Improve Your Business with Conference Call Etiquette
The first impression is very important especially when it comes to your business. You can make it more successful learning some basic etiquette rules. The way you talk on the phone and the impression you make can improve your business remarkably. Here is what can help you.
No distractions. Do your best to remove everything that may distract you. Turn off the sound of your cell phone or even the radio. Choose as quiet place for the conference call as possible. This way there won’t be anything to attract your attention except the conversation you have.
Be polite. Always introduce yourself in the beginning of the call and greet everybody. It is great way to show your colleagues and your boss that you respect them.
Do not interrupt anybody. It is impolite and will make you look as if you don’t care about other people’s opinion. It is recommended to offer the other person talk first. Remember it is more important to listen than to talk.
Think twice. Be careful what kind of language you are using. Do not swear and do not gossip. It is a business call after all and not a personal conversation.
It is recommended to practice your reflective listening. It is a strategy that includes two steps. First you listen to the idea offered by the speaker and then you offer it back to him/her in order to make sure you understood what was said.
Do not talk about things which are off the topic. Not that it is forbidden but you have to know when to cut it.
Never put the call on hold. It is better to reschedule the call than leave the other participants waiting. Of course, you are not supposed to postpone the call for later unless there is an emergency.
Do not answer other calls. It is almost the same as to put them on hold but it is even worse because it is impolite.
Keep it brief. Try to stick to the agenda and discuss the important issues. Otherwise you may go over the budget and it might get too expensive for you.
Before ending the call, you need to thank your colleagues for their time. It is also recommended to summarise what was said during the call.
Try to keep these basic rules and you are going to improve your business more than you expect. Using service will save you money and efforts and will make the running of your business easier.
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