In the business world, time is always of the essence; it’s one of the essential resources for any industry. One of the best ways to grow your small business is to utilize a telephone answering service.

However, when you’re running a small business, time management becomes even more challenging. As a small business owner, you need to make the most out of every second.

Additionally, first impressions last – especially when it comes to business. An answering service makes it easy and simple for potential clients to reach your business – even if you are unavailable.

More importantly, when you employ the services of this type of provider, you can focus on the other aspects of your company – while at the same time making sure that no potential leads are disregarded.

Here are more of the benefits you will get from employing telephone answering services for your small business.

You don’t have to miss a sale again.

Sales are the lifeblood of your business – and sales calls are just as vital. Your marketing efforts would be wasted if you’re clients can’t reach you. While a lot of business communications and sales are conducted online, there is still a significant amount of people who prefer to do business over the phone.

Before availing a business’ product or service, many customers choose to speak to a real person from the company.

With a telephone answering service, you can set it up so when you and your staff are busy in the office and are unable to answer calls, and the calls will be redirected to the answering service who will then take a message for you.

Alternatively, the calls can also be directed to other staff members’ mobile numbers.

Unlike a regular employee, answering service representatives are available 24/7.

Even outside of your business hours, someone is manning the phones and is ready to answer any queries a potential or existing client may have.

You can save business funds on hiring a front desk person or receptionist.

For a small business, employing a receptionist can get expensive. You most likely don’t have enough incoming calls to warrant paying an individual to be responsible for them full time. Additionally, when you assign your other employees to field calls, it will take them away from their actual tasks, which will cost you money.

Many small business owners have reported that they much prefer an answering service over hiring a receptionist. Aside from avoiding paying for a receptionist’s salary, you can save on the expenses associated with another employee in the office.

As it stands, many small businesses operate remotely, and an answering service is a useful tool to manage a remote work staff.

Provide free time for your team.

For any employee, dealing with inbound calls throughout the day can be taxing and time-consuming. There is no point in having a great staff when handling the phones take them away from their responsibilities.

Furthermore, a telephone answering service can screen and forward calls, so you don’t have to filter them during peak periods or when you need to do an important work task.

An answering service lets your in-house team focus on doing essential office tasks.

Without picking up the call, you can learn if it’s from an important client or a toner vendor.

When an answering service answers, forwards, and filters calls, it’s easier for your staff to focus on more important tasks to help your small business grow.

Manage your calendar easily.

A lot of telephone answering services can have other responsibilities; one of these responsibilities is being assigned as a switchboard to transfer the call to the appropriate staff members. On top of that, many virtual receptionists are trained on how to use your diary and calendar software so they can manage your appointments for you.

You can have an 800 number or a landline.

As a small business, your resources are limited. When you get an answering service, you can also acquire an 800 or your own landline number – even if you only have a mobile phone. Many customers tend not to trust a business if they don’t have a landline.

This is particularly useful for small businesses that need to give clients free assistance and support.