1. Obtain
proper equipment for your business. A cordless phone enables you to catch up to Jr. If you use a headset, make sure it's comfortable. Make sure your chair is comfortable. I've gone through 3 because of backaches. Chances are you have a Modem. Do you have Phone Answering software? Utilize it when you're not in, your outgoing msg. should be professional (are kids screaming in background?).2. Make it easy to record basic message information. You can have Contact Mgr. software running in background. The phone rings, answer and click on your icon to bring it up. Start making notes on who, when, where, etc. for follow-up. Have plenty of spare printer cartridge ink or refills. Don't run out of ink. You may need a hardcopy of something immediately.
3. Have an organized system for your goals - Event Control. Once written, your daily goal system should be prioritized. If you have to delegate, mark to whom and put a due date on it. A misunderstood topic itself, it deserves special attention. For more info, mailto:Autobot@HomeBizNet.nu?subject=goals
4. Make good use of customer information for follow-up. Utilize your Email along with your Contact Mgr. software. Follow-up is key to sales, customer service and backend sales. Keep good info on each of your clients. This information should be kept strictly confidential and handy. Knowing all about your clients' business will make you more effective on phone. (Hi Jim, how is that Project A marketing campaign coming along?) For more info visit http://post-master.net/rs/hbn
5. Price your services competitively, keeping in mind your own monthly expenses. Add your expenses up on an annual basis like basic monthly phone charges, equipment, office supplies and divide total by 12 to determine a monthly overhead cost. Obviously, revenue you generate must exceed this number each month to make a profit.
6. Contract for your services formally. Put together a standard contract for both you and your client to sign. The "Business" section of your local library will probably have some standard contract forms that you can amend for your use. We utilize Legal Forms Software. Forms are valid in all 50 states. The contract should have a minimum length to it, like 6 or 12 months with options to renew it at expiration. You need to plan on a certain amount of business and income and you can't do that without a minimum service contract length.
7. Select a business name that is descriptive but not limiting. If you are not incorporating, you can use your name in company title if it's simple and easily pronounce-able, such as "Marge Dean's Services" or, better yet, "Marge Dean's Telemarketing Services" which encompasses more tasks in a potential client's mind. Keep it simple and open.
