"We tried to call you, but we couldn't get through to your phone."

We tried to call you but the busy signal on your agent's line prevented us from doing so.

At the time, we really needed your product, but your executive didn't answer the phone.

This is the general theme of a few calls Rahul has recently received. In his reply, he made similar claims as well.

Rahul, a small business owner, is currently dealing with a large amount of missed calls that are "unaccounted."

It goes without saying that those prospective clients must now be with his rivals. When he suddenly realized what he had lost, he made the decision to choose a long-term fix to avoid similar circumstances in the future.

He then sought assistance from his friend Abhishek.

Similar issues had already plagued Abhishek's firm. He then chose an IVR system and advised Rahul to do the same.

Additionally, Abhishek explained to him how an IVR for small businesses in Delhi helps a company expand by monitoring and preserving business calls.

Abhishek was able to keep his customers because of this IVR system, and his on-call deal closes increased significantly.

Rahul was pretty impressed after hearing all of this, but he was still hesitant to put it into practice. IVR for a company of my size? Does it merit it? These kinds of ideas made him unsure about moving further.

Well, I'm sure you're thinking about IVR in a manner similar to Rahul. I don't blame you for this, either.

IVR systems have typically been preferred by large corporations. But the situation is no longer this way.

IVR for small enterprises is gradually becoming more common in the corporate world. This is merely due to the substantial advantages it offers startups.

Let's now discuss this IVR solution in more detail, including its features and, most importantly, the advantages it offers small enterprises.

What is an IVR?

IVR has been a topic of constant discussion, but what is it exactly?

The callers are greeted by this Interactive Voice Response system in a polite and engaging manner. This welcome can be altered to suit your needs and in a variety of languages.

Your agents' landline and phone numbers will be mapped behind the IVR. Depending on what callers enter in the IVR menu, calls will be forwarded to the appropriate department or agent (Press 1 for sales, 2 for support).

Additionally, IVR can take calls while your agents are unavailable or after business hours (with its voicemail facility).

As a result, your consumers will receive a quicker on-call service to their needs.

IVR is, in a nutshell, the voice greeting you hear when contacting a customer service number for major brands.

Now that we have a good understanding of what IVR is, let's discuss why it should be your next step in expanding your business.

IVR for small businesses: Why?

1. To lighten employees' workloads

Consider requesting that your staff remain on-site after 7 pm so that you can take consumer calls. They'll likely only give you angry looks and unpleasant faces.

This regulation would make them less effective even if they agreed to stay, which would likely lead to their resignation.

To get them to stay, you can consider paying them a little extra. But, let's be honest, how long will that last?

To lessen manual labor, automation becomes necessary at this point. IVR enters the scene at this point.

It will be available 24/7 for your clients and won't let any calls go unanswered. Who knows how? This is it:

• It is simpler to answer calls received after business hours because calls are forwarded to the respective agent's cell phone directly.
• When your agents are unavailable, use the voicemail option to take messages from your consumers.
• The IVR notifies the caller of non-availability when there is no agent present and promises a prompt callback.

2. To carry out an ongoing (virtual) resolve

Small firms typically struggle with a financial crunch or funding shortage. You'll undoubtedly despise the idea if I recommend that you hire staff to answer your after-hours calls.

These additional workers would not only increase your expenditures and overall spending but also maybe waste some of your resources.

3. To record missed calls (missed business)

You have fewer staff and agents to handle your calls because your company is small. Additionally, if these agents are preoccupied with other calls, your organization will suffer a significant loss in both revenue and clientele.

And each call from a consumer for a firm, especially a smaller one, represents a possible business opportunity.

If there is an IVR in place, the call will be immediately switched to another agent if one is busy.

When your agents are unavailable or busy, it even enables you to follow up on missed calls by allowing your consumers to leave voicemails.

4. To enhance the brand's reputation.

A small business owner is constantly worried about how his company comes across to its clients.

You won't be able to convey that brand image using a traditional phone system, but you can using an IVR.

1. a) A customer will look at your company's phone number when he first visits your website or sees your business card.
2. b) And he ought to receive a professional voice welcome when he phones that number.

Therefore, these two become crucial variables in determining how your clients perceive the image of your company.

And for this reason, an IVR considerably aids in creating the brand image that you desire.

Are you still perplexed by IVR for small businesses?

Here are three more factors that should clear up your IVR confusion:

• It is not always possible for your agents to be on-site to take consumer calls. Having an IVR makes it easy for your agents to take calls anytime, anywhere.
• Agents are compelled to remain seated at their desk every time they answer consumer calls on a fixed landline system. All firms and startups who wish to promote flexible working cultures may find this to be a barrier.
• IVR avoids the expense of recruiting new employees to handle client calls and allows you to save money for a better investment.

Therefore, don't put off making a decision on your company's IVR, improving call management, or giving your clients a great calling experience.