Calling a business for the first time is a lot like going on a blind date. You base a lot on first impressions, and you look for specific traits to determine if you might want to pursue a long-term relationship. One wrong move, and you’re back to looking for other fish in the sea.
So how can you make sure your business is not cast back by callers who are less than impressed? It starts with a good business phone system combined with professional voice recordings that enhance this vitally important customer touch point. Here's how to make the most of a “first date” with a caller?
BE PLEASANT
What happens when a caller dials your number? Do they get an enthusiastic greeting that is aligned with your brand? Or, do they get an uninspired, terse message that encourages the dreaded dropped call. Dial your number and listen for yourself. Ask your friends and family to call, too. Get a general consensus, and if others are telling you that improvements can be made, don’t wait another second. Fix your greeting before you scare another potential customer away!
BE STRAIGHTFORWARD
A primary goal for any business should be to make the customer experience as simple as possible. If you have misguided voice prompts and hard-to-hear messages, you could be frustrating callers unknowingly. Take a look at your entire phone system and navigate through it. If you have difficulty with it, your callers definitely will. Remember, simple is always better!
BE INFORMATIVE
Think closely about why your callers are dialing your number. Do they want the hours of your business? Maybe, they need support or have a question? Ask your callers and create your voice recordings to address the specific needs that they have. Don’t hesitate in being creative with this one. On-hold messages can deliver product information, and even greetings can provide quick details that can make your callers’ experience better.
BE APPRECIATIVE
Of course, you appreciate your callers. And, you probably thank them often. Extend this to your phone system recordings. Why not tell them that you value their business when they’re on hold? Thank them for calling, and make sure to say “please” whenever you can.
Who knows? With the right business phone messages, that first call might just lead to a marriage made in heaven!
