Most businesses have a "Silent Salesman" and they don't realize it. This salesman never calls in sick, doesn't waste company time taking smoke breaks, doesn't require health insurance and never complains if he has to work past 5 (Because this salesman is on duty 24/7). Give up....? It's your business phone system! What do I mean by "Silent Salesman"? The phone system in most business is one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in the office.
When people call your company they have to use the phone. What happens when you are not there? The answering machine picks up... right? This is what I call an "opportunity". Don't waste the callers time with such messages as "We are not available to answer your call but your call is important to us so after the beep leave a brief massage and your name and phone number. Someone will get....blah blah blah" zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Get the idea? Welcome to the 21st century. People know what to do when they get an answering machine and if they don't, well you probably didn't want to talk to them anyhow.
Your answering machine message should give people REAL information and quickly. Say who they have reached first. This is important because maybe you sell the little fins on missiles that make them go where they are supposed to, but the person on the other end miss-dialed and is actually ordering a pizza. By saying who you are you saved that person time and you don't have to waste your time listening to an order for the "Vinny's Special" with extra onions!
You could maybe state the hours, and I'm a big fan of giving an alternate number to reach someone in case of emergency, but only if applicable to the business. Here is what many business don't do. Promote something. If you are going to use up 60 seconds of phone message state the important facts first then promote something.... whatever that something your business does. Maybe birthday parties if you are a bowling alley, or car detailing if you are an auto body. Nothing lengthy, but mention it. Hey they called you, teach them something about your company!
My next post I'll talk more about phone systems... keep your eyes peeled for part 2
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