Small Business Utilities
by Alyice Edrich
Just like large corporate offices need communication tools to run their
businesses effectively, a small home-based business needs communication
tools to succeed.
With so many scams taking over the internet on a daily basis, people
are more skeptical than ever to trust the person on the other end of their
modem. That's why it is extremely important that your website (or online
business) offers a contact page that includes a working telephone number.
Toll Free Telephone Numbers
If you are just starting out, your regular home phone number will do.
But as your orders begin to increase, and your traffic begins to grow,
it will become imperative that you list a toll free number on your business
site. A toll free number allows your customers or potential clients to
call you, on your dime, to ask questions that could literally make or break
a sale. Having a toll free number eases the mind of the consumer, in the
sense that if you are willing to pay the toll fees to answer his or her
questions, your are more-than- likely running a trustworthy business.
With toll free numbers literally as low as $2 per month, and 6.9 cents
per minute, there is really no reason an online company should be without
one. There will be times when someone will visit your company website,
browse the products and services, and seriously consider purchasing, only
to decline because something was not made clear enough on your website.
By having a toll free telephone number, you have just given that person
permission to call you and clarify any concerns; thus potentially earning
you a sale and a repeat customer.
Answering Machines
Every business should have a quality answering machine (or service)
to take messages when no one is available to take them. But what happens
when you are just starting out, or someone is laid off, and you cannot
afford a second line? Or what happens when you can afford a second line,
but prefer not to pay those outrageous fees to your local telephone company?
You can simply set up an account for an "internet" answering machine. That
way, you never miss an important call while you are online.
The other great thing about having an answering machine is the flexibility
it gives you. Since you are working from home, it may be tempting to answer
every single call?or fear that you could lose a potential sale. But the
reasons you chose to work from home are just as important as your client.
You must set aside quality family time in order to work more productively;
therefore, if you are in the middle of a family dinner, or have guests
over, let the answering machine take the call. You can always call the
caller back. The same holds true if you are in an important meeting with
a client, whether in your home office, or via instant messenger; allow
your answering machine to take the message and call the caller back at
a more convenient time.
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