Manning the Phones

meechelle

 Hi, my name is Michelle. I wasn`t sure if I should post here or in Homepreneurs, because my question is a little of both. I have a small web hosting operation of 6 people, and a server farm based out of my home. With the sales contracts lined up and a go-live of 1/1/2008, we`re hitting the ground running. Especially at the beginning, I need a smooth line of communication between my people and the customers. So I`m figuring out how to "man the phones". The ideal situation would be a receptionist, but where would I put this person? I am curious how other web hosts stay in touch with customers...
(edited only for formatting, not content)Joel12/9/2007 5:20 PM

SandraP

Meechelle,
 
Sounds like a Virtual Assistant would be a good solution for you. There are several independent ones here on SUN and I work with a Virtual Staffing Agency. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information.
 
Good luck and congratulations!
~Sandra

ofdublin

Do you even need a receptionist? I just divested from part of a Geek-Squad type startup (the hours were way too much), there was 24 employees mostly working from our homes or from from the road using a virtual phone system. Of all the options I looked into, Gotvmail was the most flexible and responsive. Calls routed by extension to each of us over voice- and email. It worked too well because work would always find me.

Mrbusiness

I agree the Virtual Assistant is a good method.

SandraP

I think you want your phones answered by a live person as much as possible. Plus your customers calling in might not know who they need to speak to and a receptionist can help facilitate this. It`s just good customer service and will more than pay for itself!
 
~Sandra