Unanswered, missed calls and long hold times cost small business money and have a negative impact on customer satisfaction. This is where an answering service, which receives incoming calls on your behalf, can really optimize communications and profitability in small business by offering dedicated receptionists who get to know your business and function as part of your team.
Here are the top five reasons why small businesses use answering services and are reaping the rewards:
1. Prevent Lost Revenue
An answering service means that you won’t miss a call ever again. That one call that means you seal that deal that has been so close for so long or that returning customer who will be your biggest advocate. What’s more, with a dedicated team behind it their knowledge and professionalism will really make a difference. Even in this technical age, people still want human interaction.
2. Increase Productivity
You have many varied responsibilities and tasks in a small business, so answering the phone can be a distraction you simply don’t need, especially when you are in the middle of a meeting or working on a big document, for example. In fact, every call should be seen as an opportunity. An answering service is the perfect way to filter and forward your calls so that you and your team can focus on your main goals whilst still meeting your clients’ needs.
3. 24/7/365 Coverage
An answering service can be used for calls 24/7/365, for overflow support or out-of-hours cover, it all depends on your business needs. And, as clients become ever-more demanding in this instant access world, it is crucial that you are on top of your small business 24/7/365. Having a real person ready to take care of your clients even when the physical office is closed will only support your competitive advantage and a 24/7 answering service gives you just that.
4. Minimize Costs
Hiring an in-house team to look after your calls is expensive and time-consuming use of a small business resources. You will need to find work space, hire people, buy a system and back-up system, not to mention all the other HR and business expenses and policies. Even if you can spend the money, the right telephone answering system will cut your expenses by comparison.
5. Give the right impression
Whether you are a fledging start-up or established small business, an answering service reinforces strong client relationships and maintains a strong professional image. Your relationship with your client begins as soon as you answer the call, it will make all the difference.
Introducing VoiceNation
VoiceNation is America’s best virtual receptionist & answering service provider for businesses of all shapes and sizes. We have achieved this through the continual investment in extraordinary people and market-leading technology.
For more than 20 years, VoiceNation has specialized in custom-scripted call answering, with bilingual receptionists available to take calls 24 hours a day. VoiceNation is part of Moneypenny, a leading 24/7 provider of personalized answering services, live chat and customer contact solutions.