Some people or companies have a receptionist or assistant who typically answers the phone, so why not give them the proper tools to interact with the public efficiently? I'm not talking about their desk, telephone, or anything physically related to their work space. I'm talking about information.
So many times when I've attempted to call someone - often after I've tried unsuccessfully to reach them on their cell phone - I'll get their receptionist or assistant who has no clue where they are, when they are returning, the best time to call back, or anything concerning how to actually speak with them. Sometimes, they suggest that I try the cell phone.
Now, I understand that some people get many calls and maybe they really can't take everyone of them. However, when the receptionist says that the person is out and they don't know when (or sometimes even what day) they are returning or that this person keeps their own calendar and doesn't share it, it doesn't make the receptionist look very informed, it doesn't reflect much communication or possibly trust between the person I'm trying to contact and their receptionist or assistant, and it's quite frustrating to me and other callers.
If someone isn't taking calls, they should say so. Just instruct their receptionist or assistant that they would like an email and that they'd rather communicate that way.
Telephones are designed for communication, but there has to be a conversation for that to happen. I recommend equipping the receptionist or assistant with enough information to substitute effectively for someone when they are away from their desk. The reflexive routing to the voice mail is not a welcome or effective solution for me either.
So many times when I've attempted to call someone - often after I've tried unsuccessfully to reach them on their cell phone - I'll get their receptionist or assistant who has no clue where they are, when they are returning, the best time to call back, or anything concerning how to actually speak with them. Sometimes, they suggest that I try the cell phone.
Now, I understand that some people get many calls and maybe they really can't take everyone of them. However, when the receptionist says that the person is out and they don't know when (or sometimes even what day) they are returning or that this person keeps their own calendar and doesn't share it, it doesn't make the receptionist look very informed, it doesn't reflect much communication or possibly trust between the person I'm trying to contact and their receptionist or assistant, and it's quite frustrating to me and other callers.
If someone isn't taking calls, they should say so. Just instruct their receptionist or assistant that they would like an email and that they'd rather communicate that way.
Telephones are designed for communication, but there has to be a conversation for that to happen. I recommend equipping the receptionist or assistant with enough information to substitute effectively for someone when they are away from their desk. The reflexive routing to the voice mail is not a welcome or effective solution for me either.
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