If you’re a business owner, you don’t need us to remind you of how few hours there actually are in a day. It seems like you spend your entire day putting out fires, only to remember your massive to-do list staring you in the face. What’s worse is that it’s already 11 PM and you’re dead to the world. But if you don’t tackle these tasks, who will?
We’ll answer that question shortly, but first, let’s talk about ten specific things you could do for your business if you had the time.
1. Call your past customers to follow up and drum up new orders
You’re already well aware that the most difficult aspect of sales is converting leads into revenue. Turning one-time customers into repeat customers is far easier. If you just had that extra 45 minutes, you could perform your due diligence and provide that superior customer service by following up with past customers and getting some new orders.
2. Round up 5-star reviews from recent customers
Provided that they’re satisfied with the service they received, most customers are more than happy to leave you a positive review, but they might need a gentle push to do so. With some extra free time, you could put some more 5-star reviews under your belt, which is great for business.
3. Call back the cold leads you haven’t been able to reach
A lead is still a lead, even if it’s gone cold. If you had the time, you could warm them back up by calling potential customers and reminding them of the amazing service you offer.
4. Cold call potential customers
It’s a big world out there, and it’s full of leads just waiting to work with you. One of the most productive uses of your time is cold-calling potential customers and putting yourself on their radars. The only bad lead is the one you ignore, and having the time to make yourself known in all different areas would make all the difference.
5. Call on your old receivables every day
Considering how busy you are, it stands to reason that all of your clients are equally busy. They might need that gentle reminder of past due invoices and unpaid balances, and wouldn’t it be lovely to actually have the time to reach out to collect your old receivables and get that revenue into cash?
6. Call around to new suppliers for better pricing
Cutting costs wherever possible is paramount for your cash flow. We’re willing to bet that the reason you haven’t found better vendors with better prices is that there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do so.
7. Engage with potential customers on social media
Customers today like to feel like they have a relationship with the companies they buy from, and there is no better way to do so than starting a dialogue with them on social media. If only you had the time…
8. Answer calls on the first ring so you don’t lose any leads
For better or worse, it’s an attention economy we live in, and most callers will lose interest within 30 seconds (about four rings) and hang up. It’s a crying shame to miss leads when you’re out on the job or otherwise occupied. Did you know that when potential customers get your voicemail, they are 80% likely to hang up the phone instead of leaving a message? If you had the time, you would need any of your calls to go to voicemail.
9. Screen cold callers
While it’s flattering to think that some kind soul has been so desperately trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty that they clog up your office lines with their entreaties, it sure would be a godsend if someone could tell them to kick rocks on your behalf.
10. Call customers with delayed projects before they call you
Delays happen and most professional adults are sympathetic. That being said, they will always be happier and more understanding when you initiate the dialogue first and they don’t have to chase you down. Wouldn’t it be nice to actually have the time to sit down with them to keep them informed?
We know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, that would all be good, but I don’t have time to do all that stuff.”
It almost seems like a pipe dream, but what if we told you that for about 8 bucks an hour, we could get you a smart, friendly, college-educated assistant who could do all this stuff for you?
If you hire one of our Remote Receptionists, she can answer your phones, call your customers, follow up on receivables, or whatever else you need. Our Remote Receptionists speak perfect English, with the friendliest voices you’ve ever heard, and her computer skills are superb.
All in, a full-time Remote Receptionist – working only for you – including her phone and computer costs, will run you about 8 bucks an hour.
How? Give us a call today. We'll get you set up with a hard-working administrative assistant who can take most of these tasks off of your plate and give you the time to focus on what really matters.