Aptela - 1. Snowpocalypse – 0.

Posted by: Jackie Funk

Why the DC area's big snowstorm isn't getting in our way of doing business!

The east coast was hit by a serious snowstorm this weekend. I know many of you that live up north or out west are shaking your heads at us rookies. But, this was a significant storm. And while I was out shoveling this weekend, I said to a neighbor, "How do people deal with this all winter long?" My neighbor then reminded me of the obvious...they're prepared and it's the norm.

While we're enjoying the beauty (and novelty) of this storm, which dropped about 32 inches of snow over a 24 hour period here in the DC area, it has definitely impacted our normal routine, including our ability to get into the office. Here at Aptela, we knew the storm was coming. We already had a plan in place for situations like this storm and we quickly put it into action. The great thing about our phone service is that we are all connected - whether we're sitting a cube away, a county away or even a few states away! Here's how we stay connected:

• Departments - Our teams are all set up as a departments, so when a customer or prospect calls into our main auto attendant, calls are directed to the right person or group (select the option for sales, billing or support and we'll find a representative to speak with you). These departments are virtual, so it doesn't matter whether our teams are sitting side-by-side (as they do on a "normal" day) or sitting at home or in a remote office setting.
• Find Me Lists - Our web portal allows us to set up Find Me Lists that include any and all number(s) where we can be reached. With an internet connection, we adjust this list to have calls ring directly to our mobile or home numbers (if necessary).
• Remote Office - Many of us simply unplugged our Polycom IP phones when we headed out on Friday and brought them home with us. Why? Because Remote Office rocks! All I had to do this morning was plug my IP phone into an internet connection and I was up and running. Now when I need to make a call, I dial it just like I was in the office and not only does my outbound Caller ID show "Aptela," but I don't incur any long distance fees to my personal line!
• Conferencing - With our conferencing feature, we just call in to the extension or dial a dedicated phone number for instant conferencing.

Do you have a contingency plan? Can you keep your business going no matter what? If not, take some time to think things through and create one today.