To-Do 3 – The Phone Number for Your Business

A dedicated phone number, listed with the 411 directory, is crucial for your business. Never use your home number or personal cell phone. Lenders of all varieties will check your number to make sure it is listed with the 411 directory. A toll-free number will further enhance the business’s trustworthiness.

Enhance the Brand with an “800” Number

As we have discussed, how lenders see your company is crucial. It’s extremely easy, fast, and affordable to create a “800” number for your business.

Even small, single-owner companies that function out of the home can use “800” numbers. It shows that you are a real business and enhances your overall perception. You can even add features like on-hold music, call forwarding, and extension numbers.

You can use Phone.com , Grasshooper or RingCentral.com create an “800” number.

From financing with a lender to net credit terms with your various vendors, giving a cell or home phone number as the main contact point could make you look like an un-established, unprofessional business. NEVER use personal numbers for the business; stick to dedicated business phone numbers.