Ring, Ring, Ring - "Hello"

How many times have you lost patience with a company whose personnel answering the phone manage to irritate you to no end or you call a business and get a child answering the phone or a "hello" and YOU have to ask if you are calling "XYZ Company". As a small/home-based business owner, I try my hardest to make sure those calling receive the courtesy they expect when calling a business. This means that not only does my family know that the phone with the apple (Macintosh logo) on it is not to be answered by anyone else but mom, but that mom needs quiet - too. Although my 2-year old is not always cooperative, I try. :-)

Here are some other things to think about when it comes to your business phone:

*Try to have a separate line for your business. You really never know when a prospect/client might call and wouldn't it be better if you answered the phone knowing that it was business and not personal.

*If you have call waiting, remember that a client might be offended that you feel the need to answer the other call. On the other hand, feel free to give the person permission to answer the line if you feel inclined.

*If you can't afford a full-time answering service (and I don't know too many small businesses that can), use voice mail. The extra $6-$7 is worth the assurance that your callers are getting a reliable source for taking a message. And, if you can't get voice mail (in my area it is not available), at least have a decent answering machine.

*Having a decent answering machine, brings me to another tip - don't scrimp on your business phone equipment. Remember that quality does really last longer than that $9.99 special. Nothing like using that portable phone to check on dinner and loosing the signal and the caller.

*Part of the appeal of a small/home-based business is that fact that we can usually respond faster and give a more personal touch, so try to respond to your messages as soon as possible.

*Lastly, before answering the phone put a smile on your face. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and although your caller may not see that smile, they will hear it.