Direct Sales - Proper Business Etiquette When Making Customer Phone Calls

When working from home, you need to realize that there will be times that you will need to make and receive business calls. When you are on the phone with a customer, they deserve your undivided attention.

Here are some great tips for you to utilize when making and receiving business phone calls.

1. Introduction. You should always introduce yourself when calling a customer. Let them know right at the beginning of the conversation, who you are and the reason for your phone call.

2. Don't Eat Food. There is nothing more annoying than hearing someone chewing their food.

3. Gum Chewing and Bubble Blowing. You think this would be common sense, but sadly, I often get phone calls and have to listen to the other person chew gum and blow bubbles.

4. Vulgar Language. When making business calls, there is no need to use vulgar and abusive language. If you are in a bad mood, hold off on making your phone call.

5. Screaming Kids. Try to make your business calls when children are napping, in school or when your spouse is home to entertain them.

6. Multi-Tasking. Usually multi-tasking is a 'good thing', but in the case of making business calls, your customers and clients deserve your undivided attention.

They don't need to hear you loading your dishwasher, running the vacuum or even going to the bathroom.

7. Know What Time It Is. I don't appreciate getting phone calls after 10:00 pm, so I don't make phone calls late at night. Educate yourself about the different time zones. Try to keep the majority of your business phone calls during normal business hours.

8. Weekends. You need to realize that most people don't want to do business on weekends. If at all possible, make your business phone calls during the weekdays or weekday evenings. If you need to make business calls during the weekend, try to make them on Saturdays. A lot of people will reserve Sunday's for family time.

9. Mobile Phone Calls. You should never conduct business calls while driving, this is an accident waiting to happen.

10. Keep Your Phone Calls Strictly Business. Your customers and clients don't want to hear about your family issues, health problems or if you are having a bad day. Talking about what is going wrong in your personal life, is unprofessional.

11. Time. Allow enough time to spend with your customers on the phone. If you only have 5 minutes, but feel the phone call will take longer, than make your phone call at another time. Your customers should never feel 'rushed' when you are answering their questions or assisting them with an order.

12. Be Prepared. You should have everything that you need in front of you when making the phone call.

example: product catalogs, order forms, calculator, computer (if necessary), tax charts, pen and other essential business items.

It's very frustrating for a customer to be put on hold while you search for the information or to grab business and order taking supplies.

When it comes to making business phone calls to customers, I feel these are 12 important tips to remember.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a Manager with Tupperware. You can visit Shelly online at www.workathomebusinessoptions.com for Direct Sales articles and home business tips. You can also visit Shelly online at my.tupperware.com/Ravish30

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