I have a home business (actually it is mostly virtual). I have a separate business and personal phone line. I often get asked by other start ups whether that extra line (and expense) is needed.
Rather than referring only to my personal experience, I figured that I'd ask an expert. Brandi Cummings is the co-founder of Telecentrex and www.Freedom800.com, a virtual PBX provider/site.
This is what she had to say...
"A home based start up should definitely have a dedicated business line. I would even say it is imperative to both their professional image as well as their efficiency. Trying to use one phone line for both business and personal calls leads to a number of problems.
First, without knowing whether the incoming call is business or personal, you can't be sure how to answer the call or whether you even should. And for those business owners with kids nothing screams, "I work from home!" more clearly than a child answering the phone.
Secondly, if there is a shared phone line, there will also be a shared answering machine or voicemail. "Thank you for calling The Smith's. If you have a message for Suzie, Bob, or Cindy Lee press 1. If you are trying to reach Sales press 2." That message sends the wrong message when you are trying to portray a professional image.
Without a dedicated business phone line there is probably not going to be a dedicated fax line either. This means that when a fax needs to be sent or received, all voice communication into the business stops. That is bad for business.
The bottom line is that a home based business has to work harder to establish a professional image. One of the easiest and least expensive ways this can be done will be with an advanced phone system."
'Course once I had Brandi at my mercy, I asked her a few more questions (like what a PBX System is) so we'll continue on with this discussion next Tuesday.
Comments (2)
My first time commenting to your (btw excellent) blogs but because this has just happened to me recently I just have to say "I agree!" =) There's nothing more disconcerting as a customer ringing to be greeted with just "Hello?" because the callee doesn't know whether you are ringing for personal reasons or business reasons. It's only a small thing but I, as a customer, shouldn't have to say "Is that ?"! =)
Posted by ItsMe | November 13, 2007 9:23 AM
Posted on November 13, 2007 09:23
ItsMe,
I completely agree.
I've had to do that so many times and it is especially difficult when I don't have a contact name.
Though the opposite is fun.
I like answering my personal phone with "Good evening. Kimber Chin speaking."
Throws off the telemarketers (they usually hang up) and gives my friends/family a good laugh.
Posted by Kimber Chin | November 13, 2007 9:58 AM
Posted on November 13, 2007 09:58