If you’re a work at home mother, then you will absolutely need to use an 800 number; there’s no doubt about it. You see, if you’re running your business through your home, then your home phone number simply will not do while you are trying to advertise your business because your home phone number is most likely not an 800 number. But if you don’t want to pay for the extra 800 number, then why get it?
- An 800 number allows you to do business with people who are farther away, so you won’t have to worry about incurring long distance charges for your customers.
- 800 numbers are professional. Whenever you think of “1 800 numbers”, you most likely think of a company or corporation. The bottom line: an 800 number is professional, and it will make your business that much more attractive if you advertise it.
- An 800 number allows you to easily compartmentalize your business and personal calls.
This works in a few ways:
If you have an 800 number, you don’t have to give your home phone number to all of your clients. This is good for your privacy and convenience, as you will know that anyone who calls your home phone number isn’t doing it for the sake of your business.
If you have an 800 number, you will specifically know that people are calling it to talk to you as a business, not as a personal individual.
800 numbers can be personalized to specifically suit your business. For instance, Stanley Steamer uses 1-800-STEAMER as its vanity 800 number. This will make it easier for people to remember your business’ number if they happen to not have it written down.
Additionally, your 800 number does not need to be a new line for your home. Therefore, if you wish, you can save the expense of installing an additional phone line and simply have your 800 number tied to a virtual phone system like iTeleCenter. Due to its convenience, professionalism, and ability to expand your business, 800 numbers are essential for work at home mothers.
Has anyone used Skype for conference calling ?
I’ve never used Skype conference calling, but iTeleCenter comes with a conference line. I’ve used it for work and just for personal stuff. I’ve gotten all my brothers and sisters to call in so we could plan my parents’ surprise 50th anniversary party. It was perfect for that!
Being a wahm I totally understand this concept. I can’t tell you how many times I have lost potential clients just because my contact info did not contain a toll free number. It is one thing that can help seperate yourself from some of the scams on the Internet.
I am an expert in internet marketing and I believe 800 numbers are a very good way to do business. It shows your customers you are professional at what you do. Also I highly doubt you would want your customers calling your home phone or mobile. When many people see 800 numbers they will see it being a real proper company or service you are providing. I suggest everyone who is in business to use them.
Great article by the way.
Just to reply to Dee and her post about getting an 800 number during these difficult economic times…Dee, I am so with you when you say that every time you open up the mail, there is a bill! But, Dee, investing in your biz communication is the BEST thing you can do. I run a tiny online store from home and the toll free number has been worth every penny.
Ha! Love the bit about stating your business name every time your dad calls. I have a mate who we still won’t let live down the way he answered the phone when we worked at the university office together. Imagine a lad from the East End putting on an impossibly posh accent to answer the phones. We used to ring up just hoping he’d answer. It was genius.
I’m with you 100% on this. You really don’t understand just how important an 800 number is until you have one. It changes the whole perception of your business from the perspective of a customer and saves you the awkwardness of stating your business name every time your dad calls, or worse, answering very informally for a client.
I run a small online biz from home but offer no phone service to customers. They contact me through my email address only. I’m considering opening up a phone line but concerned about this continuing recession. Seems every time I open up the mail, there’s another bill.
You are so right about people thinking of 800 numbers as professional. Some people dial my 800 number and think that they are reaching me at a sprawling office with 10 employees. Little do they know I am sitting in my pajamas at my tiny kitchen table with my toddler twins running around (and they are useless at making coffee!). If I could give one piece of advice to fellow WAHMs, I would say that a 1-800 line will help your business fly.