Business card ? -- phone number??

[epoh]

I have a dilemma... I am getting ready to make up some business cards. I have a website already (which I plan on updating some more), but I don't have a dedicated phone I can use for on my card. My cell phone is paid for by my current employer, so that's out. We only have one phone line at home.

Could I use my home phone number? Or is that a terrible idea? Our answering machine just has a generic message (you've call 817-555-5555. please leave a message, etc). I think having a phone number on the business card is important, and I'd love to use my cell, I'm just afraid I'd get in trouble for that (mis-use of company assets.)

What are you opinions?

[ndsimm]

what about VoIP for your home? I have Sun Rocket for my office and in addition to letting me keep my current number, I was given two additional numbers with voicemail which I could setup on one phone with distinctive rings. I'm sure other VoIP plans have something similar that miht be woth a look
You could also look into a basic pay as you go cell phone and give out that number - that way if it rings it's a client and you don't have to worry about others calling that you didn't give the number to...

[epoh]

I've thought about one of those pay as you go phones.

I'm not sure we can do VoIP at my house, we are pretty far from the CO (we still can't get DSL). But it's something to look into!

[epoh]

Also.. does anyone in the DFW area know of any company besides Vonage for VoIP? I've heard some negative things about them recently, but don't know of any other companies.

[CaptainTom]

Stay away from the use of the company provided phone for this.

many people carry two cell phones....
Or, get a cell phone for business and just use it as an answering service. You can access messages from anywhere.

Just a thought.

[epoh]

Hrm.. thanks guys. Apparently I can get a 2nd line through my phone company for like $10 a month. I am going to talk to my hubby and see about setting that up. :)

[Detonate]

I don't see a problem with using your home phone number.

I would actually be surprised if most part time photographers have dedicated phones.

[gardener]

"I don't see a problem with using your home phone number."

I do... You ever call a "professional" person and have to get by a four year old, phone answering, rug monster first? Kinda destroys the ambiance, especially when you've already steeled yourself to possibly spend some major bucks with the "professional". JMO but if you're going to BE professional then spend a few extra bucks a month and ACT like a professional.

[PeteQ]

I would use a second line or a pay as you go cell. Your first impression shouldn't be a generic number greeting or a home phone, but rather at least a nicely worded voicemail/message machine. You can usually get a second line with distinctive ring (which most answering machines and faxes can work with) for a small amount in addition to your home line. One note though, if the second line will be used as a primary business line versus just a personal second line they may want to set you up as a business phone customer which is a whole new ball game. Just something to be aware of when you are calling about the feature.

The pay as you go cell is a nice option as you can have it with you on your shoots and really you only need to use it when you have a business call. Plus, it is a business expense so come tax time you put it with all your other expenses. You can easily control your costs with these and I think this is your best option.

[epoh]

Thank you so much guys. I've got a bit of research to do!

[mcphotography]

I use Universal Number for my business number - i pay about $8 bucks a month and I just forward that number to my cell phone - it has a dedicated voice mail also so if i don't answer it goes to that vm instead of my cell vm and if i ever change cell #'s (like you, my cell is on an employee acct and if i leave the company i lose the employee acct) I don't have to worry about changing numbers....I have been using this service for 2 years now and it's great...it's cheap and they have a bunch of plans - if you need multiple vm boxes they can do that also....no wait for the line to activate, as soon as you sign up the line is active and you can pay a week or two later (they email you an invoice) so it's no money up front....hope it helps

[ndsimm]

Originally Posted by epoh

Also.. does anyone in the DFW area know of any company besides Vonage for VoIP? I've heard some negative things about them recently, but don't know of any other companies.

As I said, I've been very happy with Sun Rocket. I thought about going with Time Warner but The cost for Sun rocket beat them hands down. Tech Support is good and fast as well. they have an annual plan for 200.00 or you can pay monthly...I'm paying 25.00 but they have cheaper plans if you don't make a lot of calls

[mcphotography]

you can also check out Lingo - i used them for voip for a couple of years and they were good, affordable (cheap) and cust svc/tech spt were both pretty good

[sbp]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

Stay away from the use of the company provided phone for this.

Just a thought.

what is the reason? I am using my company phone for all use.

[PeteQ]

Originally Posted by sbp

what is the reason? I am using my company phone for all use.

You could leave the company for one. Also, they could change the carrier, etc. with no notice so all your contacts have now lost your number. And you are limited as to what voicemail greeting you can use. If you wanted to leave a "sbp photography" type greeting your company may frown on that. Plus, you are conducting personal business on a company phone which is against most, but not all, companies policies. If your company doesn't mind you using their gear to generate income for yourself at their expense that is great, but most limit your personal use.