Why do people answer the phone if they are in the middle of something important?

[2LaneCruzer]

1 - Treat people the same way you expect to be treated (if you're a prick, get out of any type of sales work).
2 - If someone calls, answer your phone.
3 - If someone calls after hours or on the weekend or on a holiday, still answer your phone (this step may not have to be repeated for the same customer if they don't do anything with you down the road and you keep answering your phone after hours).
4 - If you tell someone you're going to do something, DO IT!
5 - If you tell someone you're going to find an answer out for them, even if you don't have the answer, call them and let them know you hadn't forgotten about them, and you will call them back (repeat process if nessesary).

A business relationship is a two way street and a customer is not always right, but you have to let them think they are.

"Power, who in their right mind wants it, how to get by and enjoy people you work with" By Sigarms

My boss always hates it when I state "life is too short to deal with pricks" LOL

He also dosen't like to hear that money can't buy you happiness. If I can't be happy giving 110% to a job and career, time to find something new.

My corollary to that is this: When you recognize an irrational individual, get them out of your life as quickly and as completely as you can. They will be nothing but continual trouble. If it's your Mother in law or some such, you will just have to keep them at arms length as best you can.

 

[D2Cat]

1 - Treat people the same way you expect to be treated (if you're a prick, get out of any type of sales work).
2 - If someone calls, answer your phone.
3 - If someone calls after hours or on the weekend or on a holiday, still answer your phone (this step may not have to be repeated for the same customer if they don't do anything with you down the road and you keep answering your phone after hours).
4 - If you tell someone you're going to do something, DO IT!
5 - If you tell someone you're going to find an answer out for them, even if you don't have the answer, call them and let them know you hadn't forgotten about them, and you will call them back (repeat process if nessesary).

A business relationship is a two way street and a customer is not always right, but you have to let them think they are.

"Power, who in their right mind wants it, how to get by and enjoy people you work with" By Sigarms

My boss always hates it when I state "life is too short to deal with pricks" LOL

He also dosen't like to hear that money can't buy you happiness. If I can't be happy giving 110% to a job and career, time to find something new.

Your point #2 and #3:

If my phone rings I am in no way obligated to answer. You may think I have to answer your call, but I don't. No matter the time of day, day of the week, holiday...you're a slave if you follow those guidelines.

I've had 3 "going to lower my interest rate" calls in 45 minutes. A few of those and you'll soon learn the phone is YOUR tool, not everybody else's to control your time. I don't answer my phone at night. I get too many political survey, donate to the fire dept., reduce your student loan, etc. BS. Nope, my phone is mine to use when I want!

 

[ultrarunner]

^^^ Don't shoot the messenger...

We were opening a new wing and I foresaw some problems and communicated we ought to address these now... the reply is that I was being negative looking for problems.

They were all addressed after the fact within the first 90 days...

 

[ultrarunner]

Your point #2 and #3:

If my phone rings I am in no way obligated to answer. You may think I have to answer your call, but I don't. No matter the time of day, day of the week, holiday...you're a slave if you follow those guidelines.

I've had 3 "going to lower my interest rate" calls in 45 minutes. A few of those and you'll soon learn the phone is YOUR tool, not everybody else's to control your time. I don't answer my phone at night. I get too many political survey, donate to the fire dept., reduce your student loan, etc. BS. Nope, my phone is mine to use when I want!

Even with Mom's Alzheimer's I have gotten her to let the answering machine pick up the call... I really did not think it was possible but now she listens to screen calls which helps me a lot...

I did have to disconnect the ringers on the house phones but when a call comes in she will pick up the phone if she hears her name... so all those that are important will say Mom pick up the phone...

It has been a godsend after having to cancel credit cards and return merchandise and chase away home improvement contractors...

One was so blatant... he said he had a signed contract and there wasn't anything I could do... my reply is you had better check who's name is on the Deed...

Sad that it comes to this and things like the phone can be used as a weapon against you in your own home...

I'd say 95% are junk calls... it even happens at the Hospital... Google and Life Insurance robo calls on the main number every day...

 

[Sigarms]

If my phone rings I am in no way obligated to answer. You may think I have to answer your call, but I don't. No matter the time of day, day of the week, holiday...you're a slave if you follow those guidelines.

I've had 3 "going to lower my interest rate" calls in 45 minutes. A few of those and you'll soon learn the phone is YOUR tool, not everybody else's to control your time. I don't answer my phone at night. I get too many political survey, donate to the fire dept., reduce your student loan, etc. BS. Nope, my phone is mine to use when I want!

I've pumped gas, waited tables, built pole barns, worked for uncle sam where everyone tells you what to do, fast food, union shop, office work, temp work, banking, the trade field and a bunch of stuff I've forgotten.

If my phone rings, I am in no way obligated to answer, BUT I have caller ID and I know who is calling.

I may be a slave if I answer or return phone calls at nights, on the weekends or over the holidays, but from my experience, it sure beats working a 9 to 5 job where I'm surrounded by 4 walls 5 days a week with 2 weeks off a year.

Please also note, in my job, 90% of MY business is repeat business for as long as I'm living there.

That said, I consider myself blessed. I've been in NC going on 17 years now, and I've been to 4 weddings and 6 funerals in North Carolina, and 9 of those events have been from people who've I've met as a "customer" who have grown into more than just a customer.

I just got off the phone with an old customer today who I consider a friend who I hadn't called on for 19 years (he's 4 states away from me now). He's 77 and thinking about selling his business now. The funny story was when I was in his state and calling on him, I didn't own a TV or bed (I traveled light back then LOL). My college alma matter was playing on TV on a Saturday, and he invited me to stay at his house to watch the game on TV (he gave me the keys to his house since he was going to be out of state that weekend). There I am sitting in his lounge chair watching a college football game on a Saturday afternoon, and I hear this noise. Turns out his one daughter came home from college to surprise him, he wasn't there, and she was wondering who the stranger was sitting in the lounge chair LMAO. After she called him to verify I was telling the truth, everything was ok (I had his number of course). That same guy drove 5 hours to be at my wedding. About 10 years ago I picked him up from Charlotte to visit my family (who he didn't know when I call on him) when he came in for a convention.

THAT'S why I pick up my phone. There are people who understand that there are people who actually care if they have a issue and they call during "non working hours". I get it, some people do abuse you, and I have no issues dropping them in a heartbeat.

We all have to deal with buttholes in work, but it's nice to know IMO that there are people who aren't buttholes in life, and yes, sometimes you get to work with them.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I love it when in a store an employee tries to get some help or contact another employee with difficulty. I always have to interject, now you know how the customers feel.

I have told companies how awkward or useless their websites are. Mostly they argue with you. People must really be getting dumbed down. Few realize that their web site isn't the only one you ever use. And you may only ever use it once. Or some organizations seem to think that your password to their whatever, is the most important concern in your life.

 

[D2Cat]

Sigarms, no intent to get anyone so fired up. Not sure what all those things you've done in the past, or weddings, or funerals have to do with answering the phone.

I have caller ID also. That's exactly what I was eluding to, I can answer it if I choose. But I am not obligated to answer it! You said, "If someone calls, answer your phone."

I'd say is someone calls, and I feel like talking to them, or need to talk to them, I'll pick up my phone. Pretty simple. Whether I recognize the caller's name and or number, I answer if and when I choose....not when the phone rings.

 

[Jstpssng]

On a slightly different note; certain noise frequencies bother my ears. I.E; years ago 'solid state" televisions emitted a high pitched frequency that I could hear driving past people's houses. I could never go into the now defunct "Zayre's" department store chain because of their sound system. As my hearing gets worse, those high pitched noises get more obnoxious.
There is a convenience store chain with places throughout Maine and they all have the same door buzzer which goes off every time a door is opened; It has a high pitched frequency which is like taking a rapier and driving into one ear and out the other. I talked to a manager about it years ago and she said "too bad, that's what we use."

I started patronizing their competition across the road, and haven't set foot in that chain in years. I wonder how many other customers they have lost because of the same complaint.

 

[Deere Dude]

I answer my phone right away if possible. It might be the cemetery telling me they have and opening for me and am ready any moment.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I'm surprised you can hear much underwater, diving!

I'm surprised you can hear that frequency at all and at a distance.

I had a GF that complained of noise from traditional florescent lighting in various stores.