When I first set up my business I used to answer my calls myself.  The problem was I would never know whether it was one of my friends calling, a business call or simply a cold call (there was no caller ID back in those days!).

So when the phone rang I would answer "Alright" as most of the time it would be a friend, a girlfriend or my mum!  But sometimes it would be a business call and answering "Alright" was never that professional.  Also, I might be on a call and then another call might come in and I would not be able to answer it.

I needed a secretary or at least a receptionist.  I could not afford to take one on as I was barely making a living for myself.  Then one of my friends introduced me to a company who could answer my calls for me.

When she told me how much they charged I honestly could not believe it.  I could get my calls answered, like a proper business, for less than £20.  And they gave you an 0845 number for free!

So there was me thinking of a secretary's salary when I could simply pay £20 and the job was done.  Fast forward 5 years on and I am still with this company but they do a lot more than answer calls for me now.  I consider this company one of my partners not just another supplier.

Anyway the reason I am telling you this is because you may not know of a company like this.  So if you want them to answer your calls (which they email the responses to you in real time) then request a callback and expect a callback from them.

Ajay