Monday, July 9, 2012

A Guide To Excellent Telephone Performance: How To Utilise The Phone As An Ideal Business Tool For Professional Communications And Advertising

By David Anttony


In today's business context, communication is the name of the game. Brands that interact effectively are what consumers look forward to get to know more. Companies that are able to get in touch with clients on a personal level are the ones that receive customer patronage or loyalty. Surprisingly, these days, stiff competition in the corporate context not only concerns the battle of product lines or service offers.

Yes, The Habit Of Using The Phone Is Still Alive!

To outgrow the challenges of the corporate jungle, any business entity should meticulously conceive a marketing strategy that makes an impact in the communications arena. In this intimidating arena, where both information exchange and data transmission prevail, the simple yet efficient use of the telephone can have the power to overhaul the tides of the game.

Unknown to many, the telephone remains at the heart of the marketing campaign of most businesses, particularly of SMEs that seek to draw consumer attention but are unfortunately constrained by financial restraints. If you're among those who have little faith in the potentials of this seemingly obsolete telecommunication device, it is about time you open your eyes to one simple truth: telephone communication and usage, if done at such exceptional performance levels, can bring remarkable results for your business.

One effective way to recognise the value of phone to your business at a greater depth is to look at your current attitude towards telephone usage. According to Paul Dunn, a renowned marketing guru who's helped over 156,000 businesses create success from scratch through his innovative audio and video programs, the possible results of a delightful customer-centric behaviour on the phone are massive.

Seeing beyond the general value of the phone to your business can be an enormous feat. Dunn's newest brainchild, PHONE RIGHT, is a 'how to sell on the phone' series that exhibits several high value specifics and gives you measurable standards that make you understand why using the phone the right way is a must for every business and why stellar performers on the telephone enjoy sky rocketing sales and steady flow of profits.

The Potentials Of Exceptional Telephone Performance

The telephone, in all its simplicity, enables you to conduct intelligent, meaningful dialogues with individuals over great distances, saving you a substantial amount of time, effort and resources. Through the telephone, different business facets like lead generation, sales and customer service are augmented without you having to endure the risks of suffering from bloated expenses.

This business tool can add a powerful punch to your marketing strategy, if and only if, you become conscious of your conduct on the phone. Your phone performance matters, because it gives your clients and prospects an idea of your reputation - the attitude and behaviour you project over the telephone nurture a lasting impression in your customers' minds. Telephone communication is a critical customer 'touch point' where you get to indirectly present you and your business.

In contrast to popular belief, phone performance is not just about your ability to work the device, but rather your ability to relate with customers at the other end of the line. When you start anchoring the focus on your customers needs, your phone approach becomes personal and result-oriented.

For Paul Dunn, the notion of building positive on-going social connections with customers on the phone is an imperative, a necessity that needs to be implemented as a way of strengthening your business core competencies.

As stated in his new PHONE RIGHT series, Dunn purposely points out that every phone conversation is "about delighting visitors." Everyone you speak to on the phone, according to him, is a visitor - a visitor with a unique set of requirements. And your aim, simply, is to respond to this set of needs with genuine concern utilising an ideal professional yet personal demeanor.

However, these steps are easier said than done. Being exceptional on the telephone requires training and practice. Knowing what to say, how to say it, at the right time to the right person is a skill only a precious few know.

Phone Marketing 101: Phone Performance Standards For Aspiring Sales Professionals And Business Professionals

The PHONE RIGHT series, from an objective point of view of this author who has experienced telemarketing woes at some point, is a holistic, easy-to-read module that guides you all the way to distinguished telephone success. Listed below are useful tips and performance standards (all borrowed from the recommended series!) that can bolster your team's phone marketing prowess, and help you turn every phone call into a potential sales experience.

1. Always give your 'visitors' a delightful welcome. Dunn shares the belief that anyone who speaks with you on the telephone is a visitor, worthy of attention. When you pick up the phone to welcome your caller, break out into a smile, to the point of a grin. A simple smile can be heard on the phone. Your smile can easily put customers in a positive frame.

2. Answer the phone on the second ring, within 3 to 5 seconds. This break gives you time to get your smile on. A good telemarketing strategy should have a particular time frame for picking up. If you answer the phone too quickly, you may shock callers. On the other hand, if you do not answer the phone promptly, your customers might feel that you are ignoring them. If you are a part of a small team and you are too busy trying to attend to a few other calls, you can employ a by the way remark such as this, "By the way, if you hear a phone ringing in the background would you mind if I asked you to hold while I get it - I promise not to be long".

3. There is a suitable way to answer the telephone. Here is a simple format that is clear and simple: first, state a good morning or a good afternoon greeting. Relay your company name or department. Then say "this is (first name) (last name). The focus of the answer must be on these two words: THIS IS. This word pair functions like a trigger, a cue for name exchange. When you present yourself to your caller, chances are, he or she will introduce herself to you too. When you use names in a conversation, this builds more rapport between you and your customer.

4. Give out positive strokes. According to a scientific study conducted by Dr. Albert Merhabian entitled "Inference of Attitudes from Nonverbal Communication in Two Channels", the bulk of communication processes is interpreted through tonality - or how the words are said. It is not only what you say that counts. How you express yourself is important as well. While talking with customers, make them feel that you're actually listening to what they say. To do so, you need to overdo those words that let them know you're with them. Inject phrases like "uh huh", "really", "that's great", "thank you" and so on while having conversations.

Being on the telephone and not seeing your customers face-to-face is no excuse to opt for substandard communication. This certainly is not the ideal mindset to use while working on the phone - and this is the very same mindset that Paul Dunn helps you overcome. Dunn's PHONE RIGHT stands out as a down-to-earth, practical and result-oriented feed for the sales person in you. Discover the basics and expose yourself to high value specifics that result to great, long term outcomes for your company - it is about time you use the phone to turn every call into revenues.




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