If you're a small business, your office phone system is one of your greatest assets as it allows you to communicate within and across teams and with clients easily and efficiently. Unless you have a very small number of staff, you will want to choose a sophisticated office phone system that can improve productivity and enhance customer service.

If you have an underperforming office phone system, and you're constantly putting money into it to get it serviced or repaired, then you should consider investing in a new system.

Here are some tips for choosing the right office phone system.

1. Choose a quality office phone system. Avoid the temptation to save some up-front costs by under-investing in a system. Despite the wide use of the Internet, telephone services continue to be an essential business communication tool. Make sure you invest in a brand-name, reliable system that's going to be able to support your business as it grows.

2. Use existing telephone equipment. A great way to save money on telephone installation costs is to choose a telephone system that is compatible with or can make use of telephone handsets or outlets that you already have.

3. Make a list of telephone features you require in your office telephone system. Features include call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, call return, call blocking and call trace.

4. Choose telephone accessories. Make a list of telephone extras you may require, such as telephone headsets for employees, so that you can ensure these extras are compatible with your new system.

5. Choose a reputable dealer. Choosing a reputable dealer with positive customer testimonials is vital. When researching your prospective dealers, find out how long they have been in the business, whether they've done jobs for companies or businesses similar in size to yours, and what skills, qualifications or experience the technicians have. Don't be afraid to ask them for information about their customer service track record so you can get an idea of how the company would handle the situation if you had a telephone or equipment emergency.

6. Consider choosing a VoIP office phone system. A VoIP system (or Voice over Internet Protocol) is a new technology that allows people to make calls over the Internet using broadband technology. VoIP has become very popular in recent years because of its relative low cost and ease of use. Call cost is comparable to standard phone lines but the quality of connection is more advanced and reliable. VoIP is often convenient for companies that need to communicate with employees across a number of branches and locations.

7. Consider financing options. Because the installation costs of a new office phone system can be relatively high, be sure to ask your system dealer about any leasing or financing options that may be available if your business's current cash flow is limited. Keep in mind that interest may apply to leasing arrangements, so it may be more cost effective to pay up front. Also, find out if your dealer is willing take away your old office phone system and give you a discount on the new system.