Two professional phone etiquette mistakes all employees should avoid

The casual nature of personal cell phone use has eroded many aspects of professional phone courtesy. Because so many clients and customers' first contact with an organization is over the phone, this can have a significant detrimental effect on productivity as well as the organization's reputation.

Almost every professional has had an experience with a coworker who lacked awareness of common phone etiquette. If this person's bad habits continue unaddressed, it can make for an uncomfortable office setting. If you have not experienced this situation yet, carefully read the following tips, and make sure that you are not the one in the office whose phone skills make coworkers' hair stand on end. 

In her new work, "The Essentials of Business Etiquette," career coach Barbara Pachter outlined some of the telephone rules that are most commonly ignored today:

• Do not ignore a call on hold. As you are probably aware, a moment spent on hold when there are important issues to discuss can seem like an eternity. If you do not believe you can get to the call in a timely manner, offer your apologies and ask for a convenient time to return the call. It is also always polite to ask permission before putting a caller on hold. 
• Introduce yourself to the caller. Even if you believe that your company has a more informal approach to phone etiquette, it is always polite to identify yourself and use a proper greeting when beginning a conversation. At On Point our standard greeting includes, 'Thank you for calling (company name), this is (name), how may I assist you?'  This greeting can always be customized per client request, and we are happy to work with organizations to find their perfect style.

At On Point Executive Center, our virtual personal assistant services are performed by trained onsite experts who understand the importance of portraying a professional image for your organization. The receptionists at On Point will enhance your company's brand, give you more time to focus on what you do best and save full-time staffing costs.