subject: Tips For A Better Business Image [print this page] Tips For A Better Business Image Tips For A Better Business Image
The image you are projecting to potential customers is very important! When you can't answer a call personally, then your voice mail is the first point of contact.
When people call your business and hear your voice mail message, what are you telling them about your business and yourself? Are they hearing a professional and informative message delivered in a clear voice? Are you giving them another way to stay connected and interested in your business while they wait for your return call? Here are some musts for your voice message greeting. Speak slowly and clearly in a welcoming and professional manner. Say the name of the business at the start of the message so callers know they have the correct number. State when you plan to return the call, and within 24 hours is suggested, if not sooner, and make sure you adhere to the time frame for this return call. Invite them to visit your website to learn more about the company in the meantime. By directing them to your site, you are keeping them engaged with your company even though they are not speaking directly to you. Invite them to contact you by email via your website with any questions they have for you. Somewhere in the call mention your interest in speaking to them and thank them for calling you. Of course, it is best to have someone who can answer your phone live during business hours. If that is not an option for you, then your voice mail greeting becomes a very important part of your business image, as it may be the first interaction a potential client has with you. Listen to your greeting today. What image is it projecting for your business?
Do you have a website, social media sites and a blog? If you do, then you are definitely doing everything right to keep up with the online explosion. Are these sites being looked after, or are you still showing your holiday message in March?
When potential clients go to your social media sites, website and blogs, if they are updated and current your business looks vibrant and thriving. If the postings and information is sporadic and outdated, this gives an impression that perhaps you are not in business any longer, or maybe that you are too disorganized or lazy to update your information. If you can not take care of the basic aspects of your own business adequately, why would a client want to hire you for a service? People are more likely to contact you if your Facebook postings and blog articles are recent. When you visit a site and click on their blog section and see the last article was from five or six months ago, what is your impression of this company? Do you think it is no longer in existence and leave the site? I know I do! What do you want your online business image to be: open for business or closed for business? If you do not have time to do this yourself, you really have to consider finding help.
