It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. This is an idiom we’ve all likely heard several times over. It’s one of those sayings that is absolutely true. Tone and inflection means a lot to just about everyone. There’s a way to say “Have a nice day!” that conveys a sincere wish for a person’s enjoyable experience and a way to say that exact same phrase to convey a desire to see that person live a miserable existence.
Most of us know exactly what sarcasm sounds like.
We also know what boredom, indifference and agitation sound like as well. When you’re conducting business over the phone, it couldn’t be more important for you to master the ability to convey friendliness, interest and enthusiasm through your inflections and tone of voice.
“There are ways to say things so that a customer never forgets you and your pitch — they are called hooks and tone control,” says Grant Cardone on Entrepreneur.com, “No matter what you do for a living, at some point in your career you will rely on a phone to either introduce yourself or get an appointment. Other than your commitment and attitude about success, the telephone itself will be one of the single most important tools you use in building your brand, your company, and your revenues.”
Wording plays a major role in your ability to please customers.
Sometimes, the simplest change in your wording can mean the difference between keeping a customer and losing him/her forever. For example, you’re not always going to be able to provide your customers with exactly what they’re looking for. In many cases, you’ll need to provide alternative solutions.
The go-to thing to say, for most people, falls along the lines of “I’m sorry, I can’t do that for you”. Immediately, this communicates a negative response. Although it’s not untrue, it’s just not a statement that’s going to promote the growth of your customer relationships. Instead of responding solely in the negative, try responses that provide positive outcomes such as “While I may not be able to get that item to you by tomorrow, what I can do is ship a replacement free of charge.”
Keeping it positive is a key to strong customer relationships.
CallCentreHelper.com is a big proponent for using positive words and phrases. The website champions such responses as “That’s true, Sir/Madam, but…” in order to acknowledge a customer’s concerns. “The next stage would then be to demonstrate why there is no need to be concerned,” says the site.
“We can certainly do that for you, Sir/Madam” is another suggested over-the-phone phrase from CallCentreHelper.com. “Again, this statement is assertive and ‘certainly’ is a good positive word to use,” the website notes, “This is because using words with an ‘-LY’ ending is a little-known persuasion technique that many marketing agencies have recognized. Just think of the slogans to some of your favourite brands.”
At TK Enterprises Inc., we’ve mastered the friendly phone call!
With our one-of-a-kind Event Marketing services, you can have our experienced and highly motivated callers make personal phone calls directly to your customers to invite them to your businesses events, teach them about your promotions or follow up on a recent sale.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-877-622-0195. You may also email us at heidi.tke@tomkaufmann.com or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and have someone contact you!