There are many challenges to running a small business.  It should come as no surprise that funding always seems to be near the top of the obstacle list.  Thus, we here at MJM Books are always on the lookout for new and inovative ways to save money.   And since we’re always looking to help out our fellow man (or woman), when we do come across something noteworthy, we feel it is our civic duty to pass the info along.

Google Voice

Enter Google Voice. Google Voice is a new, and get this, free, application from Google.  But what exactly does it do?

Well first and formost the application gives the user a completely free phone number.   This in itself is a huge bonus for many small businesses as the monthly costs and contracts of maintaining an additional phone line can be significant .  

How the phone number works is simple, a caller dials the user’s Google assigned number and then the call is forwarded to another number.   This process is completely seamless to the caller.  So, for example, if you have a cell phone you can have your Google number forwarded to that cell phone.   Or, you can have the Google number forwarded to multiple phones at the same time. 

Then, to make things even cooler, your caller ID will tell you that the incoming call is from your Google number!  Now, instead of answering calls from your customers with your typical “Hello” you can add a much more professional “Thanks for calling Bill’s Widget Emporium.  How can I help you?”  This gives the impression that your customers are contacting a proper business rather than some guy selling widgets out of his garage. (Not that there is anything wrong with selling widgets out of one’s garage… but I think you get the point!    )

Google Voice also comes with a host of cool features like voicemail and voicemail transcription.  Anytime you get a voicemail you’ll get a nifty email with not only the voice attachment but an easy to check written transcription of the message.   

Currently Google Voice is in a pseudo-beta period and numbers are only given out by invitation. However, I would encourage anyone with interest in this to sign up.  It really is a great idea and has a slew of practical applications. 

Heck, you could sign up for one of these numbers and then give it out to all the telemarketers.  You could record a nasty voicemail message and really give those bothersome folks an earful!