February 8th - 2003

Phone features can make you more productive

Today's technologically savvy REALTOR probably uses e-mail, a cell phone and maybe even an electronic organizer.

Today's technologically savvy REALTOR probably uses e-mail, a cell phone and maybe even an electronic organizer.

But even with all this technology, many people don’t make the most efficient use of the good old telephone. Here are a few tips to put the features of your telephone to work for your business.

Use voice mail as a marketing tool

Voice-mail systems provide you with options to enhance your business, like advancing a conversation with a prospective customer. Allow the caller not only the option of reaching someone else at your business in your absence, but also the chance to press "1" for home buying tips or "2" for today’s mortgage rates.

Use Ident-a-call to present a more professional image

This feature is especially good if you have a home office. The ident-a-call feature will give you a separate phone number for your single line phone. When customers call your “business” number, you hear a distinctive ring alerting you that it is a business call and you can answer professionally.

Use Caller ID to expand your customer database

Most newer phones have Caller ID capability. With this feature, you can turn unanswered calls into prospective clients. Most Caller ID systems capture phone numbers for the last 50 people who called, even if they didn't leave a message. You can then return these calls as soon as possible instead of hoping they might call back.

Use the three-way calling feature on your phone

Many people pay extra for outside conference-calling services, rather than using the feature they already have on their phone. Check with your phone service provider or read the instructions with your phone to access this feature.

Use your call forwarding feature

Any time management course will tell you to work in blocks of time to be more productive. By using your voice-mail system, you can avoid a ringing phone interrupting your meetings or project work. Even if you don’t plan on answering the phone at that time, the ringing alone is disruptive. Call forwarding your calls to your voice mail cuts down on interruptions and allows you to return calls more efficiently in blocks of time as well.

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For more information contact

Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246

Ontario Real Estate Association
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The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.

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