The auto attendant is becoming increasingly popular among small and medium-sized businesses. A main advantage of the service is that it practically ensures that callers always reach business owners, clients hear about products and services, and that customers are satisfied. With an auto attendant, one number can integrate offices and employees and keep businesses running smoothly. Customers have the choice to transfer to the correct location, receive faxes at their convenience, and speak to a live operator for assistance—and all of this happens around the clock.
An auto attendant provides a directory list to empower callers. Once callers dial the service's toll-free number, they are greeted by a professional recording; within this greeting are menu options that can be customized to suit any business's unique needs. If a business uses cell phones rather than a central PBX, or if it has employees in different locations, communications can be streamlined. A good auto attendant service also includes options such as call transfer, an online fax service, an extension directory, as well as live operator assistance.
Using an auto attendant saves time for business owners because they can record answers to common questions: instead of constantly repeating driving directions, office hours, or seminar dates, they can simply leave an information message and be free for other tasks. The service is image-enhancing as well: businesses sound more prestigious when they advertise multiple products or services and integrate all offices and locations. Customers appreciate how quickly they can reach employees and acquire information, which is why experts predict that the auto attendant will be one of the hottest communication tools of 2007.
Elizabeth Kelsey is a writer who lives in Tallahassee, Florida.
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