As the holiday season rapidly approaches, small and midsize businesses are preparing for what’s ahead — the holiday season.
Considering nearly 7 in 10 small businesses see the winter holiday season as their top sales opportunity, it’s important to prepare ahead, not just in terms of revenue, but also customer satisfaction. For many SMBs, this is a make-or-break time, which is why you should outsource certain tasks that allow you to focus on your business while ensuring excellent customer service.
One way to do so is to make sure your customers are heard and that communication remains open.
Here is how virtual receptionists can act as your secret weapon this holiday season, allowing you to reduce stress, boost sales, and retain happy customers!
The Holiday’s are Stressful for Business Owners
December, and even November, are often the most stressful months of the year.
There are several reasons for this:
- The holiday rush is in full swing, creating an influx in orders and general business inquiries
- On top of all the extra hustle and bustle, business owners need to tend to their regular task load
- End-of-year tasks need to be addressed
- Offices are often closed for several days over the holidays, which means more needs to be accomplished in less time
- There are many personal demands as well, including family commitments
- Employees take off time leaving no back up
Although some stress is good, in that it pushes you to achieve your goals, too much stress can have the opposite effect — especially if it’s your customers that are noticing.
The key here is to harness your pending stress, putting that energy into a strategy that will help you grow. One of the best ways to cope with stress during the holidays is to develop processes that will successfully handle the influx of business.
One of the easiest ways to do so?
Partner with a live virtual receptionist to outsource all of your inbound calling tasks. All of these tasks are handled outside of your company’s physical location at a remote location. This helps you keep some of the holiday season chaos outside of your office while being professionally tended to. It’s a win-win.
Benefits of Virtual Receptionists During the Holidays
There are many reasons to work with live virtual receptionists, regardless of the time of year.
However, the holiday season can be a particularly beneficial time to work alongside a professional virtual receptionist team. Welcoming virtual receptionists into your business during the busy holiday season helps your team, supports your customers’ needs, and encourages business growth.
The following benefits are just some of the reasons to consider outsourcing critical tasks concerning all inbound calls.
Benefit #1: You Won’t Miss a Call During the Holidays
A missed call means a missed opportunity and missed revenue. Both of which negatively impact the growth of your business.
Whether customers are calling to make a purchase, inquire about a recent order, or simply want to know your business hours, they expect someone to answer. If you don’t, they’ll move on — giving your competitor(s) their business.
When your small business works with a reputable virtual receptionist company, your business can answer calls 24/7, without you needing to be on the other end. You can go about your most pressing tasks while highly trained virtual receptionists answer calls, take messages, book appointments, and the list goes on.
Benefit #2: Relieving Employee Scheduling Stress
Not only are you and your customers busy over the holidays, but so are your employees. Finding that balance is tough, which can make scheduling a bit of a nightmare. You need more help, but no one is available, what now?
This unnecessary stress can take away from more important business tasks. The time and energy you spend on these scheduling challenges could be better spent on critical business objectives.
Virtual receptionists are an excellent solution. They are the perfect backup and will ensure that opportunities aren’t missed, which means lower stress levels for you and more optimal growth for your business. Why take your employees away from their roles and responsibilities when all of your call answering needs can be handled by a remote team?
The result is a more productive, less stressful environment that everyone will appreciate, including your customers.
Benefit #3: Your Employees Are Happier
Company culture is important.
Yes, you need to run a business and do so successfully. However, without your team, your business can quickly crumble.
Data shows that investing in company culture boosts productivity, improves employee satisfaction, reduces turnover, creates a healthier work environment, and more.
Employees anticipate a busier schedule during the holidays, but they also want to enjoy time with their family and friends. When they get a break, everyone returns to work refreshed and happy to kick-start the new year.
Again, virtual receptionists will allow you to face the holiday rush without burning out your employees. When working with a company such as Abby Connect, the services provided will be tailored to your business. Think of the Abby Connect team as an extension of your team.
Check out more virtual receptionist resources to see whether this partnership is a good fit for your business this holiday season and beyond.
