Tips to keep your calls coming and business thriving.
People can see you through your phone. If you’re not careful, a simple phone call can be a detriment to your business relationships. These three tips may help keep your calls coming and your business thriving:
1. SMILE
In the hospitality industry, luxury resort employees are taught to answer the phone within three rings and with a smile. A smile can be heard through the phone. Try it. Just the action of putting a smile on your face changes the tone of your voice. Even a fake smile is better than no smile. It’s not only a “smile” that matters—it’s your word choices and how engaging you are. “Great to hear from you!” is so much better than an “Oh, hey.” Relate it to shaking hands with a firm grip versus a limp one. Showing enthusiasm and genuine interest will help the caller feel they are talking to the right person at the right business.
2. USE THEIR NAMES
Use people’s names. It’s good business and reassures customers you care about their needs. Think about the last time you called a bank. Don't you feel more comfortable when the agent addresses you by name? Our money is important to us, and we want to know that the bank holding our money cares about us and is addressing our concerns.
3. LISTEN
The same is true for listening. People are busy and today multitasking seems to be a desired skill; however, if the person on the other end of the phone can hear you typing on your keyboard or shuffling papers, they may feel you’re not really listening to the what they are saying. You may miss a key piece of information.
Attitude and concern for others or lack of come through loud and clear on the phone. Put some cheer into your voice—whether you are on the phone or off—for better business and personal relationships.