Just like large corporate offices need communication tools to run their businesses effectively, a small home-based business needs communication tools to succeed.

With so many scams taking over the internet on a daily basis, people are more skeptical than ever to trust the person on the other end of their modem. That's why it is extremely important that your website (or online business) offers a contact page that includes a working telephone number.

Toll Free Telephone Numbers
If you are just starting out, your regular home phone number will do. But as your orders begin to increase, and your traffic begins to grow, it will become imperative that you list a toll free number on your business site. A toll free number allows your customers or potential clients to call you, on your dime, to ask questions that could literally make or break a sale. Having a toll free number eases the mind of the consumer, in the sense that if you are willing to pay the toll fees to answer his or her questions, your are more-than- likely running a trustworthy business.

With toll free numbers literally as low as $2 per month, and 6.9 cents per minute, there is really no reason an online company should be without one. There will be times when someone will visit your company website, browse the products and services, and seriously consider purchasing, only to decline because something was not made clear enough on your website. By having a toll free telephone number, you have just given that person permission to call you and clarify any concerns; thus potentially earning you a sale and a repeat customer.

Answering Machines
Every business should have a quality answering machine (or service) to take messages when no one is available to take them. But what happens when you are just starting out, or someone is laid off, and you cannot afford a second line? Or what happens when you can afford a second line, but prefer not to pay those outrageous fees to your local telephone company? You can simply set up an account for an "internet" answering machine. That way, you never miss an important call while you are online.

The other great thing about having an answering machine is the flexibility it gives you. Since you are working from home, it may be tempting to answer every single call?or fear that you could lose a potential sale. But the reasons you chose to work from home are just as important as your client. You must set aside quality family time in order to work more productively; therefore, if you are in the middle of a family dinner, or have guests over, let the answering machine take the call. You can always call the caller back. The same holds true if you are in an important meeting with a client, whether in your home office, or via instant messenger; allow your answering machine to take the message and call the caller back at a more convenient time.

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