Right on the money as far as being human. You can be yourself and that will get you a lot further than trying for a certain tone.

Smiling on the phone is one of the best tips out there, for sure. I know people can sense when I’ve got a smile.

Cheers!

George

For me, talking on the phone isn’t a big issue: My ‘professional’ career has been near-solely telephone sales and customer support. I would agree with being professional and honest… One of the most important things it does is create trust and confidence in you and what you are trying to sell. (In this case, your writing.)

And I loved the anecdote of your interview. I can entirely relate: I was the only person in an office for one of my jobs who wore a full suit. Not even the managers did. But it does indeed set the mood and gives you the right mindset. Just like smiling on the phone does.

In my experience (away from writing-related business) even in emails you need to be human. Keep that professionalism, but make sure that you’re making it clear you do have a personality. It helps to build rapport without ‘direct’ contact with the customer.

Matt

I’m glad you stopped by.

Smiling while on the phone is a great tip, it does make a difference.

When I worked for FedEx, I had to interview for a position in a different section. In order to keep it fair, I had to do a phone interview because the other person who applied lived out of state. I took a lot of ridicule because I showed up at work in a suit and tie. I explained I thought it was important to get in the interview mode.

Got the job, I did.

Cheers!

George

Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog post..Launch your affiliate signup page into the stratosphere Part 1

Man, that’s beautiful. That kind of brutal honesty will get you far, and it’s just the kind of thing that makes customers mad!

George