At first it is
highly likely that many people used to working for themselves will say no.
Those who are self-employed individuals do tend to become rather protective of
their brand, wanting to answer every call, respond to every enquiry and answer
every question, even whilst trying to carry out the work for other customers at
the same time.
It's never been
tougher for self-employed entrepreneurs or tradesmen, trying to cope with
demand in a timely fashion whilst also carrying out quality work that doesn't
become rushed. The financial climate right now is not good, and those who are self-employed
individuals are finding it increasingly tough. So might outsourcing office
services actually be an answer?
If you're up a
ladder, answering the phone isn't ideal. If you're driving, you really can't
use the phone, because even if you do use a hands free kit, you're almost
certainly not going to be able to concentrate fully on both the customer and
the road. If you're stuck behind a washing machine, turning over a garden or
lugging a double wardrobe up a flight of stairs, you really can't be answering
your phone.
Which creates a
problem self-employed people don't like. Missed calls. A missed call doesn't
look good for your business, and it's very likely that the customer will simply
call the next number in the telephone directory. A missed call doesn't just
mean one missed job, but each enquiry could potentially lead to a long term,
loyal customer who keeps coming back.
But of course
not every call is a potential new customer. Sometimes it's a wrong number.
Sometimes it's simply a call to find out prices, or check on an appointment
time. These calls can easily be dealt with at a later time if needed. But when
the phone rings, you never know whether it will be a wrong number, a simple
enquiry from a existing customer, or the next Big Job.
All of which
means that as a self-employed individual working in the current financial
climate, outsourcing to a virtual office is not just good sense, it's
essential.
Now let's just
clear up one thing here. Because many people will be thinking that virtual
office services are not for them, because it must mean redirecting their
customers to either an overseas call centre, or some warehouse stuffed full of
thousands of operators, most of whom only know your business because it flashes
up the script for them to use on their computer screen. Loyalty? Forget it.
Commitment? None.
But the truth
is that while these sorts of virtual offices do exist, that's not the only type
there is.
Because you really can find more personal virtual
offices. These are remote receptionists who do have a loyalty and
commitment to your business, who do know you and your customers, and can become
a part of your business your customers become familiar with, and who they
trust.
Rather than two
thousand operators in a battery chicken style warehouse, imagine an office with
half a dozen operators, all who share the same teapot. Imagine them not even
needing a script because they know you, your business and your customers.
Imagine your customers being able to get through to the same virtual
receptionist every time.
This means that
you can confidently leave your business in safe hands, while you concentrate on
dealing with your customers and their needs face to face, either up a ladder,
down a drain, under a car or in front of an obstinate computer.
The virtual
receptionists can then decide on your behalf whether you need to be disturbed
or not. If it's a simple enquiry your receptionist can handle themselves, then
you don't need to be disturbed at all. You'll simply receive a report at the
end of the day which informs you of the calls and the action taken.
On the other
hand, you may want to have some calls sent through to you in the form of a text
message, so that you have a written record of people you need to call back, or
changes you need to make to your schedule.
Then there will
be some calls you really will need to take. But at least you'll know that if your
phone rings, it really will be important. Either that or it will be your
partner reminding you to pick up some onions and a loaf of bread on your way
home.
For more
information on Intelligent Office virtual assistants, please contact:
Richard Rey
Business
Development Manager
Intelligent
Office Miami
Tel: 305-777-1300
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