How many times have your little ones answered the phone before you could get to it? Children don't always know what to say when they answer the phone, especially if they are under the age of seven.

In order to save yourself what may be an embarrasing moment and to preserve your business image, I recommend that you get a separate phone line. Having a separate line has many advantages:

-You won't have to worry about your children answering the telephone while you're in the shower. Simply teach them which phone they are allowed to answer and which phone is "off limits no matter what". By creating this boundary, you are preserving your business image. Kid's usually aren't very good at taking messages, and if they do, they often forget to give them to you. This could result in lost profits AND potentially, lost customers as well.

- If you get a business line, as opposed to a residential line, you can be found by those customers who call you using Directory Assistance. You will also get your phone number listed in the Yellow Pages of your local phone book at no extra charge. By having a business line, your expenses for your calls are tax deductible.

- You have the option of either answering your calls or allowing your answering service, voicemail or answering machine take your calls and message. This will help you reduce interruptions when you're working on an important project and don't want to be disturbed, or if you're out of the office. Make sure you don't answer your business line after working hours.

- You will instantly know how to answer your phones. Most people answer their home telephone by simply saying "Hello". By using a separate business line, you can answer your phone in a more professional manner: "Hello, (your company name), how can I help you?" How you answer your business line could be your first impression on a potential customer so you'll want to make it a good one!

How you handle your business telephone calls will present an image of your business before you even meet your clients or customers. Make sure you can preserve that professional image before your three year old answers the phone and tells your customer "No, mommy can't come to the phone. She's going potty!"

Kim Haas is a WAHM and Founder of Womans-Net.com, a popular online networking community focusing on working from home and women in business and owner of http://Article-Host.com. To learn more about Kim, visit http://kimberlyhaas.com
Copyright 2005 Kim Haas

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