subject: Why Are Receptionists Unreliable? [print this page] Number one, just like you, me and every carbon-based life-form on this planet, we're all susceptible to stress. Receptionists have the sole responsibility of "receiving" customers both existing and potential on all fronts whether it's over the phone or in person. Of course they also have to deal with internal business functions as well and even if the company opts to add another receptionist, it would just be too impractical as it would be very costly for any business.
Let's face it, when these receptionists are stressed, the "customer service" factor retards a couple of notches and they tend to make mistakes... all too often mistakes that might prove too costly for the company both financially and professionally. While the causes can be something other than job stress, here are the most common symptoms and early warning signs of job stress and burnout:
"Apathy
"Negativism/cynicism
"Low morale
"Boredom
"Anxiety
"Frustration
"Fatigue
"Depression
"Alienation
"Anger/irritability
"Physical problems (headaches, stomach problems)
"Absenteeism
Whatever the reasons are, your company cannot afford to deal with important customers and clients with all the above lingering in your receptionists system. It's also important to note that statistically speaking, women are 60% more likely to suffer from job burnout than men (then again, men have a higher suicide rate so it's really a tough call).
The solution to all this is surprisingly simple. Get an answering service provider. Contrary to popular belief, it is not that expensive. Of course, good service is hard to come by nowadays and it's perfectly understandable that if you do come across one, it will force you you to dig a little deeper into the company funds. The result will be very much worth the extra cost.
Having this service guarantees a professional standing with customers as well as your peers. Having your own toll-free number is something that not easily over-looked, is basically cheaper compared to having your own answering service done in-house, and gives the illusion of size for your company (it really makes your company look big and fancy). An answering service ensures that all your calls are answered immediately, messages taken down accurately and customers are treated courteously. Hiring a professional answering service business assures that you can take messages, deliver specific messages to callers, provide basic information, clarify the intent of calls and even arrange meetings with customers. It gives the customers assurance that even if your business is closed for the day, there is someone who will still take their calls and handle their concerns. Customer service is on top of an answering service providers list.
You might be tempted to look into the possibility of having an answering machine "" don't. Do this and the number of your customers are sure to drop like flies. Normally, nobody wants to talk to machines. It's quite hard to make a point when talking to one. In other words, answering machines and IVR's or whatever you call it equates to lost business opportunities.
Receptionists are reliable "" until stress comes into play then it's all downhill from there. Of course some may argue that their company receptionist has been with them since the invention of the earliest telephone, nowadays that's whats considered as an exception and not the rule. Getting an answering service provider will unburden both you as a business-owner and your company allowing you the freedom to maximize your manpower by focusing their attention on the core functions of your business.
Title: Why Are Receptionists Unreliable?
Keywords: answering services, customer service, answering service provider
Resource box: Anne Geller recommends you to visit www.callboxconnect.com for more information about Answering Service.
Summary: An answering service ensures that all your calls are answered immediately, messages taken down accurately and customers are treated courteously. Hiring a professional answering service business assures that you can take messages, deliver specific messages to callers, provide basic information, clarify the intent of calls and even arrange meetings with customers.
Number one, just like you, me and every carbon-based life-form on this planet, we're all susceptible to stress. Receptionists have the sole responsibility of "receiving" customers both existing and potential on all fronts whether it's over the phone or in person. Of course they also have to deal with internal business functions as well and even if the company opts to add another receptionist, it would just be too impractical as it would be very costly for any business.
Let's face it, when these receptionists are stressed, the "customer service" factor retards a couple of notches and they tend to make mistakes... all too often mistakes that might prove too costly for the company both financially and professionally. While the causes can be something other than job stress, here are the most common symptoms and early warning signs of job stress and burnout:
"Apathy
"Negativism/cynicism
"Low morale
"Boredom
"Anxiety
"Frustration
"Fatigue
"Depression
"Alienation
"Anger/irritability
"Physical problems (headaches, stomach problems)
"Absenteeism
Whatever the reasons are, your company cannot afford to deal with important customers and clients with all the above lingering in your receptionists system. It's also important to note that statistically speaking, women are 60% more likely to suffer from job burnout than men (then again, men have a higher suicide rate so it's really a tough call).
The solution to all this is surprisingly simple. Get an answering service provider. Contrary to popular belief, it is not that expensive. Of course, good service is hard to come by nowadays and it's perfectly understandable that if you do come across one, it will force you you to dig a little deeper into the company funds. The result will be very much worth the extra cost.
Having this service guarantees a professional standing with customers as well as your peers. Having your own toll-free number is something that not easily over-looked, is basically cheaper compared to having your own answering service done in-house, and gives the illusion of size for your company (it really makes your company look big and fancy). An answering service ensures that all your calls are answered immediately, messages taken down accurately and customers are treated courteously. Hiring a professional answering service business assures that you can take messages, deliver specific messages to callers, provide basic information, clarify the intent of calls and even arrange meetings with customers. It gives the customers assurance that even if your business is closed for the day, there is someone who will still take their calls and handle their concerns. Customer service is on top of an answering service providers list.
You might be tempted to look into the possibility of having an answering machine "" don't. Do this and the number of your customers are sure to drop like flies. Normally, nobody wants to talk to machines. It's quite hard to make a point when talking to one. In other words, answering machines and IVR's or whatever you call it equates to lost business opportunities.
Receptionists are reliable "" until stress comes into play then it's all downhill from there. Of course some may argue that their company receptionist has been with them since the invention of the earliest telephone, nowadays that's whats considered as an exception and not the rule. Getting an answering service provider will unburden both you as a business-owner and your company allowing you the freedom to maximize your manpower by focusing their attention on the core functions of your business.
