The smart way to start a business

Newsletter abonnieren


Blog

How do I find the right communications solution for my start-up?

You’ve taken the plunge and successfully set up your own company. However, after all the paperwork you’ve already done, there’s the question of what communications system suits your start-up. What products should you buy, and which aren’t really necessary? How much should you budget for? And what if your company looks entirely different a year from now? Swisscom’s start-up consultancy team is here to answer questions such as these. Team leader Benjamin Muscari explains how the team works.

Benjamin, you are part of Swisscom’s start-up consultancy team. What does the team do exactly?

Basically we function like a call centre that looks after new clients. Start-ups can come to us for advice on their communications options. Each start-up is allocated a dedicated contact within the team who’ll look after them during the start-up phase. Initially we take a close look at the company and think about what products would be suitable for them. We put their structures and processes under the microscope with a view to optimisation. Alongside classic phone and Internet products, we also offer a range of ICT products. We are not a 0800-style advice hotline; we are there to accompany our clients at every stage of their start-up. It’s an intensive process that often gives us a deep insight into start-ups and their world. It’s hugely exciting.

How do I determine what the right communications package is for my start-up?

For us as consultants, it’s important to establish exactly how you want to work. That will be determined by factors such as how many employees you have, how you communicate with them, where you work from and how flexible you are, how you want to store and have access to your data, and of course how you use phones, mobiles and the internet. Then there’s the issue of budget and whether you have a fixed amount in mind that can’t be exceeded. Not last is the question of where you want to be in one or two years’ time. Are you planning on expanding, perhaps doubling your workforce? If you fail to ask these questions, you run the risk of giving the client a solution that suits current needs, but may not do so one year down the line. It’s our aim to accompany the client on its growth path and develop flexible solutions.

What kind of budget should I plan for, whether it’s for a basic or advanced package?

I always advise that it’s better to budget for too much than too little. For a basic solution (phone, internet, mobile), you’re looking at about 200-300 Swiss francs. For larger solutions with virtual phone equipment and data storage options, it’s about 200-500 Swiss francs. You also have to factor in start-up costs of 1,000 to 5,000 Swiss francs for an IT partner to install and service the entire system. But these are just estimates; actual costs will vary according to the company and the package chosen.

What are some of the current trends in the communications sector?

Current trends include IP and cloud solutions. We try to design solutions in such a way that you can have access to phone numbers and data from anywhere, whether from a central server, or via a cloud or virtual phone facilities in the Swisscom network. These solutions have the potential for significant efficiency gains.

Does Swisscom have special offers for start-ups?

We offer start-ups our product portfolio for business customers. We also offer each new customer (i.e. firms set up no more than a year ago) our Plus Package. The Plus Package contains six different vouchers and benefits, such as a memorable phone number, a contribution towards installation costs or a Swisscom voucher.

Our team of start-up consultants will be happy to offer you individual advice either during or following start-up. Together with your advisor, you’ll be able to find the right communications package for your business. The team is available Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Call free on 00800 782 788.

For more information, visit swisscom.ch/startup

Author: Pia Schneider, Swisscom (Schweiz) AG

» Register

» Found Online

New comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *