A Human Answering the Phone, What a Concept!

In the current world of business where it seems every company has replaced the most important first touch with clients — the receptionist — with an answering machine, what a breath of fresh air when an alternative is experienced.

Let me first say that I am not connected with the company I am going to tell you about, in fact, I know no one who works there and I definitely am not getting kickbacks from them. They are simply incredible.

The company is Answer 1 Communications. They provide remote receptionist services with humans! According to their website, they "provide your businesses with fast, reliable, personal, and bilingual attention that you and your customers demand of your business." Although I can't say know what all of these services actually entail, here's what they say they can do: telemessaging, appointment scheduling, voicemail, unified messaging, order taking, e-commerce solutions, customer support, remote receptionist and dealer locator.

What I do know is, every single time I call one particular business and these folks answer their phone, the Answer 1 people are organized, articulate, comprehensive, polite, friendly ... they are a delight and I have every confidence that my client will get the message. I want to keep talking with them, they are so pleasant!

Can you say that about the people who answer your phone? If not, I would recommend you give these folks a call. Their website shows many awards they've won for their service, and I am not surprised.

Go check them out at http://www.answer1.com/ ... they are located in Phoenix, but heck anymore I don't think it matters from where a company provides their services.

Better yet, I found this toll-free number on their site, call them, they're in the answering business and I bet you will be impressed. 1-800-408-3408.

Did you Send Out Tacky Pitches Tucked Between Turkey Feathers?

Am I the only one who received numerous Thanksgiving e-mails that began with, "During this season of Thanksgiving, we at (name of company) would like to take a moment to say thank you for your business ..." and then the message switched to, "And, by the way, buy my (insert product here) this holiday season, blah, blah blah?"

What the heck was that all about? It's like giving someone a compliment and ending with a "But" statement that discounts everything just said.

These types of communications are disrespectful to the recipients. As you compose your communications, keep from mixing messages. If you're going to pitch, then pitch; if the purpose of your communication is to educate, then do it; if you're trying to work on building relationships, then do that—say thanks, share what's on your heart, give insights into your purpose, get personal, share your passions. But if you attempt to mix the messages, you'll risk losing your audience.

In fact, I'm considering opting out of the most blatant e-mail pitches I received last week that were veiled under the guise of Thanksgiving. I have to ask myself, "Is that the type of company I really want to do business with?" I don't think so, do you?