Date: January 29th, 2015 Author: Justin Rice
I’ve worked in technology for nearly a decade now, which
is nothing compared to many of my counterparts who have experienced much
greater change. Over these last 10 years, we’ve seen technology and
telecommunications solutions change so drastically and so frequently, it
leaves us wondering how we can keep up. It’s 2015, and telecom is a very complex
industry that is changing every single day. Finding a telecom solution that
meets the needs of your business can be a daunting task, and often
overwhelming.
Independent telecom agents can help you embrace these
changes. They help your business find solutions that can meet your needs, and
help you propel your business into the future. You may be asking yourself,
“What’s the benefit in using an agent instead of calling a solution provider
directly?” There are certainly benefits both ways, but I’m here to explain a
few reasons why an agent relationship can benefit you.
• One Agent, Many Carriers: Telecom agents partner
with many carriers and solution providers that provide many different services.
They understand the solutions that each carrier brings to the table, and can
help facilitate the relationship between you and the carrier. They understand
product benefits and disadvantages, and have in-depth knowledge of the
industry. Furthermore, some solutions may require multiple carriers. In this
situation, the agent can act as a single point of contact for you. Your
invoicing and billing will be with the carrier, but the agent will foster the
relationship.
• They’re not biased: Telecom agents aren’t biased.
Their goal isn’t to pitch a product or service from their company, but rather
to understand the needs of your business and find carrier solutions that meet
your needs. They can negotiate with the carriers on your behalf. This
eliminates the need for you to sit in dozens of carrier meetings, allowing you
to be more productive.
• Agents have a vested interest in you: Telecom
agents typically act on a residual commission from the carrier. Because of
this, they have a vested interest in the long-term success of your business and
building a solid relationship with you. Agents want happy customers to build a
book of business with so they can acquire future customers. They will act as a
member of your team. They will assist you in addressing any service issues with
the carriers and solution providers, and help you understand any changes that
are taking place in the industry.
Realizing that it's time to make an upgrade to your
telecommunications solution is the first step. Actually finding a
solution that meets your needs can be a scary second step. It can be overwhelming
and downright stressful. Hiring a telecom agent often makes this transition
substantially easier.
More and more solution providers are embracing the agent
channel because it’s mutually beneficial and provides great value. The bottom
line is that telecom agents work to understand your business, and will work for
you to find the best solution that help you propel your business into the
future.