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Voicemail is necessary when no one can answer the phone. However, a dedicated receptionist can reduce the need for this feature and help people reach a live person. Consider live chat as well if your customers like to reach out online.
Within the tier structure, you may also find that certain features, like third-party software integration, are only offered within pricing certain tiers. If this kind of integration is important to you and your business, then you will want to ensure you choose the right tier that meets your needs. In situations where businesses need to connect a large number of users, VOIP providers may connect you with a product advisor who can develop a custom quote and package to meet your needs.
VoIP packages generally offer the most features at economical pricing, but are subject to the vagaries of your current ISP. You may also be on the hook for purchasing their equipment.
1. Thank Them or Apologize. The basic rule of thumb is that callers should hear one of two things when they first connect with your voicemail — either an apology for not being able to answer the call or a “thank you” for having called.
The vast majority of small businesses are now using data network services delivered over fiber optic lines for their telephone service. Many of my customers are electing to use Voice over IP (VoIP) that we deliver to them using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).
When you replace your landline with a VoIP provider, you will feel the difference. Not only does it enhance employee commitment to service, but it delivers ease.
To learn more about the costs of business phone systems, download our free eBook The Essential Guide to Business Phone System Pricing.
With VOIP, you can keep your business connected with a phone line, and people who are calling your business or receiving calls won’t notice a difference in terms of call quality. From the standpoint of your customers, a VOIP line is no different than a landline. In fact, using a VOIP line may give you the opportunity to become even more connected through mobile devices and laptops, which means your landline number can become mobile and make your business even more accessible.
If you’re not going to apologize or sound regretful about it, chances are you will lose on potential prospects. Mean it to your prospects how you are really sorry you can’t assist them at the moment.
Other important features of business phone systems and call center software may include virtual faxing, SMS text messaging, and Hot Desking.
Callers aren’t going to spend time sitting through a menu that doesn’t let them, at the very least, leave a voicemail. If a caller knows their party’s extension number, an option can, and should, be “Press 1 to leave a voicemail,” or something along those lines. That way, clients can feel as if they’re expressing their concerns without needing to talk to an agent, and without the agent feeling sorry they couldn’t pick up while they were working on something else.
Though the specific features you need will depend on the nature of your business, you should look for a small business phone system that offers:
Keep it Brief. Time is money in business, so if your voicemail is long, chances are the caller will simply disengage before the cue to leave a message even sounds. Keep your voicemail short. The most should be around 30 seconds, and even that’s pressing it. We’ve grown into a country where our attention span can last only about 10 seconds in some cases, so keep it short, brief and to the point. Persuade and Engage the Caller. If someone calls your business, they already have an intention. It’s the quality of your voicemail that plays a factor if they consider you a company they’d like to deal with. This is your chance to motivate someone to engage in a meaningful conversation with you. If your voicemail is shoddy, chances are they’ll hang up, or lose motivation to continue the call. In other words, your voice mail must engage and entice someone to the point that they care enough to leave you a message.
Virtual Voicemail Systems and Cloud Based Voice Mail System. Small Business Cloud Voice Mail Systems Spend Thousands of Dollars on a Voicemail System, or Spend Nothing at All, and Still Get …