What can a virtual receptionist do for you?
by Hanna Finlay, Off-Site Reception.
This may seem like it’s going to be a very straightforward answer. I mean, you’d say a virtual receptionist is going to answer phones, wouldn’t you?
And you’d be right.
You could twist it and put it another way and say that a virtual receptionist is a remote phone call answerer. But that’s still the same!
Wow, this could be a really quick blog hey?
But not today…
I want to reveal how many things a virtual receptionist can actually do for your business. We’re more than phone answerers.
Why do people use virtual reception services?
Again, you may be thinking, duh, to answer phones! But let’s think a little bit beyond the obvious.
Clients use virtual reception services for many reasons:
They hate answering calls themselves (& may prefer speaking to plants than humans)
They are busy with patients and can’t be disturbed
They’re over playing phone tag to call people back
They don’t want to call people after hours when they’re finally free
They appreciate quick customer service and problem-solving
They love bookings being made without having to coordinate it themselves
For many business owners, it’s the peace of mind knowing that their calls are being answered, their customer service is of a high standard, they’re not dealing with the anxiety of answering calls (some people genuinely hate the phone), and bookings are being made.
But wait! There’s more a virtual receptionist can do
Before you get too excited, no, we don’t give away free steak knives. But there’s so much more a virtual reception service can provide.
Many virtual receptionists are specialised in different areas, so they will know how to use multiple programs. They’ll be able to use your current systems or help you implement new systems to make bookings etc.
You’ll find that most virtual reception services also offer admin services.
They can go beyond answering phones and see how your business could be operating better. They’ll see the gaps in your admin systems and suggest ways you could perhaps work smarter.
Or if you already have reliable admin in place, they can take this burden off your shoulders – invoicing, submitting claims, preparing quotes, onboarding and following up with clients and so on.
A virtual receptionist will become the voice of your business
Top-notch customer service should always be high on your list of business must-dos. And just as you’re the ‘face’ of your business, your virtual receptionist will become your ‘voice’.
A virtual receptionist is often the first point of contact with your business, so you need to make sure you find professional receptionists with a friendly manner.
Virtual receptionists are so much more than call takers. What can a virtual receptionist do for you?
One of the best ways to test them out is to call them! See how they answer your phone call, how they conduct themselves and how they treat you as a potential client. This will give you an indication of how they’ll treat your clients too.
Virtual receptionists are so much more than call takers
As you can see, virtual receptionists can do so much for your business. They’re amazing at:
Being your welcoming voice
Fielding angry or spam calls
Giving you back your nights and lunch breaks
Saving your sanity by stopping distractions
Organising your day and your business bits
So if you’re running a business and hate answering phones, you should 100% consider outsourcing this pain point to a virtual reception service.
Author bio:
HANNA FINLAY. Creating Off-Site Reception, Hanna is an award-winning, tech-loving systems junkie, who’s phone manner wins over customers. When she’s not answering your calls, you’ll find Hanna holidaying with family, playing snooker and laughing with her mates.
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