Success is calling - will you accept the

Success is calling - will you accept the call?

A note on your voicemail message: you should never allow your personal home message to answer business calls. If you only have one phone line and do not use an answering service, make sure your message is professional and announces the name of your business. If customers attempt to call your business and receive a message that says, "You've reached the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jones. We're not in right now..." they will either assume they have the wrong number (and might not call back) or lose trust in your company (and might not call back). Always thank the customer for calling in your message, and apologize for missing their call.

A SAMPLE BUSINESS ANSWERING MESSAGE:
"Thank you for calling Flowers Forever. We're sorry to have missed your call. Please leave your name, number, and a detailed message regarding the reason you are calling, and someone will get right back to you. You can also e-mail us at service-at-flowers-forever-dot-com; or check our web site's Help section at w-w-w-dot-flowers-forever-dot-com for answers to frequently asked questions. We look forward to brightening your life!"

If you're using an answering machine or voicemail to screen calls because of background noise, be sure to check your messages frequently and return calls as soon as possible.

The Skinny on Expansion: Fitting In to Your Virtual Skin

Once you create the illusion of a big company, you'll find that your business actually begins to grow as more people discover your professional online presence. This section will cover even more tips to preserving your professional image and ensuring your business can handle the surge.

Company Logos: You Need One

A picture is worth a thousand words. Successful companies have logos that build brand recognition and speak for themselves. Millions of consumers are able to recognize the Macintosh Apple, the Golden Arches, and the Reebok "swish" on sight. Creating an eye-catching logo is a great way to secure your company's reputation and create consumer interest.

Depending on your level of computer skill and expertise, you may choose to create your own logo using a graphic software program such as Adobe Photoshop. You can also research the millions of public domain images and clip art available on the internet and "adopt" one to represent your company. If you choose to "adopt," it's a good idea to look up other virtual corporations in your industry and peruse their logos, both to get a general idea of what works and to make sure another company isn't using the image you select.

If your budget allows for it, the best option for business logos is to hire a graphic designer to create an original concept, which can then be copyrighted so no other company can use it. When choosing a graphic designer, be sure to ask for samples or browse their online portfolios to make sure their style conforms to your needs and tastes. If you sell home-baked treats or hand-crafted items for children, you'll probably be interested in a graphic designer whose work is on the whimsy side; however, if you are a financial consultant or you produce a line of executive toys, you will look for a designer with a more sophisticated bent. Graphic designers' rates vary, usually depending on experience and/or additional services provided. You should be able to locate a competent graphic designer within your budget, and the one-time fee for a logo that will serve your company for years is worth the cost. Try designoutpost.com for great logo design!