Business Telephone Etiquette
Proper telephone etiquette is more important than ever today’s business environment. So, proper telephone technique can make or break business deals or relationships.
The following are some guidelines that will help you with your telephone etiquette.
When answering the phone, be sure to identify yourself (and your company, if applicable). If answering someone else’s phone, be sure to include their name in your greeting, so that the other party does not think they have reached a wrong number.
When you are making the call, be sure to use proper telephone etiquette from the start. You want to be polite to the person that answers the phone for your business contact as they have the power to put you through. It would also be wise to learn the names of the top assistants, and use their names to make them feel noticed and important.
When you have reached the party, briefly state the purpose of your call. If the person has time continue or ask for an appointment to follow up at a later time.
End the call on a positive note by thanking the other person for their time and express an interest in speaking with them again. A gracious good bye leaves the door open for further communication.
Remember, proper telephone etiquette can create and enhance business relationships. Just like a face-to-face meeting, telephone conversations should follow the rules of telephone etiquette to help make the experience pleasant and productive for all those involved.
