Answering Service: A Paradigm Shift from The Traditional

Back in the days when customer service wasn't professionalized and businesses were still localized, entertaining customers was relatively simple as more often than not, business-owners knew their customers well. Everything pertaining to customer needs was easily addressed. With the inception of the telephone businesses began to evolve differently and rapidly. Customers both near and far had the option to call businesses with questions or concerns. Running a business no longer meant just manning the cash register and entertaining only the customers within the premises, it also meant answering the phones which made running a business even more challenging. Business was growing rapidly and business-owners had to catch up with the times, those who weren't fast enough were buried in obscurity.

Catching up with the invention of the telephone and how businesses were managed because of it meant hiring a full-time staff to man the phone. Naturally, this meant additional expenses since the full-time staff has to be paid along with other benefits. This also meant that in case this staff succumbs to any illness, business would have to suffer due to unanswered calls.

When the answering services was introduced as one of many services offered by the BPO's or call centers, not everyone was convinced this was the solution necessary for their business. Business-owners were still convinced that answering their phones was not a core function and therefore, not an immediate concern. On the other hand, businesses who were quick to take advantage and migrated their answering services and /or ordering services to call centers quickly realized its importance as sales picked up along with customer satisfaction. Their reputation as a professional business increased as satisfied customers endorsed them to their friends and relatives. Businesses realized that having a full-time answering service eliminated costs associated with providing a physical workplace for the agents, the technology needed to maintain an answering service, hiring and maintaining additional employees including vacation planning, hiring and training, benefits spending, and paid overtime.

As the answering service industry grew, answering service providers did a great deal more than just answer phones and take messages. They began to offer clients order taking, mail receiving and forwarding, faxing, voice mail and others that deliver support and a competitive advantage for smaller offices. Answering after office hours made sure that businesses could provide 24 hour support for their customers adding to more satisfied customers in their clientele.

Thinking that your business does not require an answering service provider is a very dangerous thought as other businesses have proven catastrophically. Their failed stories are no big secrets and serves as a lesson for business-owners all you have to do is learn from them.

Answering Service: A Paradigm Shift from The Traditional

Back in the days when customer service wasn't professionalized and businesses were still localized, entertaining customers was relatively simple as more often than not, business-owners knew their customers well. Everything pertaining to customer needs was easily addressed. With the inception of the telephone businesses began to evolve differently and rapidly. Customers both near and far had the option to call businesses with questions or concerns. Running a business no longer meant just manning the cash register and entertaining only the customers within the premises, it also meant answering the phones which made running a business even more challenging. Business was growing rapidly and business-owners had to catch up with the times, those who weren't fast enough were buried in obscurity.

Catching up with the invention of the telephone and how businesses were managed because of it meant hiring a full-time staff to man the phone. Naturally, this meant additional expenses since the full-time staff has to be paid along with other benefits. This also meant that in case this staff succumbs to any illness, business would have to suffer due to unanswered calls.

When the answering services was introduced as one of many services offered by the BPO's or call centers, not everyone was convinced this was the solution necessary for their business. Business-owners were still convinced that answering their phones was not a core function and therefore, not an immediate concern. On the other hand, businesses who were quick to take advantage and migrated their answering services and /or ordering services to call centers quickly realized its importance as sales picked up along with customer satisfaction. Their reputation as a professional business increased as satisfied customers endorsed them to their friends and relatives. Businesses realized that having a full-time answering service eliminated costs associated with providing a physical workplace for the agents, the technology needed to maintain an answering service, hiring and maintaining additional employees including vacation planning, hiring and training, benefits spending, and paid overtime.

As the answering service industry grew, answering service providers did a great deal more than just answer phones and take messages. They began to offer clients order taking, mail receiving and forwarding, faxing, voice mail and others that deliver support and a competitive advantage for smaller offices. Answering after office hours made sure that businesses could provide 24 hour support for their customers adding to more satisfied customers in their clientele.

Thinking that your business does not require an answering service provider is a very dangerous thought as other businesses have proven catastrophically. Their failed stories are no big secrets and serves as a lesson for business-owners all you have to do is learn from them.

Why Hire an Outsourced Telephone Answering Service

Telephone answering service is a tried and tested technology to handle calls from customers. While a lot of companies right now are venturing different channels to better serve customers, telephones are always here to stay.

The key to the success of your company is handling customer service in the highest standard possible. An extensive internal development must be created by company managers to expand operations. It is necessary for companies who are trying to increase revenue or improve their services to venture on outsourced company that will take care of calls from customers. Look for a company who can increase the quality of services while cutting down the cost.

What are the things that you have to consider to make sure that you are getting the best out of your telephone answering service? What are the benefits that you get out of it? Here are the things that you might want to consider:

Ensure fast delivery of messages- when looking for a company that will take care of your company's services, make sure that the messages are sent to you in a timely fashion. If you get the messages right away you can then immediately address customers concern.

Fast solutions for customer’s needs- no one wants to record messages on voice mails especially on urgent matters right? Live phone answering service is the most ideal form of service you can give your customers. Immediate solutions are provided for a customer who needs it the most.

Extensive product knowledge- Knowledge is power, and product knowledge means more sales. If your company sells a lot of products make sure that your telephone operators are well trained to handle questions from customers.

More personal conversation- consumers would not want to leave messages with a machine, that applies also when taking in orders or asking questions that needs immediate attention. Phone answering service provides the live voice which your customers put great value whenever they need your company's services. A live communication between people could not replace recorded messages.

Work on customized script-telephone answering services is excellent in taking in customers critical questions. Questions will be handled in a professional manner with your customized scripts; calls will be taken according to your instructions.

Reduce cost- an outsourced company is cost efficient. Hiring a regular employee just to take care of calls from customers costs more than what it appears. Outsourcing this type of service is a great way to minimize cost.

Professional and well trained operators- consider companies that train telephone operators to multitask such as handling order taking accounts, order processing or appointment setting for your company. Also, it would depend largely on the types of services that you would like to outsource according to your company's needs.

The things listed above are just few of the many benefits you can get out of your outsourced telephone answering service. If you are ready to hire one, consider a company that allows managers like you the flexibility to be anywhere your business demands without missing a single phone or important message. Look for an experienced outsourced company that provides customers with excellent support.

If you find a quality service that you can trust and your comfortable working with, positive impact will occur for your company's reputation. Customers will continue to render your services because their inquiries are being answered round the clock and in a timely fashion. This is highly beneficial for companies looking to get ahead. I assure you, this will greatly improve your business .Take a big step now, go toward that growth for your business.