How to Start an Answering Service Business
Don´t you just hate getting an answering machine instead of a live person when calling a business? Well, you're not alone. Experts agree that a live operator is always best for business. With today´s technology, starting your own live answering service from home can be both easy and lucrative. Follow the steps below to find out how.
Instructions
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Get Started
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1
Fill out business license and forms as required by federal, state and city offices.
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2
Set up a home office space; the area should be comfortable and quiet.
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3
Determine your work hours. Avoid operating more than 12 hours/day if working alone.
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4
Establish the number of clients to service. Check with the phone company for the limit of phone lines allowed.
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5
Locate customers in phone books, newspapers and on local community boards. Target customers whose work is performed away from the office, like doctors, repair technicians, electricians and plumbers.
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6
Solicit customers by cold-calling or visiting their office.
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7
Obtain a customer service contract, then have each client sign the contract. Avoid spending expensive lawyer fees.
Operate From Home
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8
Get a phone and phone line for each client. Place the client name on each phone.
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9
Create a filing system for client messages.
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10
Write down customer instructions and messaging preferences. Follow customer instructions at all times.
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11
Be precise when taking messages. Use short sentences.
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12
Know when to get an office. If you are servicing too many customers or when the limit is reached on phones lines.
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13
Maintain your budget and finances.
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14
Provide excellent service and guarantee your work. Sit back and watch your bank account grow.
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