The business you employ will effectively become an extension of your business when you hire a virtual receptionist service to assist with your phone coverage needs. So you want to make sure that everyone you choose to go with is genuinely the best fit for your company. For your virtual receptionist needs, here are some important questions you can ask every organization you are considering recruiting.
What do your packages include?
When looking at hiring a virtual receptionist, one of the first things you want to do. Next, each of the companies you are looking at will find out what is included in the packages. In addition to pricing details, "How many minutes of phone coverage is included in each package?" is a great question to ask each company. You would also want to find out whether calls from new leads will also be treated by the company and forwarded to the correct networks, so you don't lose out on any new sales. Knowing this type of data will give you a great start when comparing companies in terms of their offers, services, and pricing.
What could get in the way of doing your best work?
The response to this question will provide insight into the work style of the individual and what sort of leadership style they will need to succeed. With the measures all set out in advance, do they need a simple set of tasks? Or are they more of a "give me the big picture and I’ll make it happen" sort of individual? Do they want a powerful team's relationship or do they prefer to be left alone to do their job? You will understand in advance what kind of leadership and direction they will need to do their best job because you understand what could get in the way.
If we were to work together, what would you suggest as our first steps?
A virtual assistant is also a company owner, and they need to bring a degree of experience and guidance to the work they do for you as a result. Simply put, you want them to be able to express what they can do for you clearly. When an individual can clearly and confidently answer this question, it shows that they have a good understanding of your needs and the initiative to get started quickly. If they can't answer this question, it might mean that they still don't understand your needs clearly, so you can ask them if they need to hear something else from you before responding. It may mean that they do not have the expertise or trust to suit the position if you have explained your needs and they are still unable to respond.
Usually, what industries do you represent and do you bring the necessary certifications for those industries?
It is very important that the virtual receptionist company you employ has experience with the particular industry of your company to ensure that your clients are given the excellent quality of service they deserve. For example, you need to look for a business that is both HIPAA and HITECH compliant if you are a healthcare facility.
How often do you incorrectly transfer calls?
Accidents can occur and they do. Ask how often they wrongly pass calls before signing a deal with any virtual receptionist firm. Your existing customers may consider bad customer service on your behalf to be an incorrect call move. And that could affect your sales, too because due to bad customer service, more than half of Americans have chosen not to make a planned purchase with a company.
What kind of technology are you offering?
Does the organization you are considering working with provide some unique technology-based services for their virtual receptionist services? Voice Connect, for example, has the following fantastic characteristics that we proudly give our clients:
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
- Dealer Locator & Referral Dispatch
- YourVoiceLink Secure Mobile App
- Secure Messaging
- Live Web Chat
- Online Customer Portal
When I have a technical problem, what happens?
When you employ a virtual receptionist business, you will need to make sure that your problems will be addressed in a timely manner if you have any technical difficulties with their program.
Does Your Business Need a Live Virtual Receptionist?Â
Reliable Receptionist helps small to mid-sized businesses enhance their professional image, improve customer service, manage workload and convert callers to become loyal clients. At Reliable Receptionist, we not only provide simple answering services but you can be confident your company’s incoming calls will be immediately answered by one of up to five - live - trained representatives assigned to your account. Our off-site receptionists are professionally ready to answer questions about your business, provide directions, capture critical lead information, schedule appointments, and forward calls to the appropriate department depending on your set guidelines. One of the many advantages of using an off-site receptionist with advanced call handling technology is that your calls can be privately announced and seamlessly connected to you in real-time on any phone number. Many of our clients provide multiple connecting numbers for us so we always have the best way to reach you. Let's Work Together! For more information or to request a quote and free demonstration, send us a message or call us today at (925) 627-4200.
Enhance Your Professional Image, Improve Customer Service, Manage Your Workload More Effectively.
