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	<title>Blog Archives - Call Answering Services for Business</title>
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		<title>Never Miss a Call: How SMEs Can Recover Lost Revenue and Capture More Leads</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2026/03/30/missed-calls-cost-business-sme-revenue/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=missed-calls-cost-business-sme-revenue</link>
					<comments>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2026/03/30/missed-calls-cost-business-sme-revenue/#comments_reply</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[thethaadmin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:18:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missed Calls]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=6008</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Are Missed Calls Costing Your Business Money? If your business depends on phone calls for leads, bookings, or customer enquiries, every missed call could be costing you money. For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), missed calls are one of&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2026/03/30/missed-calls-cost-business-sme-revenue/">Never Miss a Call: How SMEs Can Recover Lost Revenue and Capture More Leads</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 data-section-id="13nf6zy" data-start="599" data-end="665"><span role="text"><strong data-start="602" data-end="665">Are Missed Calls Costing Your Business Money?</strong></span></h2>
<p data-start="667" data-end="798">If your business depends on phone calls for leads, bookings, or customer enquiries, every missed call could be costing you money.</p>
<p data-start="800" data-end="1042">For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), missed calls are one of the biggest hidden revenue leaks. Studies suggest that SMEs can lose <strong data-start="944" data-end="978">up to 30% of potential revenue</strong> simply because they are unable to answer every incoming call.</p>
<p data-start="1044" data-end="1199">When a customer picks up the phone, they are often ready to act. If your business doesn’t answer, they won’t wait &#8211; they’ll contact a competitor instead.</p>
<h2 data-section-id="1lhhlb7" data-start="1206" data-end="1251"><span role="text"><strong data-start="1209" data-end="1251">The Real Cost of Missed Calls for SMEs</strong></span></h2>
<h3 data-section-id="11167px" data-start="1253" data-end="1285"><span role="text"><strong data-start="1257" data-end="1285">Lost Sales Opportunities</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="1286" data-end="1424">Most callers who don’t get through won’t call back. That means potential customers &#8211; who were ready to buy or book &#8211; are lost instantly.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="dhoqke" data-start="1426" data-end="1458"><span role="text"><strong data-start="1430" data-end="1458">Poor Customer Experience</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="1459" data-end="1598">Customers expect fast, reliable communication. Missing calls can make your business appear unavailable or unprofessional, damaging trust.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="15iw9em" data-start="1600" data-end="1630"><span role="text"><strong data-start="1604" data-end="1630">Wasted Marketing Spend</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="1631" data-end="1782">Every lead generated through Google Ads, social media, or referrals has a cost. If those leads cannot reach you, your marketing investment is wasted.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="1hlith1" data-start="1784" data-end="1810"><span role="text"><strong data-start="1788" data-end="1810">Reduced Efficiency</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="1811" data-end="1931">Returning missed calls later takes time and often results in lower conversion rates compared to answering immediately.</p>
<h2 data-section-id="iqnbma" data-start="1938" data-end="1974"><span role="text"><strong data-start="1941" data-end="1974">Why Do Businesses Miss Calls?</strong></span></h2>
<p data-start="1976" data-end="2059">Even successful businesses struggle to answer every call. Common reasons include:</p>
<ul data-start="2061" data-end="2219">
<li data-section-id="2wlp68" data-start="2061" data-end="2100">High call volumes during peak hours</li>
<li data-section-id="1bcrror" data-start="2101" data-end="2131">Limited staff availability</li>
<li data-section-id="15x8eit" data-start="2132" data-end="2179">Employees multitasking or assisting clients</li>
<li data-section-id="1clq6xn" data-start="2180" data-end="2219">No after-hours call handling system</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="2221" data-end="2330">As your business grows, so does the risk of missed calls &#8211; unless you have systems in place to manage them.</p>
<h2 data-section-id="1p435vz" data-start="2337" data-end="2391"><span role="text"><strong data-start="2340" data-end="2391">How to Reduce Missed Calls and Increase Revenue</strong></span></h2>
<h3 data-section-id="bbmpur" data-start="2393" data-end="2423"><span role="text"><strong data-start="2397" data-end="2423">1. Use Call Forwarding</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="2424" data-end="2510">Redirect calls to another team member or service to ensure they are always answered.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="puxn4m" data-start="2512" data-end="2538"><span role="text"><strong data-start="2516" data-end="2538">2. Train Your Team</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="2539" data-end="2616">Equip staff with the skills to handle calls professionally and efficiently.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="rfxj0u" data-start="2618" data-end="2660"><span role="text"><strong data-start="2622" data-end="2660">3. Implement Call Management Tools</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="2661" data-end="2753">Use CRM systems, call tracking, and voicemail-to-email solutions to capture every enquiry.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="ly5m76" data-start="2755" data-end="2783"><span role="text"><strong data-start="2759" data-end="2783">4. Monitor Call Data</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="2784" data-end="2863">Try to track missed calls to identify trends and improve staffing during peak times.</p>
<h2 data-section-id="7dnqb2" data-start="2870" data-end="2932"><span role="text"><strong data-start="2873" data-end="2932">The Smart Solution: Professional Call Handling Services</strong></span></h2>
<p data-start="2934" data-end="3065">One of the most effective ways to eliminate missed calls is to use a professional call answering service like <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong data-start="3044" data-end="3062">Thetha Connect</strong></a>.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="731rs4" data-start="3067" data-end="3092"><span role="text"><strong data-start="3071" data-end="3092">Benefits Include:</strong></span></h3>
<ul data-start="3094" data-end="3368">
<li data-section-id="59t1ow" data-start="3094" data-end="3156"><strong data-start="3096" data-end="3117">Never miss a call</strong> &#8211; Every enquiry is answered promptly</li>
<li data-section-id="35wpab" data-start="3157" data-end="3226"><strong data-start="3159" data-end="3186">Accurate message taking</strong> &#8211; All details are recorded and shared</li>
<li data-section-id="boto2g" data-start="3227" data-end="3303"><strong data-start="3229" data-end="3265">Professional customer experience</strong> &#8211; Every caller is treated with care</li>
<li data-section-id="1qgnf0b" data-start="3304" data-end="3368"><strong data-start="3306" data-end="3333">More time for your team</strong> &#8211; Focus on growing your business</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="3370" data-end="3485">With the right support, your business can improve response times, increase conversions, and recover lost revenue.</p>
<h2 data-section-id="1wynpvy" data-start="3492" data-end="3543"><span role="text"><strong data-start="3495" data-end="3543">Final Thoughts: Every Call Is an Opportunity</strong></span></h2>
<p data-start="3545" data-end="3657">Missed calls don’t just cost you one sale &#8211; they can impact your reputation, efficiency, and long-term growth.</p>
<p data-start="3659" data-end="3780">By improving your call handling strategy or outsourcing to professionals, you can ensure every opportunity is captured.</p>
<p data-start="3810" data-end="3862">Don’t let missed calls cost your business revenue.</p>
<p data-start="3864" data-end="3944"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4de.png" alt="📞" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Contact<strong data-start="3867" data-end="3942"> Thetha Connect </strong>today and make sure every client enquiry counts.</p>
<p data-start="3946" data-end="4065"><strong data-start="3946" data-end="3958">Website:</strong> <a class="decorated-link" href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3959" data-end="3990">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za</a><br data-start="3990" data-end="3993" /><strong data-start="3993" data-end="4003">Email:</strong> <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="4004" data-end="4028">info@thethaconnect.co.za</a><br data-start="4028" data-end="4031" /><strong data-start="4031" data-end="4041">Phone:</strong> <a href="tel:+27871350138">087 135 0138</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2026/03/30/missed-calls-cost-business-sme-revenue/">Never Miss a Call: How SMEs Can Recover Lost Revenue and Capture More Leads</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Igniting Progress: Thetha Connect&#8217;s Transformative Impact on South African Entrepreneurs</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2023/08/14/igniting-progress-thetha-connects-transformative-impact-on-south-african-entrepreneurs/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=igniting-progress-thetha-connects-transformative-impact-on-south-african-entrepreneurs</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[thethaadmin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:42:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missed Calls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SME]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=4315</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In a rapidly evolving business landscape, South African entrepreneurs are faced with the challenge of juggling multiple tasks to ensure the growth and success of their ventures. Amidst this bustling environment, Thetha Connect emerges as a beacon of support, providing&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2023/08/14/igniting-progress-thetha-connects-transformative-impact-on-south-african-entrepreneurs/">Igniting Progress: Thetha Connect&#8217;s Transformative Impact on South African Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a rapidly evolving business landscape, South African entrepreneurs are faced with the challenge of juggling multiple tasks to ensure the growth and success of their ventures. Amidst this bustling environment, Thetha Connect emerges as a beacon of support, providing a specialized call answering service that not only fuels business growth but also fosters a sense of independence for small businesses across the nation.</p>
<h2>The Power of Call Answering Prowess</h2>
<p>At Thetha Connect, we understand that every moment counts in the life of an entrepreneur. Your time is a precious resource that should be directed towards core tasks that drive your business forward. Our call answering prowess enables you to do just that – focus on what truly matters. No longer do you have to be constantly tethered to your phone, anxiously awaiting calls. We handle the communication flow with professionalism and accuracy, ensuring that every message is conveyed seamlessly. This not only frees up your time but also enhances your brand&#8217;s image, leaving a lasting impression on your clients.</p>
<h2>Fostering Growth, Fostering Independence</h2>
<p>In the quest for growth, many entrepreneurs reach a pivotal juncture – the need for additional personnel. The idea of hiring in-house receptionists often arises, promising improved communication but also potentially leading to job displacement concerns. Thetha Connect approaches this challenge with a unique perspective. As #SAEntrepreneurs thrive and their ventures flourish, the possibility of hiring in-house becomes feasible. This transition is not about displacing jobs; rather, it&#8217;s about embracing growth and nurturing independence.</p>
<h2>Witnessing the Transformative Impact</h2>
<p>The journey of South African entrepreneurs is marked by resilience, innovation, and determination. Thetha Connect stands as a testament to this spirit, igniting progress and propelling businesses towards success. Our commitment to professionalism and accuracy in messaging has helped countless entrepreneurs streamline their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and unlock new avenues for growth.</p>
<h2>Embracing the Future with Thetha Connect</h2>
<p>As South African small businesses continue to thrive, the role of specialized support services like Thetha Connect becomes increasingly significant. We empower entrepreneurs to chase their dreams, unburdened by the weight of constant communication. Our call answering service not only fuels business growth but also serves as a catalyst for positive change, nurturing independence and embracing progress. Join the ranks of #SASmallBusiness that have witnessed the transformative impact of Thetha Connect and experience the freedom to ignite your own journey of success.</p>
<p>When it comes to business communication, there&#8217;s no room for compromise. Choose Thetha Connect and embrace a future fueled by growth, independence, and progress. <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact us</a> today to embark on your transformative journey.</p>
<p>Curious about our reputation? Investigate our <a href="https://goo.gl/xrL5X8">Google reviews</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2023/08/14/igniting-progress-thetha-connects-transformative-impact-on-south-african-entrepreneurs/">Igniting Progress: Thetha Connect&#8217;s Transformative Impact on South African Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>5 Useful Services You May Not Know You Can Access Online</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/05/11/5-useful-services-you-may-not-know-you-can-access-online/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=5-useful-services-you-may-not-know-you-can-access-online</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jolandie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2022 16:58:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Services]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=3426</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We live in a world where everything is on demand and at our fingertips, allowing you to accomplish a lot more online than you previously could five or 10 years ago. From purchasing groceries to securing plumbing and electrical services&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/05/11/5-useful-services-you-may-not-know-you-can-access-online/">5 Useful Services You May Not Know You Can Access Online</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We live in a world where everything is on demand and at our fingertips, allowing you to accomplish a lot more online than you previously could five or 10 years ago.</p>
<p>From purchasing groceries to securing plumbing and electrical services or ordering flowers to be delivered, there are many solutions available online to make your life easier and provide you with instant access to the things you need.</p>
<p>Technology-enabled innovation has led to the disruption of industries and services that were previously only available offline or in person.</p>
<p>The number of services you can secure online is constantly expanding to include things that were unheard of in the past. With that in mind, here is a list of five services you may not have known you could access online.</p>
<h2><strong>Book your parking spot </strong></h2>
<p>Finding a parking spot in certain busy areas can be a real mission, and it often feels like a waste of time, discouraging you from going there in the first place.</p>
<p>Thanks to a number of useful online services, including <a href="https://www.admyt.com/">Admyt</a> and <a href="https://parkupp.co.za/">Parkupp</a>, you can now book your parking online and pay for access to parking areas in advance to enjoy hassle-free access to shopping malls, airports, train stations and other parking structures in popular areas.</p>
<h2><strong>Renew your car license disc</strong></h2>
<p>If you own a car, you can renew your motor vehicle license disc online. FNB customers can do so from their <a href="https://www.fnb.co.za/business-banking/banking-channels/app-for-smartphone.html">mobile banking app</a>, while supermarket chain <a href="https://www.pnp.co.za/money/value-added-services/licence-renewal">Pick n Pay</a> and the <a href="https://www.sapomvl.co.za/">Post Office</a> have now launched services to do the same.</p>
<p>You simply provide some details related to your personal identity and your vehicle, before processing a secure payment online. Your license disc will then be sent to you via courier within a few days at a fee.</p>
<h2><strong>Secure professional call answering services</strong></h2>
<p>If you run a business and require someone to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>answer your business calls</strong></a> professionally, using the services of a virtual or remote receptionist and porting your number to a VoIP solution is the smart way to outsource your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>call answering</strong></a> requirements online.</p>
<p>With <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a>, a <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> will answer and transfer all of your simultaneously incoming calls via a VoIP extension. This will allow you to reap the <strong>cost, security, quality and efficiency benefits</strong> of VoIP telephony while ensuring that your calls are screened and answered professionally.</p>
<p>Be sure not to miss any important calls while avoiding spam and other sales calls that will be filtered out by trained <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionists</strong></a> regardless of call volumes. By outsourcing your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>call answering</strong></a> requirements online to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a>, you can focus on running your business while your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>remote receptionist</strong></a> takes messages, transfers important calls as required and organises your incoming communication efficiently through proven <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>VoIP solutions</strong></a>.</p>
<h2><strong>Gain new skills from top international universities for free</strong></h2>
<p>Online learning is nothing new, with many learning institutions in South Africa and abroad offering courses online. However, you may not have known that you can access more than 2000 free online courses from 140 leading institutions worldwide through <a href="https://www.edx.org/">edX</a>, an online portal founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012, which aims to increase availability to higher education across the world.</p>
<p>By registering and completing free courses, you can gain new skills and earn a certificate of completion for your efforts.</p>
<h2><strong>Find someone to clean your home</strong></h2>
<p>Imagine going online to find a trustworthy cleaner to keep your home or office clean. This is now possible thanks to businesses which have been set up to address this need.</p>
<p>South African online cleaning platform <a href="https://sweepsouth.com/">SweepSouth</a> is an example of this, using technology to connect users with domestic cleaners through an easy-to-use online system. SweepSouth has been so successful that it has expanded its service offering to include gardening while launching services in other African countries including Kenya and Nigeria.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/05/11/5-useful-services-you-may-not-know-you-can-access-online/">5 Useful Services You May Not Know You Can Access Online</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Improve Your Customer Experience With Virtual Receptionist Services</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/04/14/improve-your-customer-experience-with-virtual-receptionist-services/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=improve-your-customer-experience-with-virtual-receptionist-services</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jolandie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2022 10:33:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=3368</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>To succeed in any business vertical, you need to keep your customers happy and satisfy their requirements with exceptional customer service. You must focus on delivering and maintaining an excellent customer experience to satisfy customers with your service and make&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/04/14/improve-your-customer-experience-with-virtual-receptionist-services/">Improve Your Customer Experience With Virtual Receptionist Services</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To succeed in any business vertical, you need to keep your customers happy and satisfy their requirements with exceptional customer service.</p>
<p>You must focus on delivering and maintaining an excellent customer experience to satisfy customers with your service and make them eager to return in future.</p>
<p>To learn how you can do this, regardless of your business or industry, it is necessary to understand what customer experience is.</p>
<h2><strong>What is customer experience?</strong></h2>
<p>Simply put, customer experience is how a customer perceives your business through all the interactions they have with your brand or business.</p>
<p>Customer experience therefore involves all interactions with your business along the customer journey and everything your customer experiences related to your business &#8211; before, during and after purchasing your product or service.</p>
<p>With this definition in mind, <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>telephone calls</strong></a> to your business have become a fundamental part of the overall customer experience you deliver when customers communicate and interact with your business.</p>
<p>This is because telephone calls provide customers with a personal interaction and conversation with an actual person in real-time on the line, offering the customer an interpersonal connection that is not as easily established through an email, message or pre-recorded response.</p>
<p>Customer experience is all the more important in the digital age, where expectations have risen and positive or negative impressions regarding interactions with your brand can easily be shared online through social media.</p>
<h2><strong>Improving customer experience with virtual receptionist services</strong></h2>
<p>Customer experience basically boils down to how a customer feels after they have engaged with your organisation. So, ensuring that all incoming calls to your business are answered professionally by a friendly and experienced <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> allows your company to deliver an enhanced customer experience.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> can offer customer support, answer queries in real-time, take messages when necessary and handle complaints with patience and professionalism, providing a reliable and  valuable <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>call answering</strong></a> service for your business.</p>
<p>If you require someone to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>answer your business calls</strong></a> professionally, using the services of a virtual or remote receptionist is a cost-effective and savvy way to outsource your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>call answering</strong></a> requirements online while delivering an enhanced customer experience.</p>
<p>An increasing number of businesses are using virtual contact centres or virtual receptionist solutions to enhance their customer experience. Offering a comprehensive <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>virtual call answering</strong></a> solution that is dedicated to engaging seamlessly with those calling in makes your services or products more readily accessible to customers.</p>
<p>Through <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a>, you have access to a <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> who is working remotely and always available to answer your incoming calls professionally, while adhering to any specific instructions you provide. This will reflect positively on your brand as the <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>receptionist</strong></a> assists your business to deliver on its customer experience goals.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/04/14/improve-your-customer-experience-with-virtual-receptionist-services/">Improve Your Customer Experience With Virtual Receptionist Services</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Filter Out Spam Calls To Rid Your Business Of This Time-Wasting Menace</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/01/19/filter-out-spam-calls/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=filter-out-spam-calls</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jolandie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2022 11:09:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=3297</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We all know how annoying and time-wasting unwanted sales calls and robocalls can be, and in the business world, where time is so valuable, these calls are a particularly damaging nuisance. Most call answering services offer packages with a number&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/01/19/filter-out-spam-calls/">Filter Out Spam Calls To Rid Your Business Of This Time-Wasting Menace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We all know how annoying and time-wasting unwanted sales calls and robocalls can be, and in the business world, where time is so valuable, these calls are a particularly damaging nuisance.</p>
<p>Most <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>call answering</strong></a> services offer packages with a number of options, allowing you to choose the features that are most beneficial for your business. One of the major features your service provider should offer when <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>answering calls</strong></a> for your business is the ability to filter out spam calls.</p>
<p>By actively filtering unwanted calls and stopping most <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>spam calls</strong></a> from reaching your receptionist, you save valuable time and trust that your incoming calls are all relevant.</p>
<p>The way in which <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>unwanted calls</strong></a> are filtered may differ from service provider to service provider.</p>
<h2><strong>How are spam calls filtered?</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a>, for example, can screen out scammers and unexpected sales calls by following their tried and tested anti-spam methodology.</p>
<p>Firstly, they <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>filter out spam</strong></a> calls by blocking incoming numbers that are known to be serial offenders. When a call is attempted by such a number, it is immediately blocked, while other calls that get through and prove to be spam or unwanted sales calls, are added to the blocked list to eliminate future spam.</p>
<p>The calls that get through are screened, as the trained receptionists ask detailed questions, using their experience and training to provide a barrier for <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>spam calls</strong></a> while stopping those attempting to sell unsolicited products or services in their tracks.</p>
<p>Finally, the <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>receptionists</strong></a> follow additional, custom procedures and carry out specific <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>call answering</strong></a> instructions given to them by the client. This provides an extra layer of filtering for calls that may not be applicable to the business in question.</p>
<h2><strong>Technologies aimed at tackling spam calls</strong></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Spam calls</strong></a> have long been a problem for both businesses and individuals, with technology at the centre of efforts to try and solve this issue.</p>
<p>An increasing number of software programs, physical devices and mobile apps have emerged to try and tackle <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>unwanted calls</strong></a> from spammers.</p>
<p>From software developed by multiple firms for use on mobile phones to hardware provided by businesses like TrueCall that target landline spam, companies have worked to build tech-enabled solutions dedicated to reducing or eliminating phone calls from known spammers.</p>
<p>From a mobile perspective, applications such as Truecaller and CallApp aim to identify and block <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>spam calls</strong></a> while noting the caller ID of private numbers. Other similar call-blocking apps available for both Android and Apple smartphones include Showcaller, Whoscall and CallerSmart.</p>
<h2><strong>Policy efforts to stop spam calls</strong></h2>
<p>In addition to the technologies assisting with this problem, legislation, industry bodies and associations have been established to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>combat spam calls</strong></a>.</p>
<p>The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides consumers with the right to opt out of direct marketing. When telemarketing companies or other unsolicited advertisers contact a person, the individual being called needs to ask the caller to stop calling or request to be removed from their database. The caller and their company are required to no longer call that person for direct marketing purposes.</p>
<p>Individuals can also opt out of direct marketing through the Direct Marketing Association of South Africa (DMASA) through either a Do Not Contact (DNC) service or the <a href="https://www.dmasa.org/page/register-opt-out-service">National Opt Out Register</a>.</p>
<p>Marketing agents affiliated with DMASA are not allowed to contact such users without permission. Unfortunately, this does not stop <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>spam calls</strong></a> or scammers from companies which are not members of the DMASA, but it can help to reduce calls from DMASA-affiliated firms.</p>
<p>A recent legislative development in South Africa that relates to this subject is <a href="https://popia.co.za/">POPIA</a>, or the Protection of Personal Information Act.</p>
<p>The act, with which all companies needed to comply by 1 July 2021, aims to protect consumers from direct marketing. The POPIA provisions make it clear that unsolicited electronic communication as a form of direct marketing is prohibited unless consent has been obtained from the consumer. This includes communication with consumers via automatic calling machines or <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>robocalls</strong></a>.</p>
<p>However, according to law firm Andersen Global, cold calling (an unsolicited phone call in an attempt to sell goods or services) is considered a personal form of communication which is not prohibited by the provisions of POPIA.</p>
<p>Outsource your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>call answering</strong></a> requirements to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a> to ensure that spam calls are filtered out professionally and only relevant calls reach your business.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2022/01/19/filter-out-spam-calls/">Filter Out Spam Calls To Rid Your Business Of This Time-Wasting Menace</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>How Your Business Can Benefit From Using a “Virtual Receptionist Extension”</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/12/08/how-your-business-can-benefit-from-using-a-virtual-receptionist-extension/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-your-business-can-benefit-from-using-a-virtual-receptionist-extension</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jolandie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2021 10:17:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=3272</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When making decisions about how your business calls should be answered, it may make sense for your company to use a “virtual receptionist extension” rather than employing a receptionist on-site. A virtual receptionist extension is when you provide a service&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/12/08/how-your-business-can-benefit-from-using-a-virtual-receptionist-extension/">How Your Business Can Benefit From Using a “Virtual Receptionist Extension”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When making decisions about how your business calls should be <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>answered</strong></a>, it may make sense for your company to use a “<a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>virtual receptionist extension</strong></a>” rather than employing a receptionist on-site.</p>
<p>A <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> extension is when you provide a service provider with one of your VoIP extensions (for example, extension 100) to answer and transfer all of your incoming calls.</p>
<p>Giving a service provider access to one of your VoIP extensions can be done instead of employing a receptionist on-site to ensure a reliable <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/">incoming call telephone service</a> is in place, whether your business is a small enterprise with minimal call volumes or a large company that requires many calls to be answered simultaneously.</p>
<h2><strong>How does a Virtual Receptionist Extension work?</strong></h2>
<p>Essentially, entrusting your incoming VoIP calls to a <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> means that your telephone service provider will provide the virtual receptionist service with an additional extension of yours that will form an integral part of your VoIP service, which will also be monitored for faults and uptime.</p>
<p>Through the new extension on your existing VoIP telephone system, your incoming calls will be answered cost-effectively and professionally by a trained <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a>.</p>
<p>From the customer-facing perspective, the experience will not change and all your calls will be handled with care by friendly and capable receptionists representing your business with proficiency.</p>
<h2><strong>How do you benefit from using a Virtual Receptionist Extension?</strong></h2>
<p>The use of a <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>virtual receptionist extension</strong></a> will benefit your company in terms of cost, security, quality and efficiency.</p>
<p>Cost saving is a major advantage of outsourcing to a <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> rather than employing a full-time or part-time receptionist as part of your on-site business staff. When using a virtual receptionist extension, you will not be charged for any VoIP internal call transfers and you will not be billed for any call durations as these are considered <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>on-net calls</strong></a>, which are calls that are made between users of the same telephone network, thus incurring little or no extra charges.</p>
<p>Your provider should be using an advanced firewall to make calls more secure, while a provider like <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a> will ensure that your phone line is continuously monitored for reliability and to detect <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/10/27/the-importance-of-testing-your-voip-lines/"><strong>call quality</strong></a> issues. Using a trained <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> also makes it possible to have multiple <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>calls answered</strong></a> simultaneously thanks to advanced call routing, allowing you to deal with larger call volumes seamlessly.</p>
<p>Virtual receptionists are trained to filter and handle each caller individually and efficiently, giving you control over which calls are considered important and worth your personal attention. Other <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>incoming calls</strong></a> will also be addressed professionally without requiring your direct involvement, resulting in feedback to you or your team through a detailed message for each call.</p>
<p>Outsource your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>virtual receptionist</strong></a> requirements to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a> to have the peace of mind of knowing that your call answering needs will be handled professionally, allowing you to focus on other aspects of running your business.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/12/08/how-your-business-can-benefit-from-using-a-virtual-receptionist-extension/">How Your Business Can Benefit From Using a “Virtual Receptionist Extension”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Importance Of Testing Your VoIP Lines</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/10/27/the-importance-of-testing-your-voip-lines/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-importance-of-testing-your-voip-lines</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jolandie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:17:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=3241</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make voice calls using an internet connection instead of a normal analog copper Telkom line, but despite the use of modern technology, VoIP lines still need to be tested regularly to ensure&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/10/27/the-importance-of-testing-your-voip-lines/">The Importance Of Testing Your VoIP Lines</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Voice over Internet Protocol (<a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>VoIP</strong></a>) allows you to make voice calls using an internet connection instead of a normal analog copper Telkom line, but despite the use of modern technology, VoIP lines still need to be tested regularly to ensure consistent connection and quality.</p>
<p>A faulty or sluggish <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>VoIP line</strong></a> will compromise call quality and ultimately impact the communication between your business and your customers. The fact that the connection is lost will only become apparent when a caller complains that they are unable to get through on the line.</p>
<p>The knock-on effect is that your business will not deliver on its customer service goals and you will lose clients who are unwilling to spend time waiting in a queue to be <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>answered</strong></a> or struggling to hear you properly on the line.</p>
<p>Imagine the frustration your customers could experience trying to concentrate on a conversation with speech break-up. This will certainly have a negative effect on first-time caller impressions and could lead to the loss of new business leads.</p>
<p>This is why you need to appreciate the importance of <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>testing your VoIP lines</strong></a> and plan for testing on a regular basis to respond efficiently to such issues, as should have been done in the past with Telkom copper lines. A daily scheduled test will ensure that issues are picked up as soon as they arise.</p>
<h2><strong>Why do VoIP lines need to be tested often?</strong></h2>
<p>Simply put, <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>VoIP lines</strong></a> need to be tested often because they can and will fail due to elements such as switches, routers, servers and cabling, which are all necessary but also points of failure, which can negatively affect call quality compared to analog lines.</p>
<p>You need to respond to such failures with urgency to mitigate reputational damage and loss of current and potential business as a result of VoIP line issues.</p>
<p>Your business must always be available for your customer calls and be ready to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>answer new business calls</strong></a>. This will allow you to protect your business reputation, make customer support readily accessible, convert new callers into clients and keep your customer base happy.</p>
<h2><strong>What can go wrong with VoIP lines?</strong></h2>
<p>VoIP might be a modern technology, but <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>VoIP lines</strong></a> have many more points of failure compared to historical analog lines. Some of the common points of failure include the ISP, VoIP provider, firewall and routing changes, and equipment failure, making phone calls susceptible to noise interference and service interruptions.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>VoIP phones</strong></a> do not automatically show that connections are lost. For this reason, your service provider should be monitoring and alerting you of trunk connection failures, such as choppy audio, echo concerns, network latency issues, bandwidth-related problems or jitter.</p>
<p>Your provider may not be testing and alerting you when such issues surface. Therefore, it is important to regularly test your VoIP lines to catch failures efficiently and address them as soon as they occur.</p>
<h2><strong>How to test your VoIP lines</strong></h2>
<p>Testing your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>VoIP lines</strong></a> involves looking into elements such as the call quality and connection speed while determining whether your network traffic is experiencing issues.</p>
<p>Ask your service provider to do a ping test using a diagnostic tool to determine where a performance issue is occurring within the network or phone system. There are also free online tools available to help you run a VoIP test. Such tools will check your download and upload speeds while analysing elements like latency, bandwidth, packet loss and jitter.</p>
<p>This test will allow you to identify issues effectively and give you a clear path to improving the performance of your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>VoIP line</strong></a>.</p>
<p>Discuss the VoIP test results with your ISP or VoIP provider to receive guidance on whether you need to upgrade your internet connection, have a technician address an equipment failure problem or change settings to prioritise the <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>VoIP</strong></a> connection over other connections that are using your internet bandwidth.</p>
<p>VoIP technology is very customisable according to your needs, which is a major advantage, but remember to test your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>VoIP lines</strong></a> frequently to ensure your network&#8217;s readiness for high quality VoIP calling.</p>
<p>By outsourcing your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/">receptionist</a> or <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>call answering</strong></a> requirements to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a>, you can rest assured that we will consistently monitor for connection and other VoIP problems and alert you the moment we detect an issue.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/10/27/the-importance-of-testing-your-voip-lines/">The Importance Of Testing Your VoIP Lines</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Healthcare Receptionist Best Practices – Delivering A Professional and Personalised Experience</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/09/13/healthcare-receptionist-best-practices-delivering-a-professional-and-personalised-experience/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=healthcare-receptionist-best-practices-delivering-a-professional-and-personalised-experience</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jolandie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2021 08:36:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=3208</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Healthcare Receptionist Best Practices – Delivering A Professional and Personalised Experience At Thetha Connect, we understand that nothing is more valuable than a person’s health and the health of the people they love. That is why all businesses operating within&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/09/13/healthcare-receptionist-best-practices-delivering-a-professional-and-personalised-experience/">Healthcare Receptionist Best Practices – Delivering A Professional and Personalised Experience</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><strong>Healthcare Receptionist Best Practices – Delivering A Professional and Personalised Experience</strong></h1>
<p>At <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a>, we understand that nothing is more valuable than a person’s health and the health of the people they love. That is why all businesses operating within the medical industry should give sufficient focus to how they communicate with the people they serve.</p>
<p>If your business is in the healthcare sector, and you communicate with people via a <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>medical call answering</strong></a> service, you need a <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>healthcare receptionist</strong></a> who is well versed in the best practices regarding this important duty.</p>
<p>Here are a few <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>healthcare receptionist best practices</strong></a> that our virtual <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>healthcare receptionists</strong></a> at <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a> incorporate when communicating with people on behalf of our clients.</p>
<h2><strong>Healthcare Receptionists Should Offer A Personal Touch</strong></h2>
<p>Over and above excellent communication and customer service skills, healthcare receptionists should be trained to offer a personal touch within all conversations. By greeting individuals politely using the company name, people phoning in to the <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>medical call answering</strong></a> service will feel acknowledged and appreciated.</p>
<p>Rather than a pre-recorded interactive voice response (IVR) message, your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>healthcare receptionist</strong></a> should aim to connect with the caller on a personal level as a compassionate fellow human being, expressing the care and concern unwell patients and their families will appreciate.</p>
<h2><strong>Medical Receptionists Must Have Compassion</strong></h2>
<p>Compassion and understanding are core elements of any <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>medical call answering</strong></a> solution where people facing health problems are communicating with your practice or business. Compassion must not be sacrificed for the sake of efficiency, and should be prioritised on each call to represent your business in a positive and caring manner.</p>
<p>Our dedicated <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>medical receptionists</strong></a> build connections with your patients, and they understand the value of providing the person calling, whether sick, elderly or concerned, with genuine empathy and understanding at a difficult moment. This is not a skill or technique, but a genuine attitude that is inherent in our <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>healthcare receptionists</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<h2><strong>Confidentiality Key To Building Trust</strong></h2>
<p>Confidentiality is crucial when dealing with the medical records and private information of individuals. At <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a>, our <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>medical call answering service</strong></a> provides secure call recordings of diagnoses, prescriptions, and conversations, with access to recordings restricted to the patient and their trusted medical professional.</p>
<p>Patient and doctor confidentiality should always be prioritised to build trust, with every single <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>medical receptionist</strong></a> trained to respect and maintain the privacy of patients.</p>
<p>By outsourcing your <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>healthcare receptionist</strong></a> requirements to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/"><strong>Thetha Connect</strong></a>, you can rest assured that your patients or clients will experience a highly-personalised <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>medical call answering service</strong></a> adhering to <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/call-answering/"><strong>healthcare receptionist best practices</strong></a> and delivered with professionalism, confidentiality, efficiency and genuine compassion.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/09/13/healthcare-receptionist-best-practices-delivering-a-professional-and-personalised-experience/">Healthcare Receptionist Best Practices – Delivering A Professional and Personalised Experience</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>How A Live Person Answering Your Phones Benefits Your Business</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/05/17/how-a-live-person-answering-your-phones-benefits-your-business/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-a-live-person-answering-your-phones-benefits-your-business</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jolandie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2021 12:21:14 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=3166</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>How A Live Person Answering Your Phones Benefits Your Business Making the decision to hire a professional answering service can be a difficult one. But the truth is, relying on an answering machine to answer your calls when you are&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/05/17/how-a-live-person-answering-your-phones-benefits-your-business/">How A Live Person Answering Your Phones Benefits Your Business</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>How A Live Person Answering Your Phones Benefits Your Business</h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Making the decision to hire a professional answering service can be a difficult one. But the truth is, relying on an answering machine to answer your calls when you are not there is </span><a href="https://www.highlevelmarketing.com/blog/Why-Not-Answering-Your-Phone-is-Killing-Your-Business_AE417.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">hurting your business</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Don’t believe it? Statistics from Forbes magazine show that </span><a href="https://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/CRM-Insights/Insight/Business-Voicemail-Goes-Unanswered-100080.aspx"><span style="font-weight: 400;">80% of callers</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> who are sent to voicemail or an answering machine choose not to leave a message because they think that it will be ignored. Additionally, 30% of voicemails don’t get listened to for at least three days, and 20% of people that have voicemail never listen to their messages, according to </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/fashion/02voicemail.html?_r=3&amp;partner=rss&amp;emc=rss&amp;pagewanted=all&amp;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The New York Times</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The bottom line, if you want to establish trust with your customers and get people to believe that your business is organised and in control, you need a live person answering the phone. In-person phone calls are the number one method customers turn to when they need to reach you fast. Prospects also rely on a live person answering the phone to make first contact. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Relying on auto-attendants or IVR (Interactive Voice Response) to answer calls is not ideal and introduces a whole host of problems.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, when people call medical offices, they want to talk to a live person, not an auto-attendant as the below suggests. </span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">People prefer to speak to a live person who can assist them quickly based on their medical needs.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A large number of people who phone often hang up on an auto-attendant or IVR.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are usually too many options to choose from.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Older people are not comfortable with pressing keys on cell phones.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Auto-attendants or IVR&#8217;s are not updated regularly which can cause frustration and confusion as the caller is chased around.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When a person is not feeling well it’s nice to have a live person answer their call and add a personal touch.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>How a live person answering your phones benefits your business</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People like talking to other people. But if your business lacks the workforce to handle all incoming calls, what can you do? Hire a professional answering service with live receptionists. Businesses that use these services benefit in a multitude of ways as the below explains.</span></p>
<p><b>Quick responses</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When times are busy, voicemail messages can easily go unchecked for days. This can cause your response time to be significantly delayed and you may end up having a bunch of very unimpressed customers whose trust you will have a hard time rebuilding.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In contrast, when you have the help of a live person who is always available to answer calls, they can respond quickly and send you email messages that you can view and tend to whenever you have the time.</span></p>
<p><b>A sympathetic ear</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A customer who might be struggling with a personal problem is less likely to talk to an answering machine or an auto-attendant about whatever it is they may be going through as opposed to a friendly human being. A cold and unfeeling machine is not what callers need in times of trouble. Connecting with a live person who can offer solutions, sympathy and possibly even provide comfort on the other hand is helpful and creates a much better impression of your business.</span></p>
<p><b>Direct answers</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When customers call, they usually expect a quick solution to their problems. If they reach an auto-attendant, the experience can be frustrating, especially when the menu directs them in circles. When you hire the services of a live person, they can help customers quickly and easily with basic requests while at the same time, help to lighten your workload by answering frequently asked questions. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A live person is also extremely helpful for callers who try to contact you in an emergency situation. They can give callers basic instructions and reassure them at the same time. </span></p>
<p><b>Conclusion</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you consider all the above, it’s easy to see how a live person telephone answering service is a great investment and perhaps one of the best you can make to keep customers happy and easily win over new ones.</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/05/17/how-a-live-person-answering-your-phones-benefits-your-business/">How A Live Person Answering Your Phones Benefits Your Business</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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		<title>Is Outsourcing Virtual Reception A Solution for SA Businesses Who Struggle With Load Shedding?</title>
		<link>https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/05/11/is-outsourcing-virtual-reception-a-solution-for-sa-businesses-who-struggle-with-load-shedding/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=is-outsourcing-virtual-reception-a-solution-for-sa-businesses-who-struggle-with-load-shedding</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[jolandie]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 May 2021 13:54:32 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/?p=3153</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Is Outsourcing Virtual Reception A Solution for SA Businesses Who Struggle With Load Shedding? 2021 wasn’t off to a good start for South African businesses as they tried to recover from lockdown restrictions which hit them hard, back in 2020.&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/05/11/is-outsourcing-virtual-reception-a-solution-for-sa-businesses-who-struggle-with-load-shedding/">Is Outsourcing Virtual Reception A Solution for SA Businesses Who Struggle With Load Shedding?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is Outsourcing Virtual Reception A Solution for SA Businesses Who Struggle With Load Shedding?</span></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2021 wasn’t off to a good start for South African businesses as they tried to recover from lockdown restrictions which hit them hard, back in 2020. The pandemic posed a severe risk to the economy, which even forced some businesses to close down. And things haven’t gotten much easier for them as there is a new threat that South African businesses have to worry about and it’s far more immediate. Load shedding.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earlier in March, it was announced by Andre de Ruyter, the CEO of Eskom, that </span><a href="https://www.enca.com/news/sa-experience-load-shedding-next-5-years"><span style="font-weight: 400;">load shedding is expected to remain in effect for the next five years</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This announcement left local businesses with a number of unanswered questions, including how they would be expected to manage their day to day operations under the constant threat of power outages.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To answer this question, we took a look at how outsourcing a virtual receptionist may be a potential solution to this problem.</span></p>
<p><b>Why outsourcing a virtual receptionist could potentially work for your business</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you choose to outsource a virtual receptionist for your small business, you no longer need to worry about load shedding and power outages. Professional call answering businesses usually spend money to install the large generators needed for them to function seamlessly even during times of load shedding. And their backup systems ensure that they are always online and available and ready to answer your calls when needed. So you can rest assured that they won’t miss a call.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aside from power outage issues, outsourcing a virtual receptionist as a potential solution for your business makes sense on so many other levels too.</span></p>
<ol>
<li><b> Cost-effectiveness</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s common knowledge that hiring in-house employees in South Africa can become expensive and quickly! With in-house receptionist’s average salaries being around </span><a href="https://za.talent.com/salary?job=receptionist"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R13,848 per month</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. On top of that, businesses are required to budget for annual and sick leave, training fees, the renting of office space and supplying equipment like laptops, desks, telephones to name a few. In-house employees are also owed compensation should they be retrenched as stated in the </span><a href="https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/a75-97.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Basic Conditions of Employment Act </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">of South Africa.</span></p>
<ol start="2">
<li><b> Access to highly-trained virtual receptionists</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Delivering good customer service consistently takes skill and requires a person who possesses a positive attitude and genuine empathy for clients. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">When businesses outsource, they gain access to a number of skilled virtual receptionists whose job is to focus solely on business client calls in a professional manner. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trained professionals become even more necessary for businesses that sell highly technical products.</span></p>
<ol start="3">
<li><b> Fewer labour issues</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The labour laws in South Africa are complex and rigid, and rely on a very specific set of criteria designed to protect the employee first. They also state that all employees are entitled to certain social benefits such as compulsory sick leave, family responsibility leave and maternity leave. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you choose to outsource, however, all the above management of a virtual receptionist becomes the responsibility of the professional call answering service. And they then take on the task of ensuring that all the rules and regulations are adhered to.</span></p>
<ol start="4">
<li><b> Multilingual teams</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">South Africans speak many different languages, with the official number currently sitting at eleven. So having access to a multilingual virtual receptionist team is highly advantageous for businesses whose goal is to make callers feel at home and as comfortable as possible when dealing with them. It’s also useful for businesses looking to expand internationally.</span></p>
<ol start="5">
<li><b> Flexibility</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Small businesses tend to run on a tight budget, so having the option of flexibility is essential. By making use of a virtual receptionist, businesses can easily increase or reduce the amount of service they require at any given time. </span></p>
<ol start="6">
<li><b> Scalability</b></li>
</ol>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the greatest advantages of outsourcing is that it can be done on an “as-needed” basis. For example, during busy peak times, businesses can request more than one virtual receptionist to handle a sudden increase in calls. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When times are busy, outsourcing provides businesses with the ability to scale up with already-trained professional virtual receptionists that can handle increased call volumes with efficiency.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conversely, scaling down to a smaller group of virtual receptionists is just as easy when the need for more support is temporary. Virtual receptionists can still provide support on a smaller scale.</span></p>
<p><b>Conclusion</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Could outsourcing virtual receptionists prove a viable answer for SA businesses affected by load shedding? Maybe. Especially considering the current state of electricity in South Africa or lack thereof. It may make better financial sense to hire an outsourced team to assist in the long run.</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za/2021/05/11/is-outsourcing-virtual-reception-a-solution-for-sa-businesses-who-struggle-with-load-shedding/">Is Outsourcing Virtual Reception A Solution for SA Businesses Who Struggle With Load Shedding?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.thethaconnect.co.za">Call Answering Services for Business</a>.</p>
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