5 Benefits of Having a Separate Business Number for Your Cell Phone

Professionalism, balance and more

Modern business communications come in many forms: email, video conference and chat apps, just to name a few. But for instant and easy access to business partners and clients, it’s hard to beat a phone call.

Many entrepreneurs manage both their private life and business matters from a single mobile phone. That doesn’t mean you need to do it all from a single phone number, or that you must work with a particular business phone number service.

At Walmart Business, we understand that you’re always looking for ways to run your organization more efficiently while setting yourself apart from the competition. Getting the best business phone line can have a significant impact on your small business—and having a separate phone number is key.

Do you need a business phone number service?

If you run a small business, especially one that does contract work for clients, you may want to get a dedicated line. Many services can help you manage using a business number on your personal phone.

In addition to ringing business calls through to the phone you already own, many business phone line providers offer convenient features such as:

• Call forwarding to multiple devices.

• Automated voicemail transcription.

• Integration with video and text services.
  

If all you need is a second line on the same device, you may not need to work with business phone line services. Many modern mobile devices support using multiple SIM or eSIM cards at once, with each corresponding to a unique line and number. 

Consider your business’s needs for customization options, automation features and costs as you decide which route to take.

5 benefits of using a separate business number

Whether you use dedicated business phone line services or simply slot in a second SIM card, you may see many of the same benefits. Here are some of the biggest reasons to consider adding a separate business number to your cell phone.

Work-life balance

Using your own device for business doesn’t mean you have to blur the line between work and private time. Opting for a business phone line provider or a separate line can help you prioritize your time with family, friends and personal interests.

With separate phone numbers, you instantly know the nature of the call based on which is ringing. You can pick up for your friend who needs directions to the restaurant and let the client go to voicemail until tomorrow morning.

Professionalism

Your family, friends and delivery drivers don’t need to know your hours and email address every time they call. Potential clients may find an informal greeting unprofessional. Having separate voicemails eliminates this concern.

Using a second phone line also allows you to publicly register that line to your business for caller ID purposes. Clients are more likely to pick up if they see your business’s name rather than a number they might not recognize.

Cutting down spam

Spam calls are a big problem for many people. Picking up the phone to no response or a robotic voice trying to “reach you about your car’s extended warranty” is frustratingly common. It’s enough to make you hit the “Call Decline” button for any unknown number. Yet ignoring an unknown caller is always risky when it could be a new customer or client waiting for you to pick up.

Adding a new phone line for your business to your phone means you have an easy way to assess those unknown callers. If it’s coming into your business line, play it safe and answer. If it’s coming into your personal number, hit that red “Decline” button and get back to your life.

Automation and management

Many business phone number services offer convenient features such as spam filtering, scheduled call routing, all-in-one platforms for managing communications and even AI-powered time-savers such as automatic note-taking.

You may not need all of those features for your business (yet!), but they’re worth considering as you decide which service to use.

Tax purposes

Keeping your business expenses wholly distinct from your private spending can make your life easier in tax season. If you use the same phone number for private matters as you do for your business, you may have a tougher time claiming it on your taxes. 

Get in touch with Walmart Business+

Using two numbers for your cell phone is one great way to simplify running your business while creating a better experience for you and your clients. Another is spending less time on logistical concerns to keep your focus where it’s needed most.

Become a Walmart Business+ member and you’ll receive free shipping with no order minimum.¹ You’ll also unlock free delivery from your local store with a $35 minimum², so you can stay stocked up on the supplies you need to work your best without interruption.

You’ll even earn 2% in Walmart Business Rewards on orders $250 or more³ and be able to analyze patterns with Spend Analytics to help budget for the future. Join Walmart Business+ today and find more ways to run your business better. 

¹Excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. 

²Restrictions apply. Additional fee applies for Express delivery. 

³Exclusions apply. See full terms for details.