently from one place to the next, and it is far too easy to sign up for and pay for a subscription for service provisions that your small business won't even use or need. Make sure you take the time to go through what is a part of the subscription service to find one that meets your business's needs. 

Keep these do's and don'ts in mind as you look at business phone systems to find the right one for your business.