top of page

Business Phone Features Part 1: Streamline Every Call

Core Features That Keep Conversations Flowing


Hand holds a smartphone showing "Incoming Call" on screen with options to "Decline" or "Answer." The background is light-colored.


Looking to improve customer satisfaction, reduce missed calls, or make hybrid work smoother? Your Vistanet phone system includes powerful features designed to streamline every business conversation. 


In this first part of our 3-part series, we’re focusing on core call management features that help small and midsize businesses across industries—from law firms to healthcare clinics—stay connected and professional. 


Auto Attendants & Time-Based Greetings


Create a consistent and polished first impression. Auto attendants answer calls 24/7 and guide callers to the right department or person without relying on a receptionist. 


Open office with people working at desks, using computers, some wearing headsets. Bright lighting and exposed brick walls create a busy mood.

Benefits: 

  • Ensure professional call handling after hours 

  • Automatically route calls based on time of day or business hours 

  • Reduce interruptions for your in-office team 


🔍 FAQ: What is an auto attendant, and how does it help small businesses? 

An auto attendant is a virtual receptionist that answers calls and routes them without human help—ideal for saving time, especially in small teams. 


Ring Groups vs. Hunt Groups


Never miss an important call. Use these tools to route calls to a team or in a priority order: 

  • Ring Group: rings multiple phones simultaneously (e.g., Front Desk team) 

  • Hunt Group: rings phones one at a time in a set order (e.g., Sales reps) 

 

Perfect for: 

 

🔍 FAQ: What’s the difference between a ring group and a hunt group? 

A ring group calls several team members at once, while a hunt group calls one person at a time—both reduce missed calls, but in different ways. 



Hand points to "CUSTOMERS" on blackboard flowchart with arrows from "LEADS" to "PROSPECTS." Yellow light bulb doodle signifies ideas.

Call Queues with Custom Hold Options


High call volumes? No problem. Call queues hold callers in line and play music or messages while they wait. 


Included Features: 

  • “Your call is important to us” hold messages 

  • Estimated wait time announcements 

  • Branded on-hold audio 

 

🔍 FAQ: What are call queues, and when should I use them? 

Call queues help manage multiple incoming calls by holding them in line. Great for high-volume businesses that want to maintain professionalism



Man in glasses smiling while talking on the phone, holding a mug. Sunlight filters through blinds, creating stripes across his shirt.

Flexible Call Forwarding


Support hybrid work or backup staffing. Forward calls based on schedule, availability, or location. 


Examples: 

  • Forward to mobile after 3 rings 

  • Route calls to a second office after hours 

  • Lunch hour voicemail forwarding 


🔍 FAQ: How does VoIP call forwarding improve work flexibility? 

VoIP call forwarding routes business calls to mobile or alternate locations, making it perfect for hybrid work or multi-location teams


Branded Music-on-Hold & Custom Messages


Three people smiling inside a modern shop. Two women are holding menus, while a staff member in an apron waits to take their order.

Reinforce your brand and keep callers engaged. Don’t waste hold time—use it. 


What you can include: 

  • Holiday hours and seasonal promotions 

  • Voiceovers about your services 

  • Music that fits your brand tone 

 

🔍 FAQ: Can I customize my hold music and messages with Vistanet? 

Yes! Upload your own audio or have our team help you create custom hold messages that promote your business while callers wait. 


Bonus Tip: Which Business Phone Features Fit Best? 


  • Use a Ring Group if your team is small and you want shared responsibility 

  • Use a Call Queue if you handle high volumes or want callers to wait in line professionally 

 

Need help choosing? Our support team can walk you through what works best for your business type. 



Maximize Every Feature of Your Vistanet System


Most of these tools are already included in your planyou just need to turn them on or tweak your settings. Let's make sure you're getting the full value.




Vistanet is a family-owned and operated independent end-to-end business phone provider with headquarters in Asheville, NC. Founded in 2011, Vistanet is a local, 8(a) Woman-Owned, HUB Certified, Full Service, Telecommunications provider serving businesses from 1 employee to companies with multiple locations and lines. Visit us at 240 Erwin Hills Road, Suite B, Asheville, NC 28806. Hours: By appointment. Email info@vistanet.co or call 828-645-8777.



Comments


bottom of page