Tool Box
Issue No. 34 - April/May 2007
Your phone is a wrecking ball
by Colin Pearce
SMS Version
sme listeners cllD a radio shO 2 tel hw badly dey treatd their custs n lafed bout it. u myt av nitwits lk dat workin 4 u, so woch ot! gt my CDs 2 fix d prob.
Don't you love those automated phone systems the banks use? I rang a bank's 24/7 'service' line on Saturday and after two minutes of hoop jumping and button pressing and listening to the world's worst elevator music, the last prompt said, “Our service centre is open Mondays to Fridays.”
Why couldn't that be the first thing it tells you on a Saturday or Sunday?
If you want a laugh, click on my website at www.colinpearce.com/bookshop/phone and listen to my take on automated phone systems. Scroll down to the green bit that says
“2. The Phone is the core of your business
(incl. 'The Dark Side')”
IT'S A PLAGUE
>I called to buy a tent. The person said, “You'll have to talk to John and he's not here now. Alright?” and hung up. No Sale!
>I called and asked for the manager of a finance company and the voice said, “He's in a meeting and doesn't want to talk to anyone. Can you call back tomorrow?” No Sale!
>I called a printer and the voice said, “You'd be lucky to get anything done before next month!” No Sale
>I called to book in my car for a service and the person sounded like I'd interrupted a funeral! No Sale!
Your phone is your lifeline but I'll bet you haven't checked how frayed the ropes are for a long time. People answering your phone could be ruining you.
WHERE'S THE MONEY?
Think about any one you know in a small or home-based business. Think about your plumber, your painter, builder, home decorator, photographer, lawn guy, painter or home cosmetics supplier where there's an after-hours number. Each has hopes of building his or her business to a profitable place and living comfortably off the proceeds.
Have you no...
