Phone Answering – Answering That Phone Call

How to answer the phone professionally

Answering the phone professionally is an essential skill that can leave a lasting impression on callers. Proper telephone etiquette is crucial to ensure that the person on the other end of the line feels valued and respected. Whether you’re a receptionist, a customer service representative, or simply answering calls for your own business, here are some tips on how to answer the phone professionally.

1. Answer promptly: When the phone rings, it’s important to answer it as quickly as possible. This demonstrates that you value the caller’s time and are ready to assist them. Letting the phone ring for too long can give the impression that you are not attentive to their needs.
2. Use a friendly and professional greeting: Start the conversation with a warm and polite greeting. For example, you can say, “Good morning/afternoon, thank you for calling [Company Name]. This is [Your Name]. How may I assist you today?” A friendly tone and a professional greeting can immediately put the caller at ease.
3. Speak clearly and professionally: Ensure that your voice is clear and easy to understand. Speak in a professional manner, using proper grammar and avoiding slang or informal language. This will convey professionalism and competence to the caller.
4. Listen actively: Listening is a crucial aspect of effective phone communication. Pay attention to the caller’s needs and listen actively to what they are saying. Avoid interrupting or rushing them, and show genuine interest in resolving their concerns.
5. Use the caller’s name: If the caller provides their name, make an effort to use it during the conversation. This personal touch shows that you are attentive and interested in their individual needs. However, use their name appropriately and avoid overusing it, as it can sound insincere.
6. Stay focused and avoid distractions: When answering the phone, eliminate any potential distractions around you. Background noise, side conversations, or multitasking can give the impression that you are not fully present or attentive to the caller’s needs. Stay focused on the conversation at hand.
7. Practice empathy and patience: Some callers may be frustrated, upset, or in need of assistance. It is important to practice empathy and patience in these situations. Be understanding and offer reassurance or solutions to their concerns. Remember, your role is to provide a service and assist people to the best of your abilities.
8. Be knowledgeable and helpful: Familiarize yourself with the products, services, or information related to your role. This will enable you to provide accurate and helpful responses to caller inquiries. If you are unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance or offer to find the information they need.
9. End the call politely: As the conversation concludes, thank the caller for contacting your company or for their time. Offer any additional assistance or information that people may require. Ending the call on a positive note leaves a favorable impression and shows your commitment to customer satisfaction.
10. Take notes or follow-up actions: If necessary, take notes during the call to capture important details or follow-up actions. This ensures that you have accurate information for future reference and can fulfill any promises made during the conversation. It also shows your professionalism and dedication to providing excellent service.

Remember, telephone answering is a skill that can be improved with practice. By incorporating these tips into your interactions, you can answer the phone professionally and leave a positive impression on callers. Whether you are part of a larger team or handling calls independently, professionalism and attentiveness are key to providing exceptional phone service.

Get the professionals to answer it for you and look after the caller

Running a small business can be an overwhelming task. As a business owner, you have numerous responsibilities that demand your attention. One aspect of business that often requires significant time and effort is managing phone calls. However, there is a solution that can help you grow your small business while alleviating the burden of phone answering: hiring an answering service company.

An answering service company provides professional phone answering services to businesses of all sizes. By outsourcing your call answering needs to such a company, you can focus on other crucial aspects of your business and drive its growth. Here are some ways in which phone answering services can benefit your small business:

1. Enhanced customer service: Customers are the lifeblood of any business, and providing exceptional customer service is crucial for growth. An answering service company can ensure that every call is answered promptly and professionally. Live operators are trained to handle customer inquiries, take messages, and provide information about your products or services. By delivering superior customer service, you can build a positive reputation and foster customer loyalty.
2. Improved availability: As a small business owner, you may not always be available to answer every call. Whether you’re in a meeting, on a business trip, or simply occupied with other tasks, missed calls can result in missed opportunities. An answering service company ensures that your calls are answered, even when you’re unavailable. Calls can be forwarded to the answering service, allowing customers to reach a live operator and receive the assistance they need.
3. Appointment scheduling: Managing appointments can be time-consuming and challenging. An answering service company can handle appointment scheduling on your behalf. They can coordinate with clients or customers, check availability, and update your calendar accordingly. This saves you time and ensures that appointments are scheduled efficiently, allowing you to focus on serving your clients and growing your business.
4. Message taking: In a bustling business environment, it’s easy to miss important details during a phone call. An answering service company can take detailed messages on your behalf, ensuring that no crucial information is lost. They can accurately record caller information, their inquiries or concerns, and any other relevant details. By having access to comprehensive messages, you can follow up with clients or customers and address their needs effectively.
5. Cost-effectiveness: Hiring a full-time receptionist can be costly for small businesses. An answering service company offers a cost-effective solution. Their rates are typically more affordable compared to hiring an in-house receptionist. You only pay for the services you use, without the additional costs of benefits, training, and equipment. This allows you to allocate your financial resources more efficiently and invest in other areas of your business.
6. Scalability: As your small business grows, so does the demand for phone answering services. An answering service company can accommodate your changing needs. They have the flexibility to scale their services up or down, depending on the volume of calls you receive. This ensures that you receive the necessary support, regardless of your business’s size or seasonality.
7. Professional image: Perception is crucial in business. An answering service company presents a professional image to your callers. With live operators answering your calls, customers receive personalized and professional service. This instills confidence in your business and demonstrates your commitment to exceptional customer care.

By partnering with an answering service company, you can leverage their expertise and resources to grow your small business. They take care of phone answering tasks, allowing you to concentrate on strategic planning, business development, and nurturing customer relationships. With improved customer service, enhanced availability, and efficient call management, you can focus on expanding your business’s reach and achieving your goals.

How Does An Answering Service Work When They Take A Call?

An answering service is a vital tool that helps businesses manage their incoming calls efficiently. But how does it actually work? Let’s take a closer look.

An answering service is often operated by a team of professionals who are trained to handle phone calls on behalf of businesses. They act as virtual receptionists, providing a range of services to ensure that every call is handled promptly and professionally.

When a customer calls a business, the call is routed to the answering service. These calls can be forwarded to the answering service either during specific hours or around the clock, depending on the business’s needs. This ensures that customers can reach a live operator, even outside of regular business hours.

Once the call reaches the answering service, a trained professional answers the phone. They greet the customer in a friendly and professional manner, just like an in-house receptionist would. They gather all the necessary information, such as the customer’s name, contact details, and the purpose of the call.

Based on the nature of the call, the answering service can provide various services to the customer. For instance, they can provide information about the business’s products or services, answer frequently asked questions, or offer basic customer support. They can also take detailed messages for the business owner, ensuring that no important information is missed.

In cases where the customer requires immediate assistance or needs to speak directly to someone at the business, the answering service can route the call accordingly. They can forward the call to the appropriate department or individual within the business. This ensures that the customer’s needs are met efficiently, without any unnecessary delays.

One of the key advantages of using an answering service is its virtual nature. Instead of having an in-house receptionist, businesses can rely on these professionals to handle their calls remotely. This eliminates the need for physical office space and the associated costs. Additionally, businesses can benefit from the flexibility of answering services, as they can scale their services up or down based on call volume or specific business needs.

An answering service is a valuable resource for businesses to manage their incoming calls effectively. By outsourcing their call handling needs to these virtual receptionists, businesses can ensure that their customers receive prompt and professional service. Whether it’s providing information, taking messages, or routing calls, an answering service plays a crucial role in maintaining customer satisfaction and allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.

Setting up an answering service

Setting up an answering service for a small business can be a beneficial step towards enhancing customer service and managing phone calls more efficiently. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when establishing an answering service.

1. Determine your needs: Before choosing an answering service, assess your business’s specific requirements. Consider factors such as call volume, peak hours, and the types of services you require. Understanding your needs will help you select the most appropriate answering service package for your small business.
2. Consider availability: Determine whether you need an answering service that operates during specific hours or provides 24/7 coverage. This depends on the nature of your business and customer expectations. Ensure that the answering service can accommodate your desired availability.
3. Evaluate the professionalism of the receptionists: The receptionists are the voice of your business when interacting with customers over the phone. Look for an answering service that employs professional and well-trained receptionists. They should have excellent communication skills, speak clearly, and display empathy towards callers.
4. Set up an external test: Consider conducting an external test to assess the quality of the answering service. Have a friend or family member call the service and gauge how the receptionist handles the call. This can provide valuable insight into their professionalism, efficiency, and overall customer service.
5. Define protocols and instructions: Clearly communicate your expectations and guidelines to the answering service. Provide detailed instructions on how calls should be handled, including specific procedures for different types of inquiries or emergencies. Regularly review and update these protocols as needed.
6. Monitor and provide feedback: Regularly monitor the answering service’s performance and provide feedback. This allows you to ensure that the service is meeting your expectations and enables them to improve their performance if necessary. Communication and feedback are crucial for a successful partnership.
7. Integrate the service with your phone system: Coordinate with the answering service to integrate their services with your existing phone system. This allows for seamless call routing and ensures that customers experience a smooth transition when their calls are transferred to the service.
8. Train employees on the service: If you have employees who will interact with the answering service, provide them with training on how to collaborate effectively. Ensure they understand how the service works and the protocols in place for handling calls. This will promote a cohesive approach between your employees and the answering service.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up an answering service for your small business. It will help improve customer service, manage phone calls more efficiently, and enhance your overall professionalism. With a reliable answering service in place, you can focus on other important aspects of your business, knowing that your calls are being handled by trained professionals.