How are you answering your business phone?

Answering you business telephone is a daily task that is often disregarded and overlooked. If the truth be told, many people discount the influence and strength phone etiquette has on their business. Still, the telephone in many business settings is the chief means of contact. Many businesses communicate using their phone more than email, text, and any other form of technology. For this reason, the utmost care and concern should always be measured when answering and communicating during business calls. Here are 7 tips:


1. Introduction-When answering the phone state your business name, your name, and a greeting such as "how may I help you?", "how may I direct your call?", and etc….


2.  Get their number-Especially when the call is extensive and extended, get their name and number in case you are disconnected, you can return the call.

 3. Friendliness-Always, Always, Always be kind, welcoming, and pleasant. You don't want the caller to feel like they are a bother and rushed. If the caller is rude, maintain a posture of kindness. A soft answer turns away anger. In addition, smile while speaking on the phone. Try to frame your expressions, tone, and language to be upbeat, encouraging, and optimistic. When hanging up, say "good-bye", try to let the caller hang up first, and hang up gently. Never place clients on hold without first informing them. Afterwards keep the posted every 30 seconds of the status.

4. Actively listen-Don't rush the call, interrupt, or become unresponsive. Try not to multi-task while on the phone, as the client may feel they do not have your attention or you are not interested. In addition you should engage in the conversation. For instances respond using, "Yes", "No", I understand and etc… Use your manners, by verbalizing "thank you", "you're welcome", etc…..

 5. Answer Quickly-Try to answer each call in a timely manner. While sometimes it's impossible, answer the phone on the second ring. If you receive several calls, ask each caller if they mind holding or take a message, return to the first caller, and respond to their need as they were the first to call.

 6. Return call-The proper etiquette is to return calls within 24 hours and 48 hours max. Taking a long time to return a call to your clients ensures them that you are not interested in their business.

7. Proper language- Don't use colloquial speech, jargon, and fillers. Speak clear proper English as you want your clients to understand your speech. 

Lastly, remember the manner in which you answer your business phone will construct your client's impression and consciousness regarding your business. Frequently, these encounters are first impressions. First impressions are the most crucial. In fact, it's nearly impossible to reverse and undo, especially when a bad impression has been made. Knowing how to answer the telephone in an efficient and pleasant way will not only save your business, but produce a professional and positive branding with your consumers.

The Importance of Projecting a Professional Image

Projecting a professional business image is both extremely essential and powerful. It can mean the difference between attracting lots of clients and little to absolutely no clients at all. Imagine dining at a 5-star restaurant and being served an extravagant meal on a garbage can. At that point even the atmosphere doesn't seem as appealing. The same goes for your business image, it determines how others feel, think, and see your business. While imagine isn't everything it certainly has a major influence.

 When making decisions upon elements such as web design and business décor you should always consider clients. These are fundamental participates. Often times they are the first elements your clients will meet prior to being introduce to you. Before going through the process of purchasing and designing, you should know the target market, the competition, and the key features that will attract your target clients. Essentially, place yourself into the clients' position. If it doesn't magnetize you, it mostly likely will not attract potential clients. For instances, wording could be too lengthy or not detailed enough. It goes without saying, but make sure you proofread before publishing. As a writer, I often have to judge will my clients receive the actual message that I am desire to convey. As a result, I make it a rule to give my content a once-over. I scrutinize whether my jokes communicated as arrogant or brash. A good test is to get outside opinions. When decorating your business, ask yourself questions such as, is the space too muddled or confusing? You want your clients to feel comfortable, at ease, and confident in your expertise.

 In addition, you play a crucial role in your business image. Never down play your expertise, knowledge, and capabilities. Even if you feel that you don't know something as well as you should. Keep in mind you will not know everything, but be willing to research and discover what may not be acquainted with. If you are unable to perform a certain task your client requires, refer them to someone you know will do a great job. Believe it or not this will maintain you as a necessity, as they will perceive you as a go to person. They will identify that you maintain ongoing relationships with a team of experts.

 Furthermore, project excellence and distinction in your dress and communication. Never show up to a business meeting looking less than professional even when the event is unofficial. Never show up late. In fact, as the military says, "If you're early you're on time, and if you're on time you're late." Make certain your nails and person is crisp and clean. Being professional during off the record incidents speaks volumes and says something about your character. At all times maintain friendliness even when the other party is impolite. Your rudeness is a reflection upon your business. On no account try not to discuss disagreements through email as it may come across as rude and misconceived. If you're doubtful, take the time to call and speak with that in person. Likewise, don't fwd your clients unprofessional and/or unethical emails.

 In addition, never use slang and colloquial speech, with clients even if they are using it. Speak proper English. Speaking anything less, is improper and doesn't project professionalism. At the same rate make sure you aren't using words that will go over your client's head. You don't want them having to pull out the dictionary to understand what you are communicating, as that can also become counterproductive. While your clients may think you're very intelligent, they will not appreciate you talking over them.

 In essence, whatever you do, remember executing excellence is your number one objective. Projecting a professional image is imperative to your business success as it will attract your clients. Before carrying out anything, ask yourself is this productive to my objective of excellence? If the answer is no, you should reconsider.



For more information visit:

www.myremoteassistant.com

9 Reason you should hire a Concierge/Virtual Assistant

Faced with economic changes, businesses are intensely in quest to cut down costs. However, successfully operating and administering a business without support can cause an overwhelming feeling of frustration. This presents the twofold predicament: the need for assistance and the cost of hiring and maintaining employees. A Virtual Assistant/Personal Concierge is the solution to your predicament. With the assistance and collaboration of a VA/PC your business will essentially progress, while saving you excessive expenditures. Here's why you should hire a Concierge/ Virtual Assistant today:

1. You'll stop working long hours, struggling with stringent deadlines, and working hard to grow your business.
   

   With a VA/PC you will have a skill profession to delegate duties to. This allows you time to spend time on what matters most. Whether its hobbies, business, and/or family, you
   handle business, while we sweat the monotonous tasks.
   

2. You'll gain an assistant, not an employee, while saving on expenses.
   

   With a VA/PC, you don't have to provide a workstation, equipment, support, pension, deal with payroll or worry about health & safety aspects.  On top of that, you don't have to pay for breaks, sick time, holidays, uniforms, and specialized clothing. 
   

3. You are only charged for the actual work performed.
   

   We use daily task sheets, which means that you will receive an itemized statement of how much time is spent on assignments. You are only charged for time spent working directly on your assignments.
   

4. We work quickly and efficiently.
   

   As experienced professionals, we possess excellent organizational and time management skills. We work quickly and efficiently. Thus, cutting down time spent completing tasks and keeping your costs as low as possible.
   

   Even when using the services for just two hours, there is a significant notice in the amount of errand running and personal assistances received. For example: $25.00 per hour x2hour=$50.00.
   

   
    

5. We are consistently building ongoing relationship.
   

   We are always building relationships. We network with various professionals. Whether using our services regularly or as needed, you will always have the assurance that you are getting a cost-effective, professional, and a virtual pleasant face. Rather than training temps or hiring employees, anytime you want something done, tell us and we'll advocate for you.
   

6. You will always have accessibility.
   

   You can contact us from anywhere in the world and at anytime (after hours and during holidays when circumstances deem necessary). With technology, all forms of communication are accomplished through mail, telephone, fax, email, and internet. However, when necessary some services can be performed onsite. With the simple push of a button, your request(s) are sent with your instructions, received, and returned. 
   

7. You are not obligated to continue.
   

   The only requirements for most VA/PCs are to complete the client profile, so that they may better serve you. There are no obligations to continue. You may stop the services at anytime and for any reason(s).
   

   
    

8. Personalized Services
   

   Our sole purposes are to assistant and support you in exhibiting excellence. When you look good, we look good. Your VA/PC we will anticipate your needs, respond to general inquiries, and provide research and information. We are highly skilled professionals, with a diverse training and experience in different areas. We perform projects, clerical and administrative tasks, concierge duties, and irregular work (such as errand running and personal assistance). Basically, whatever you need and we'll oblige!
   

   
    

9. Guaranteed absolute privacy and excellence.
   

   In terms of security, we have anti-virus software on our computers and we always back up all work individually. Our computers are password protected, along with all important files. 
   

   In terms of confidentiality, our code of ethics is to never discuss our work or correlation in detail with anyone.  We understand the importance of the presentation of professionalism. As a matter of fact we have clients that do not want anyone knowing that they use a virtual personal assistant, which is why we protect and guarantee our clients' privacy totally.  If we are required to act as a liaison, we will present ourselves as your company with your company brand, with your signed permission to do so. We are more than happy to sign a standard non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement, if required.
   

©2009 All rights reserved, VIP Lifestyle Concierge

You Can’t Build Alone

Developing a fail-proof system

The saying, "Everybody makes mistakes", is truthful. However, it's the little details that can make and break your image. When you are dealing with impressions, visions, and representation, excellence is superior. Anything less than excellent awakens uncertainty in potential clients concerning your credentials. Questions in that prospective are the enemy, as on no account should professionals want to encourage clients to have reservations about their qualifications.

 Please don't confuse my words as an insinuation that a mistake denotes credentials. Nevertheless, when in competition with several qualified services, mistakes could be the deterring factors. Yet when working alone in any vocation and business, it becomes difficult to develop an infallible system to ensure perfection. That's what makes outsourcing distinct and brilliant. It's an efficient approach to developing a fail-proof system. The Virtual Assistant works for you and with you without the extra nuisance acquired when hiring an employee. With an employee, you have to provide a workstation, equipment, support, pension, deal with payroll (including those costly contributions), and worry about the health & safety aspects. This is eliminated with the Virtual Assistant, whose main objective and purpose is to support and benefit you. When you look good, so do they.

 In addition, considering the cost of an employee, Virtual Assistants are cost effective. For example, if hired for 3 hours at the rate of $25.00 per hour. You request, composing a correspondence letter and mail, four confirmation calls, proofing and editing a documents, and faxing. Suppose, these tasks only require 2hrs and 30 mins, 25X 2.5=62.50(tax included). Just think how much was accomplished at such a modest amount.

 Consider how much of the day could be clouded with minute activities. In reality, there's only twenty-four hours in a day and eight if you intend on having a life. Use those hours wisely by actuality building your business, doing what you love, and what brings in the bucks. Connect with a professional to delegate the relevant, but extraneous tasks to.

7 Reasons To Hire A Concierge During The Holidays

The holidays can be very stressful. Which is is all the more reason to hire a Concierge. Don’t handle the stress alone. We are here to assist you. Let us handle your “to do” list, so that your time is free to do what matters most.

1. Shopping-Your Concierge, whether it’s your grocery list and/or gift list, can complete your shopping list and stand in those long lines.

2. Hand-written Greeting Cards-What better way to send greetings then with a holiday salutation? You’re concierge can hand pick your greeting card(s), write caring notes, stuff them with love, and mail them by Christmas morning.

3. Plan and organize holiday gathering- Let your concierge make your reservations, plan your holiday events, send invites, coordinate your itinerary, deliver supplies, pick up your holiday fashions for events, and help with home decorations.


4. Gift wrapping-Your concierge will not only complete your shopping list, but they can delightfully wrap your gifts and deliver them to your home or chosen location(s).

5. Mailing and Delivers-Your concierge we’ll prepare and mail all of your packages and letters. In addition, they can personally deliver them to anywhere within the area.

6. Clean up-After all the excitement is over, our concierge can pack up the holiday decorations and put them away.


7. Complete other holiday errands-Why not relive the stress during the holidays and gift yourself with assistance.


Whether walking the dogs, feeding your fish, and checking on your love ones. We are here to help! Get started on your holiday errands now by clicking here!



 Get started on your holiday errands now, contact VIP Lifestyle Concierge, Today!

For more information, contact us at:


Phone :(980)322-7037
Email: request@viplifestyleconcierge.com

Start your Holidays right. Start early.

The holidays are such a significant time of the year. It evokes reflections of relationships, bonding, and memories. Think about the warmhearted ambiance felt when you receive an invite, card, and gift from a business colleague, friend, and family member. There’s a sense of gratitude and thankfulness. Perhaps, you haven’t converse with them in years, months, weeks, or hours. Yet, there’s a connection through one holiday inspiration.

Even with all the pleasant aspects, the holidays can be an occasion of stress, frustration, and anxiety for many. Since so much transpires during this occasion, If not planned and organized carefully it becomes overwhelming. Before you can say, “Merry Christmas”, you’ve forgotten to pick up something, mail essentials, the lines are overwhelming, and you haven’t attempted your holiday shopping. On top of that, you have projects, meeting, and budgets to achieve before the New Year. Now, you’ve pulled out your hair, you’re arguing with your significant other, and praying to get through.

Yes, this could be prevented. Fortunately, it’s merely October. There’s still time to start early and avoid the holiday hassle. While holidays can be overwhelming, the saying is true,” The early bird gets the worm”. So avoid the holiday rush and begin your holiday to-do list early.




Yolanda Williams
Concierge Coordinator
VIP Lifestyle Concierge
www.viplifestyleconcierge.com
(980)322-7037

©2009 All rights reserved, VIP Lifestyle Concierge

Are you working extremely hard and overwhelmed running a business?

VIP Lifestyle Concierge is the answer for you! Now, you don't have to miss out on the essential pleasures of life. With our wide range of errand services, your time will be free to concentrate on the important things in life - family, friends, careers, and hobbies. We offer services such as:
Errand Running
Shopping, Returns, and Exchange
Reservation and Appointment Services
Virtual Assistance
Special Occasion Services
Home Management
Senior Concierge Services
When your lifestyle is managed with excellence, your life is excellent. You don’t have to be stressed and manage your busy lifestyle alone. As a team of professionals, we are your Personal Concierge and will assist you with managing your errands. We are more than a service, but a lifestyle choice to live stress-free. Call today, to start enjoying:
ü Honest, Friendly, and Personable Service
ü Professional appearance
ü Competitive pricing.
ü No obligations to continue
ü No Contracts
ü No Sign up fees
We go the extra mile so you don't have to! Start enjoying the VIP Lifestyle, NOW!
We go the extra mile so you don't have to! Start enjoying the VIP Lifestyle, NOW!
* Ask about our sale price! Concierge Now $15 per hour Senior Services Now $13.65 per hour through Jan 31, 2009. Sign up Today to lock in these rates!
* Ask about our sale price! Concierge Now $15 per hour Senior Services Now $13.65 per hour through Jan 31, 2009. Sign up Today to lock in these rates!
** For details, visit us at www.viplifestyleconcierge.com

Building a Small Business can be exhausting and overwhelming!

The more business you do, the more administrative tasks you have to complete. Not to mention the personal errands you are still obligated to get done. Why not delegate those tasks to VIP Lifestyle Concierge? We handle them all-both the personal errands and administrative task. We are highly skilled professionals, with a diverse training and experience in different areas. The magnificent thing about VIP Lifestyle Concierge is we are not an employee or a temp. You don't have to provide a workstation, equipment, support, pension, deal with payroll (including those costly N.I. contributions) or worry about health & safety aspects. On top of that, you don't have to pay for breaks, sick time, holidays, and uniform and specialized clothing.
VIP Lifestyle Concierge only charges you for the actual work that they do and occasionally for charges incurred (such as postage on large mail outs and etc….). You will know exactly what you are paying at all times. You will not pay for any time on anything other than when we work directly on your projects, errand, and tasks.
We don’t concentrate on one area as an employee, you're getting much more! As experienced professionals with excellent organizational skills, we work quickly and efficiently, thus cutting down on time spent and keeping your costs as low as possible. Rather than having to train up a series of temps or be trouble with hassle of hiring employees every time you want something done you tell us and we advocate for you. As your Personal Concierge, it will be our job to build an ongoing relationship with you and for you, so whether you use our services regularly, or just call on us every once in a while, you know you are getting a cost-effective, professional and (virtual) friendly face.
Honestly, how much value do you put on your time? While you are toiling with administrative work and making meticulous calls, could you be earning money? What’s lacking? Do you find yourself working in the evening and weekends, missing out on relaxation, freedom, holidays, vacations, and spare time with your friends and family? Leave it up to VIP Lifestyle Concierge and get on with what you do best - earning money and living life! “You handle business, while we sweat the small stuff”
We go the extra mile so you don't have to! Start enjoying the VIP Lifestyle, NOW!
* Ask about our sale price! Concierge Now $15 per hour Senior Services Now $13.65 per hour through Jan 31, 2009. Sign up today to lock in these rates!
** For details, visit us at www.viplifestyleconcierge.com! Call (980)322-7037 or email us at request@viplifestyleconcierge.com

Start the New Year with everything in place!

Do you ever start out the day with a nice written to-do list and an hour into the day something comes up that throws things out of whack? Do you own your own business? Are you working more than 40 hours per week? Do you have project deadlines sneaking up on you week after week? Are you working hard to grow your business or impress your boss? Do you struggle with meeting deadlines? Do you wish you had someone with skills to delegate duties to from time to time?
Whether you’re an small business owner, a Fortune 500 executive working long hours, a parent, or a college student, a small business owner doing it all, road warrior, and/or generally a very busy individual VIP Lifestyle Concierge is the solution for you. VIP Lifestyle Concierge is a personal assistance firm design to facilitate in administrative, domestic task, concierge, and errand running services through technology so that you can be more productive, reduce your stress level, and most of all spend your time on what matters.
Our Errand Running Services are more affordable than you might think! Outsourcing means you only pay for the services and time you need, only when you need them. VIP Lifestyle Concierge exercise of all forms of technology to communicate. We offer very competitive rate plans and a variety of convenient payment options to fit your needs.
We guarantee our clients absolute privacy।
We guarantee excellence.
Visit us at http://www.viplifestyleconcierge.com/
You may also contact us via email request@viplifestyleconcierge.com and (980)322-7037
Happy New Year! This Year take back your time!