Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

CAUTION: You can save a lot of time by simply not answering your phone, ever! However, this is not for everyone. In fact you should only try this if you have staff to attend to your customers and draw your attention to what`s urgent.
----

So here`s what I`ve discovered after I decided to stop answering the phone for a week:

• If it`s important they`ll leave a message.
• If it`s very important, they`ll leave two messages.
• If it`s urgent, they`ll leave messages on every phone you`ve got and on every number they know.
  
  
• People who want something from you and whatever they want is solely to their benefit (i.e. not yours) will never say what it`s about when they`re leaving the messages. In fact, most of the time, they won`t leave any message at all but if they do, it will just be asking you to call them back.
  
  
• More often than not, people who block their numbers from caller ID are idiots you don`t want to talk to. Don`t worry, if it`s important, a message would be left.
  

So there you have it, the simplest form of "getting efficient through technology"


-------------------------

Trinidad News

I find that answering my phone every time it rings kills productivity.

So often I let them leave a message and then I return all calls at the same time.

When I used dial up, it handled that interruption.

Now with the DSL, I have to revert to that mindset
and or, just turn off the ringer to end the interruptions.

Very good information!

Continue to make this the best day ever!

Won`t Be Denied!
C.F. Jackson

Lighting 1,000 Dreams Worldwide!

I have a call screening answering machine, and a basic message. No matter who I meet, whenever I give out my phone number, I ALWAYS tell them that I screen ALL my calls. If I`m there I`ll pick up, but they shouldn`t be upset that I`m screening.

I`ve had no problems at all with anyone. When I have a specific client who needs to speak with me, they begin with email or a phone message. We schedule an appointment and I call them. Or they call me at a specific time, I listen and pick up right away.

Then I turned off the phone ringer.

I get a lot more done. :-)

I wish this was possible ... For me not answering the phone can be a lost customer... Rarely do I intentionally miss a call...Regulars will leave a message...In my experience very few new customeers will..  

-------------------------

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."