Telephone Answering Service

Have you ever wondered how telephone answering services got their start?

We don't know who created the first answering service, but we do know that it evolved from the way phone calls were handled in the early days of telephony. The first service, it is thought, began in 1923 in connection with answering calls for doctors. These services were used because doctors needed to know if a patient had an emergency, but they didn't have access to a cell phone like they have now. The answering service was developed to take messages after business hours so that any emergency could be handled right away.

All of this was influenced by the way telephone companies handled calls when they first started in 1878. Before phone numbers were available, calls were patched through based on people's names. Clients were referred to as "numbers" and given their messages when they dialed in to the earliest private answering services. As the major telephone companies became automated, the shift to internal switchboards eliminated the necessity for employees at this level. For most individuals and small businesses, the development of answering machines that could be connected to your phone eliminated the necessity for "live" answering services.

Modern contact centers, automated answering machines, and voicemail have largely replaced answering services in recent years, but with a renewed need for more personalized service to meet the needs of clients and consumers, live answering services are once again in high demand. The desire to communicate with a living person has always been crucial, and it is even more so now. There's nothing like speaking with a live person and receiving immediate responses while also knowing that your call is essential. History, as they say, repeats itself, and this is absolutely true!

Unanswered or missed calls are costly and have a negative impact on client satisfaction. This is where a telephone answering service, which takes incoming calls on your behalf, can really help you improve your communications and profits by providing dedicated receptionists who get to know your company and work as part of your team.

Businesses of all sizes are realizing the benefits of using phone answering services.

The following are the top five reasons behind this:

1. Make a good first impression

A telephone answering service strengthens solid client relationships and maintains a high-quality professional image, whether you're a startup or an established company. Your customer relationship begins the moment you answer the phone, and it will make all the difference.

2. Make the most of every chance

When you work with a phone answering service, you'll never miss a call again. One phone call can finish a deal that has been on the verge of happening for a long time, and it can thrill a returning customer who will become your most ardent supporter. You'll never have to worry about disappointing a customer or missing an important message because you'll be safe in the knowledge that a dedicated professional receptionist will accept your calls.

3. Customer service is available around the clock.

A telephone answering service can be utilized for calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for overflow support, or for after-hours coverage, depending on your company's needs. In this instant-access era, it's critical to stay on top of your business 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Having a live person available to assist your clients even when the actual office is closed can only help you maintain your competitive edge.

4. Boost your productivity

Every contact is an opportunity to provide excellent customer service and improve income, but answering the phone may be an unnecessary distraction, especially when you're in the middle of a meeting or working on a large project. A telephone answering service is an excellent approach to filter and forward calls so that you and your team can focus on your customers/clients while still addressing their demands.

5. Lower the cost of doing business

It's expensive and time-consuming to hire an in-house team to handle your calls. Not to add all the normal HR and business hassles, you'll need to acquire a workspace, hire workers, and purchase a phone system. Even if you can afford the salaries, hiring full-time employees to avoid missed calls or lower service quality during peak periods can be extremely inconvenient during the hours, or even days, when they aren't needed. A call answering service gives you the freedom to scale up or down your usage as your business needs change, and there are no hidden costs.