DiscountCall, an Atlanta-based telecommunications company, is actively working to help local businesses and entrepreneurs survive the current economic crunch.
The company, which provides phone systems, structured cabling, VoIP and voice and data T-1 services, recently launched a program called the "DiscountCall Economic Relief Program." The program is designed to stimulate business growth by helping local and entrepreneurial businesses gain necessary resources by leveraging one of their most common business expenses; telecommunications services.
"We really wanted to do something to help businesses get the resources necessary to be successful," says Randy Berlin, president of DiscountCall. "The business climate is tough but all companies utilize our suite of telecommunications services. That's why we were happy that some of our telecommunications providers gave us the opportunity to allow our customers that use their service to add necessary technology equipment to their bill, such as a phone system."
The program allows companies to use part or all of what they pay for their telecommunications services to subsidize equipment purchases when using one of DiscountCall's participating service partners. Companies can upgrade an existing phone system, buy technology equipment to open a new office, or even buy out of an old service contract. The program also gives flexible financing on phone system purchases.
In addition to needed equipment, DiscountCall also supports small businesses by providing outsourced telecommunications management and service packages.
"Most companies sell telecommunications equipment, but not service," Berlin says. "DiscountCall is unique because we provide a total telecommunications solution. The relationship with our company is most successful when we not only sell a phone system to our client but handle their phone lines and Internet as well. We strive to work with our clients to make sure that their phone system fits the requirements of their business, grows as their company grows and is fixed quickly if issues arise. Those are pretty much the activities of a telecommunications manager, which most companies would rather outsource."
Founded by an entrepreneur, the company has a special focus on supporting the creation and growth of small businesses.
"The economic crisis has certainly made it more difficult for ambitious entrepreneurs to achieve the success they worked so hard for," said Randy Berlin, president of DiscountCall.com, Inc. "We help them by conducting a full analysis of their needs, and recommending and implementing systems that work for their business. We study their business and create a custom solution with the telecommunications provider and equipment that allows them to communicate with their customers and vendors efficiently."
DiscountCall services many large Gwinnett-based clients, including The Impact Group, Connecticut School of Broadcasting and American Coach Lines. Berlin says that his company is weathering the current economic storm by strengthening client relationships and expanding relationships with new potential clients and vendor partners. According to him, loyalty is the key to long-term success in any economy.
"The most important advice I can give a business owner to get through these tough times is to find a way to survive," Berlin says. "You must realize that customers are probably in the same position as you. Offer longer payment terms, free evaluations of new products or services or temporarily lower your prices. The loyalty built through these acts will be rewarded in better economic times. Also, establish loyalty with your vendors and employees by giving them security and respect."
"Methods of survival may mean different things for different business owners. For us, it's building trust within our brand."
