Communication is an essential part of doing business. Businesses will not be able to maximize their potentials and opportunities if they are unable to get and answer those incoming calls for inquiries and ordering and make those outbound calls to finish the transaction. When companies start to feel that they are no longer able to address this concern effectively, it is time to consider how getting an answering service can help the business.
Why Businesses Should Be Considering an Answering Service
It is easy enough at the start to handle all aspects of a small business. As businesses grow however, there will be more responsibilities and customers to attend to. Every call is as important as the other and these calls will keep coming in regardless of whether someone is available to answer the call or not.
The patience of customers run short especially for their needs where there are many suppliers. A couple of unanswered calls may just be enough to shift their attention to the business’ competitors. This is something that any business should not allow to happen.
Answering Service Options
There are at least two options available for businesses to choose from in getting an answering service. Traditional answering service offers more personalized service. Personnel act and speak as if they are part of the company. Agents usually get to know their clients and their respective customer base better which allows them to act and speak as they do.
The other option is the call center which is essentially a centralized office of the answering service provider where a large volume of inbound and outbound calls are happening at the same time. This is because the call center houses all agents servicing various businesses in one roof. Because of the large volume of communication transactions being handled by the answering service provider, calls are handled in a multi-tier approach. The first tier usually provides general information while the last tier are for highly skilled technical support. It essentially offers a virtual assistance type of service to clients.
Combining the Two
Today’s business landscape requires businesses to be flexible even in the manner they communicate with their clients. It would make much sense therefore to use the advantages offered by both traditional answering service and the call center type of service. This would ensure that businesses will be able to handle their large volume of calls and communication requirements without losing that all important personal touch.
About the Author
Cassie Lummus is an independent writer for Answering Service United. Their website helps small and medium sized businesses grow by finding the best answering service solutions.
Originally posted on September 2, 2013 @ 1:06 am