Teaching the Telephone Who’s Boss
If there is one thing that is enhanced our lives more than any other, it’s the simple telephone. The unfortunate part about the telephone is the fact that it is also the piece of equipment that we often find to be the most frustrating. The reason why this is the case is because it interrupts our lives and often tends to dictate exactly what we are going to do. Here is a short primer to help you to take control of this item that often controls us.
The most important thing for you to understand about the telephone is the fact that it is not necessary for you to pick it up every time it rings. We have all been conditioned by the telephone company and our own history to feel as if we are obligated to pick up the telephone every time we hear the ringing sound.
What you need to get in your mind as far as this is concerned is the fact that the phone is being held in the hand, which is an extension of the arm and you control both of those objects on your body. Just because the phone is ringing does not necessarily mean that you need to lift it to your ear and begin talking. If you can understand just this one thing about the telephone, it will free up an amazing amount of time that you can use to get other things done.
When you are on the telephone, you should make sure that that is all that you are doing at that time. Most of us think that we are great multitaskers and we could try to do a number of different things at the same time, even whenever we are on the telephone. Believe it or not, very few people were able to multitask effectively so give the telephone the attention that it deserves whenever you’re on it.
Something else for you to keep in mind, especially whenever you’re trying to have a good conversation is the fact that people like to talk about themselves. You can dominate the conversation by talking about yourself or give the person on the other end of the line the opportunity to do it. If you allow them to discuss themselves, and perhaps even their problems, you will be known as a great listener.
If you use the phone regularly whenever you’re at work, there is something that you can do which will help your business in a number of different ways. Many of us have to leave voice mails and we typically only give our telephone number and name so that we can get a call back. Why not think of it as an opportunity to be able to give yourself a soft pitch and to warm them up to whatever it is that you’re going to talk to them about when they do call back? You will find that your success picks up as a result.
You can either look at the telephone as being a burden or you can look at it as something that can be used to your benefit. If you keep these few things in mind and use it wisely, it is technology that will take you very far.