The post Happy Thanksgiving From Carolina Digital Phone appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

The post Growing with Greensboro: Carolina Digital Phone and the Chamber Partnership appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

Why do I bring this up? Because as the holidays quickly approach, I urge you to take a break from the complexity and “noise” out there, and reflect on the SIMPLE and TRUE things that make life such a joyful journey. 

I am reminded of the lyrics to the classic song Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon, which asks: “So this is Christmas, and what have you done?”  

And so, I ask you — when was the last time that you:

• Woke up in the morning, and the first thought in your mind was “wow, it’s great to be alive!” — and not “oh no, I wonder what scary emails and texts are waiting for me.”
• Went to bed at night full of gratitude for the opportunity you had that day to make a positive difference?
• Took a moment to experience and appreciate nature — by going for a stroll or even just looking out the window (which is not a bad idea because it was pretty cold around here the last few days!).
• Told the most important people in your life that you love and care for them? 
• Forgave those who wronged you in the past — if not directly (which is not always possible), then in your heart. Remember: when we hold onto grudges, our hands are not free to catch blessings!
• Did something simple and nice for a total stranger — like buying them a coffee, or offering to return their shopping cart for them. You’d be amazed at what these little gestures can do for the soul and spirit. 
• Said a genuine “thank you” to a frontline service worker, such as the cashier in a store or the waitress in a restaurant, or the person taking your order at your favorite fast-food restaurant. And guess what? Saying thank you from the bottom of your heart is FREE.  

I promise you that I don’t mean to preach. I know that we all have difficulties, stresses, and fears —about ourselves, our families, our communities, our country, and our world. This is just part of life, and we cannot pretend that these concerns do not exist. 

But what I am encouraging all of you to do, is to take this opportunity during the holidays and realize how much power you have to brighten your life and the lives of those around you.

To me, this is the real spirit and meaning of the holidays. And there is absolutely no reason why we have to limit this to a few days at the end of each year. We can do it EVERY DAY. Why not start right now? 

Seasons Greetings and Merry Christmas!

Nicky Smith, Founder/CEO
Carolina Digital Phone Inc

The post A Special Holiday Message from Nicky Smith, President of Carolina Digital Phone appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

The post Cherishing & Celebrating: What I Will be Doing this Independence Day appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

Rule for a happier life 1: Laugh and the World Laughs With You

Try this – make an effort every day to make someone smile. It doesn’t need to be someone you know, although your friends and family could certainly use a good laugh. Maybe pick a total stranger and share a comment just to lighten the air in an otherwise tense or trying situation. Making a joke at your own expense can win people over and make you appear more human.

Being a small business, we have a close-knit, family-like relationship with each other. Just like other families, there are times where we are more stressed than normal. If we are working on a big project and are up against a deadline, for instance. During stressful times, we find it helps to remain positive and to remember we are working toward the same goal. This positive mood shows internally and to our clients.

Rule 2: Learning is a Lifelong Process

The excitement in a young child experiencing something new is always a delight to watch. Because they are so curious about the world around them, children have energy and absolute joy when they learn something that adults simply take for granted. As we grow older, if we do not learn from our mistakes, we can grow leary of learning new things.

Instead of going through life avoiding new experiences because of a past failure, we miss out on so much. Instead, open your mind to learning something new every day. You may be surprised at how willing complete strangers are to explain something they are passionate about. Try this out and, over time, you will be amazed at how many people are open to teaching you something and share your interests.

No matter how long you have been in your profession or job, remain open to new ideas and concepts. By learning about new ideas and approaches to problems, you will be more competitive and in touch with the latest technology. When you interact with people, in your personal life but also in your business, do more listening than talking. Take the information you gather by listening and learn from it. This is why learning is a vital rule for a happier life.

Rule 3: Return the Favor

Think back to when you were growing up and you are bound to have a mentor that helped you. Maybe that person was a teacher or, maybe they were someone who simply saw something brilliant in you and wanted to nurture your passion. It’s human nature to take interest in people who share our interests. For that reason, it’s not uncommon for someone to take the time to encourage another, especially if they recognize a spark of interest. Being a mentor is also extremely gratifying. Seeing that light-bulb moment when a person “gets it” and knowing that you played a part gives you a feeling of accomplishment.

Mentoring your customers can be rewarding as well. By enlightening your customers, you open up opportunities for them to grow their business and, as a result, help you grow your business. Encouraging learning drives innovation and success.

Rule for a happier life 4: Show Some Love

Everyone needs to know they are loved. No matter who you are, knowing that someone loves you is sometimes all you need to get through a difficult situation in life. Love is more than just an emotion, it can heal and change lives. The world is an uncertain place. You never know from one day to the next when someone you love will be taken away. You may not think it will happen to someone you care about, but why take a chance? Make today the day that you tell someone important to you just how much they mean.
Maybe there is someone in your life that you have never told “I love you.” Wouldn’t it be a tragedy not tell that person and then, one day, they are taken from you? Don’t live with regret for not speaking those three simple words that mean so much. You might just be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is.

Take these four rules to live by and see how much better you feel after implementing them. Maybe you have some rules of your own you’d like to add.

~Nicky Smith, CEO Carolina Digital Phone

The post Four Rules for a Happier Life appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

As a longtime business owner in the Triad, I have always been a big supporter of backing local companies and following the principle of “give where you live.” But as we all know, relationships are a two-way street. And right now, as we grapple with this unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19, I am seeing local businesses step up and give back to their customers in ways that are both practical, and inspirational. As the saying goes: In bad times, you find out who your real friends are.

Since the beginning of this crisis, the team at my business has been making an effort even more than we normally do to help our customers. In some cases, we have gone so far as to offer free services to support remote workers. But my goal is not to shine the light on our own efforts, but on the efforts of our small community bank.

My story began with the recent announcement by the federal government of more than $2 trillion in economic support for Americans, and $350 billion in economic support for small businesses guaranteed by the SBA. It was shortly after the announcement that I received a call from my banker at First Bank in downtown Greensboro. He reached out to me about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Paycheck Protection Program. In case you are not aware, these programs are designed to quickly provide small businesses with funds so they can meet payroll and ultimately keep their employees at work or bring them back to work if they have been temporarily laid off.

This information was very helpful. While I had heard some news on the program, I was not familiar with the details. What my banker did next, however, made an impression on me that I will never forget. This is what he did that inspired this article: Through text messages and phone calls, my banker kept me updated on a daily basis about the program’s changing requirements and guidelines. This was not something he was obligated to do, and it was not part of any contract or arrangement. Nevertheless, he felt that it was his duty to ensure that my business would be ready to take advantage of the program if and when we needed to.

In a perfect world, this would be how all banks operate, but this is not the case. Many larger banks have come under criticism for their handling of PPP loans. In some cases, the outcome has been customers being turned away from the program. Often times, small businesses are sent to a bank’s website and instructed to complete a form and then sit and wait for a call from a contact center agent on what to do next.

Now, I’m not here to bash the big banks. I am here to applaud and honor my community bank for doing what every local business should be doing right now: discovering plans to help their customers survive this difficult time and emerge strongly positioned for the recovery that I believe is coming sooner rather than later. What makes me so confident? Because I know in my heart that when the going gets tough, local businesses will get going. With this attitude and energy, we will power our recovery and usher in a new era of prosperity and growth.

The post Why my Local Community Bank is the best! appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

However, despite this challenge, I have every confidence — and you should, too — that as a nation we will triumph over this crisis. How can I be so sure? It’s because of three things that are embedded into the fabric of our identity: bravery, achievement, and resiliency.

1. Bravery

Since the beginning, when our nation has been called upon we have consistently risen to the occasion and done what is right. We are seeing numerous examples of this bravery across the country right now, through the heroic efforts of our emergency service personnel and first responders, health care workers, members of our Armed Forces, and the millions of courageous people who provide essential services.

We should also be emboldened by the bravery and leadership that we are seeing from our business community. Small businesses and large enterprises are banding together to cooperate and be part of the solution in truly unprecedented ways. I am proud and honored to be part of this community. We are in this together and there is nothing we cannot do.

We are also seeing the care and community spirit demonstrated by ordinary people who are checking up on their neighbors, creating homemade masks and donating them to groups and individuals, offering to pick up groceries and other essential supplies for those who in self-quarantine or mandated isolation, and the list goes on. This bravery and service remind me of the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.”

2. Achievement

We are not just a nation of dreamers: we are also a nation of doers! It is just a matter of time before the best and brightest minds in our medical and scientific communities will develop safe and effective treatments and therapies. This will immediately help those who contract COVID-19 so they can recover at home vs. be hospitalized. And once a vaccine is created, we can prevent the virus from spreading and eventually eradicate it similar to SARS.

Plus, it is not just doctors and researchers who are leading the fight. A 43-year old mother of two named Jennifer Haller volunteered to be the first person to receive an experimental vaccine to fight COVID-19. How “experimental” are we talking here? Consider this: before taking the vaccine, she had to sign a 40+ page disclaimer acknowledging the risks. Yet despite this, she forged ahead. Here is what she had to say: “I wanted to do something because there are so many millions of Americans that don’t have the same privileges that I’ve been given. They’re losing their jobs. They are concerned about paying bills, feeding their family. This was just something that I could do and that I wanted to do.”

3. Resiliency

I have always felt that we do not give ourselves ample credit for bouncing back after tough times. While other countries are typically worse off after a crisis, we are always stronger. We don’t just get up off the mat and get back in the ring. We dig deep and win by a knockout.

I have no doubt that our characteristic resiliency will come through yet again when we need it most. Does that mean that things will be the exact same in the future as they were in the past? No. Does it mean things will be better because we will have learned so much and drawn closer and more unified as a nation? Absolutely.

Looking Ahead

While there are some glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel, we all know that there going to be some tough weeks and months ahead that will put us to the test. But we will pass with flying colors because we are courageous, we are achievers, and we are resilient. When these signature traits combine, it is a foregone conclusion that we will not just overcome this crisis. We will triumph!

About the Author:

Born and raised in the Piedmont Triad and very passionate about the growth of the business community, state, and small businesses, Nicky Smith is a leader in the community, volunteers for a number of organizations including his Christ United Methodist Church. Member of the Crescent Rotary Club, Nicky finds time to writes for the Triad Business Journal in addition to weekly blogs located at https://carolinadigitalphone.com/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaDigitalPhone/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickysmith/

Nicky Smith, CEO/Founder
Carolina Digital Phone Inc
nicky.smith@carolinadigitalphone.com

For Remote worker Cloud-based Telephone Services for Businesses

Our national footprint, geo-redundant cloud-based service makes managing your business easier, more efficient, and more cost-effective. We replace your bulky, expensive, and outdated on-premise phone equipment with an advanced, scalable, and feature-rich cloud-based PBX that seamlessly connects your team — whether they are located in the same office or in remote locations. We also enhance your customer communications with solutions like customized auto-attendants, call queues, call groups, and more. Plus, we integrate all of your desk phones and smartphones on the system and give you the power to easily manage everything through your web browser or mobile app.

The post COVID-19 Crisis: 3 Reasons Why America Will Triumph appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

While we are struggling through the changes and adjustments needed to fight this virus, we may have difficulty seeing an end. We may be longing to go back to a time before the world was turned upside down.

These are normal reactions, but what if we started looking at this through a different lens. If we stop and look around, we can see all the challenges and bad things happening, but if we want, we can also focus on the many good things that are happening too.

One of the biggest things we can see that is good is the way that people are reaching out to comfort and help others, even in the midst of their own struggles. It is important to notice and hold on to the good we see in the world, and even contribute to it as much as we can.

We can also look forward to life after COVID-19 with hope. Instead of wishing to go back to how things were before the pandemic, we can instead think about how we can grow and improve to create a better world after the threat is over.

One way we can see the positivity come from the COVID-19 pandemic is in the way it will influence small businesses and business startups.

Current Small Businesses

One advantage of being a small business is the fact that small business owners can move much faster than a big corporation. Big corporations have layers of management and various committees that all need to be involved in making big decisions. A small business owner can change gears and implement new ideas much faster.

If a small business owner has an idea for a product or service, they can take steps that same day to implement systems to start production or marketing. In a larger corporation, the only thing that could be done would be to start making a proposal to send to other departments.

One example of the way this can be done effectively during the current global climate is with Mike Lindell’s My Pillow company. His company has under 2,000 employees, so it can still be considered to be a smaller business. He switched gears with his company to fill a gap in the market by making 50,000 face masks per day. He was able to do this with just a few days to change the assembly process.

He was in a position to do this because he runs a small business and can change and adapt quickly to meet the current market’s needs. He can move so quickly for three reasons:

1. He knew it was the right thing, so he had the motivation to accomplish his goals.
2. He saw an opportunity to both help the world with a need and improve his business at the same time.
3. He was able to contribute to the world in a meaningful way by helping with a shortage and keeping his employees working.

Another example is Hanes Knitwear, which is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is not a small business but has still shown great initiative in this time of need. They have been producing t-shirts and underwear for over 100 years, but now is making one million medical grade face masks for healthcare workers.

We can also see other businesses jumping in to help the current shortages by turning their factories and other facilities into areas to make ventilators, sanitizers, and face masks to respond to the crisis. Truly we can see how a crisis can bring us together and give us opportunities to grow and serve others.

After COVID-19

We have a great opportunity to re-invent the world after this pandemic. When this over, we will see many new businesses start and thrive. There are millions of small businesses that have founders and owners who are ingenious and creative. There are even more people who have ideas waiting to come to life. Business is sure to bloom when the new America 2.0 is born.

In order to make this a reality, society will have to change. Cities might have to change the way they grow. More businesses will have to consider making the decision to start in a smaller town to employ local people who will be committed to the mission of their company. Business cultures will also have to change. Business owners can have more confidence in their belief that a small business can grow as it adapts to the world.

This pandemic has also shown us some areas in our society and businesses that are tremendously lacking. Companies now have the opportunity to come up with new ideas and policies to help protect against some of the negative effects we have seen.

If you have big ideas and motivation, then now is the time to act! The new America will be here sooner than we think, and those who get moving now will be the ones to succeed. We are doing our part to assist you get started by offering telephone services at no cost for two months to help existing businesses stay afloat, and new businesses thrive.

About Carolina Digital Phone

With more and more businesses switching to work-from-home situations, there needs to be a way for employees to stay connected and complete their work. This not only helps businesses but also helps the employees to maintain their income in these troubling times.

As a small company ourselves we have also responded to the call. We are doing what is right for America in providing telephone services at no cost for two months to help a business stay in business. We understand your concerns and needs and strive to help fill in the gaps to help you keep making the world a better place. We are the solution for the new worker force in America, just like you can be the solution for the new business world.

About the Author:

Born and raised in the Piedmont Triad and very passionate about the growth of the business community, state and small businesses, Nicky Smith is a leader in the community, volunteers for a number of organizations including his Church, Christ United Methodist. Member of the Crescent Rotary Club, Nicky finds time to writes for the Triad Business Journal in addition to weekly blogs located at https://carolinadigitalphone.com/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaDigitalPhone/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickysmith/
Published Reading: https://medium.com/@DigitalPhone

Nicky Smith, CEO/Founder
Carolina Digital Phone, Inc.
nicky.smith@carolinadigitalphone.com

The post America 2.0 – When The Global Pandemic Is Over appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading around the globe so rapidly in recent weeks, I am taking this opportunity to share with you the key actions that we are taking in response: maintaining business continuity, maintaining high availability of services, offering our mobile app for remote workers, and introducing our next day telework solution for remote workers. Each of these is described below.

[su_highlight]1. Maintaining Business Continuity[/su_highlight]

Our office remains open, and our staff is ready to provide the exceptional support that you have come to expect from us. Should it become necessary for us to temporarily close our office (which we currently do not anticipate), then we will provide uninterrupted business continuity by serving you through our online web portal, email, instant message, and phone. We are here for you.

[su_highlight]2. Maintaining High Availability of Services[/su_highlight]

We rely on multiple layers of security, rigorous service operations, geographically dispersed redundant data centers, and 24/7 system monitoring in order to provide high availability of services, which includes meeting our 99.999% uptime standard. You can confidently expect your cloud telephone system to function flawlessly, so that you can run your business and serve your customers.

[su_highlight]3. Offering Our Mobile App for Remote Workers[/su_highlight]

Until the COVID-19 situation is under control, many organizations are advising or directing employees to work from home. To facilitate this transition, we offer a free mobile app (for Android and iOS) that enables remote employees to make/receive calls and access other system features using their personal smartphone. Installing the app is simple and no technical knowledge is required.

[su_highlight]4. Introducing Our Next Day Telework Solution for Remote Workers[/su_highlight]

We have introduced a Next Day Telework Solution for remote workers. Simply call us by noon, (336) 544-4000 and we will drop ship the required equipment (e.g. IP phones, headsets, power supplies, Wi-Fi dongles, etc.) to remote workers located within the U.S. by the next day. There is no limit to workforce size. We will also provide remote employees with easy step-by-step instructions/guidance on how to set everything up in their home office.

[su_highlight]We Are Helping the Community by Offering 3 Free Months of Cloud-Based Services for Organizations impacted by Coronavirus[/su_highlight]

[su_highlight]UPDATED: March 29th, 2020 – We Are Helping ANY Business Owner affected by the Coronavirus 2 Free Months of Cloud-Based Services[/su_highlight]

[su_divider top=”no” divider_color=”#003366″ link_color=”#9d6c32″ size=”2″ margin=”10″]

Additional Recommendations

Please also remember that the most effective way to prevent the spread of disease are things that you and your team can do, including:

• Wash your hands often per the following 6-step method: 1) Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). 2) Turn off the tap and apply soap. 3) Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. 4) Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. 5) Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. 6) Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them. Note: if soap and water are unavailable, then use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you have flu-like symptoms, inform the people around you, and stay home unless medical treatment is necessary.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

For additional advice, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 website – click here.

This is a difficult and uncertain time, but I have no doubt that as a nation we will find the necessary solutions to keep us safe and our future bright. Should you have any questions, please contact us for a prompt response.

Sincerely,

CEO/Founder,
Carolina Digital Phone, Inc.
a proud North Carolina based company

The post A Message from Carolina Digital Phone’s CEO Nicky Smith on COVID-19 appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.

And so, it may come as a surprise that a self-described optimist like me would want to share some of the worst business advice that I’ve ever received. But that’s precisely what I’m about to do. Not because I want to make anyone feel miserable. Rather, because I want people to be aware, since these radioactive recommendations can at first blush seem to be sensible and insightful. But I assure you that in my experience they’re quite the opposite, and can lead to enormous regret. Shall we begin?

1. When it comes to customer satisfaction, never try and over deliver.

The thinking behind this terrible advice is the fear that delighting customers creates a standard of expectation that cannot be maintained without adding costs. As such, it’s better to focus on meeting agreed upon commitments and objectives: no more, and no less.

This is so fatally flawed, that I don’t even know where to begin! Exceeding customer expectations and giving them as many reasons as possible to transition from ordinary customers into raving fans and inspired brand ambassadors should be at the heart of every business, and frankly, at the heart of every employee regardless of whether they’re the CEO or the intern. After all, businesses exist to service customers, not the other way around.

Now, does it cost a little more to delight customers? Yes, sometimes it does. But over time, the return on investment is astonishing. And what’s more, it feels great to know that your company, or your individual actions, have made a lasting positive impact. You cannot engineer this kind of feeling. It is a byproduct of offering exceptional service that goes above and beyond.

2. Do what you love.

OK, hold on a moment. I know what you’re thinking, and respectfully, you’re wrong. Please allow me to explain.

Many people, and especially younger folks who are just starting their careers, spend an enormous amount of time, effort, and money trying to find an occupation or calling that they love. Unfortunately, they rarely reach their lofty goal. And even if they do, the love affair doesn’t last for long. Sooner or later, something or someone unpleasant enters the scene, and they’re back to search mode.

If this cycle sounds familiar, then here is my recommendation: instead of striving to do what you love, focus your efforts and energies into loving what you do! Even if you aren’t currently thrilled with your boss, colleagues or work situation (or if you downright hate it), dig deep and bring a high level of excellence, care and attention to your tasks and interactions.

Once you start doing this, two astonishing things will happen. The first thing, is that you’ll start to do your job much better, feel far less tension and unhappiness, and probably have a positive influence on the people around you. The second thing is that by giving your tasks (yes, even the tedious ones) your very best, you will start to truly grasp what you love and why. You can then use these insights to shape and guide your career, whether in the same company, with another company, or perhaps in your own company. In other words, you can indeed do what you love, but only if you first love what you do!

3. You have to offer the lowest prices to survive.

This bad advice has been around for so long, that it has attained mythical status. In fact, some people don’t even see it as advice. They assume that it is a fundamental truth that must be accepted. Ironically, following this advice is a race to the bottom, and then ultimately to the dustbin of business history.

Yes, regardless of whether a business sells coffee or cloud telephone systems (as mine does), customers want, expect and deserve value. But quality customers, which are the kinds that all businesses should covet and attract, never obsessively insist on paying the lowest price. Research by the International Council of Shopping Centers found that 73 percent of customers have spent more money to do business with a company that delivers great service, and research by Deloitte found that customers are likely to spend 140 percent more after a positive experience.

The Bottom Line

It has been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Well, the trio of terrible advice highlighted above is worth enough asphalt to lay down an interstate freeway system. They may sound and seem wise, but they are anything but. What matters most is taking care of customers better than your competitors, loving what you do and giving every task your care and attention, and remembering that a competitive price is just one piece of the puzzle and not the entire thing. Follow that path, and you can be assured that your career, and your life, will be full of success. Heck, you may even become an incurable optimist like me.

The post The 3 Worst Pieces of Business Advice I’ve Ever Received appeared first on Carolina Digital Phone.