TIPS ON ANSWERING YOUR BUSINESS PHONE

 AND GENERATE NEW LEADS!

 Does your marketing generate telephone leads, but you aren’t happy with your sales results? The problem could be the poor handling of incoming calls.

Tips on Handling Incoming Calls:

• Analyze Your Incoming Calls. Using a call tracking system can help you analyze your incoming calls and how they are handled. This system will help identify ineffective sales techniques and alert you on how to prevent lost sales.
• First Impressions Count - It's always best to have a person answering the phone, and they should have an upbeat and positive manner.
• Message Answering System - If you must use an answering system, your message should be no longer than a few seconds.
• What The Caller Should Hear - "Thank you for calling, if you're listening to this message, we're either on the phone or working with another customer. We do want to talk to you, so please leave a brief message, and your name and phone number. We'll call you back as soon as possible."
• Direct Callers To Your Sales Department or someone who can make the sale.
• Have a Scripted Response, for example: "Thank you for calling," "Your Company Name," this is "Receptionist's Name," and then "How may I help you."
• Company and Product Knowledge. If necessary, have a prepared written script with answers to frequently answered questions about your company and/or product. 
• Learn How to Handle Objections.
• Engage the Caller with Positive Conversation.
• Listen to the Caller (very important) to find out specifically what they want.
• Ask for the caller's name, address, phone number, and email address. Caller follow up is an essential element when closing the deal.
• Use the Caller's Name in Conversation. This personalizes your company and the caller feels you're interested in them.
• Inform the Caller About Current Specials. This is an excellent way to up-sell and cross-sell.
• Send the Caller to Your Website for More Information.
• Ask the Caller How They Heard About You.
• Set the Appointment. This is the most important part of the job. If you cannot set the appointment during the first call, ask for a more convenient time.
• Stay in Touch with Your Potential Customer - Develop Your Relationship!