How to start an answering service at home is a question that I get quite often since I write a lot about virtual businesses. Starting an answering service is absolutely one of the easiest and, quite frankly, least expensive home-based business to run. The biggest reason is that it’s easy. You’re simply doing what you already know how to do: answer a phone and taking a message. Of course, there are more options that you can add, but at the most basic level, you’re answering a phone and taking a message.
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There are several things to consider when you're learning how to start an answering service at home. Let's prioritize what they are.
- 1) Designate a dedicated, quiet area where you will answer these calls. There’s nothing worse for a client to hear than kids in the background, dogs barking or even the laundry machine running.
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2) If you plan to use a headset, make sure you buy a good noise canceling one. This will give the impression that you are working out of an office.
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3) Absolutely get yourself a dedicated phone line and number. This is where you will want to spend a little money. You can get an 800, local and fax number from one company, such as RingCentral. I use this service extensively and have several RingCentral tips and tricks at my blog.
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4) Decide whether you want to add a cheap 2nd line to your house or use your cell phone as the “answering service line.” Comcast allows you to add a no-frills 2nd line for only $10 / month. Or, you might consider a MagicJack, which is a little device that plugs into your PC for essentially $19 per year. You won’t need to worry about voice mail because RingCentral gives free voice mail too AND for multiple extensions.
5) Stay organized with a great free product from Google, called Google Docs. It is an online filing cabinet, spreadsheet, calendar, and much more. You will want to use this service to save your dialogues or even send documents to your clients.
6) Get a free service from Google Voice. With this service, you’ll also be able to send free SMS messages to your clients. An alternative is to send SMS using your cellular phone.
7) Start marketing to local companies first. These are the companies that are most likely to use your service first, since they will have an affinity with you. But, with a RingCentral 800 number, you can also go national.
6) Get a free service from Google Voice. With this service, you’ll also be able to send free SMS messages to your clients. An alternative is to send SMS using your cellular phone.
7) Start marketing to local companies first. These are the companies that are most likely to use your service first, since they will have an affinity with you. But, with a RingCentral 800 number, you can also go national.
If you’re reading this article to learn how to start an answering service from home, you probably also know that you can add additional services once you build your client base. For example, a growing area for many individuals is becoming a virtual assistant. What this means is that you offer services to clients which do not require you to physically go to an office. These types of services include: outbound calls to clients, research, both Internet and others, writing or blogging, and much more. This type of service is on the rise, because companies are trying to cut costs from hiring full time employees.
As you can tell, learning how to start an answering service from home is pretty easy. The biggest part of building this business is getting clients. And, as I mentioned, the best place to start is with your local businesses, especially with joining the local Chamber of Commerce. The key to thriving in this business is making sure that the customer has the best user experience.
I’m a huge proponent of small businesses. If I can help you in any way, feel free to contact me directly.
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Read more articles from David Chan, including Small Business Opportunities Powering America.
