TELEPHONE TIPS

Everyone who is designated to answer the phone should be trained on - and familiar with - these basics…

1. Try to answer the phone by the third ring.
2. Answer the phone with a smile in your voice! Sound warm, friendly and happy to be here! No matter how crazy it may be, try to also sound calm, confident and relaxed. Identify the center and yourself by name.
3. Start an Inquiry Card, jotting down notes as you listen.
4. Build rapport. Ask questions to show interest in the caller and their child(ren), and to gather basic information. Use the parent and child’s name(s) in the conversation. Comment on the age of the child or on something that the caller has said. Be enthusiastic, warm and friendly!
5. Listen for needs. Ask them what they feel is important for their child. What are their concerns? Listen to what they are really saying. If they go on and on about how "at the last center….", they are conveying to you a need that wasn’t being met.
6. Match our program benefits to their needs. Tell parents how our program can meet the needs of their child. Example: If they are concerned about their child being shy, address this. Talk about all of the ways we would attempt to welcome and invite participation and work on developing social skills in an environment in which he would feel comfortable.
7. Empathize with the parent. Choosing child care can be a very big &/or difficult decision for parents, and can also be quite scary.
8. Sell the center. Tell the parent of a 2-year-old what an awesome Older Toddler Room you have, and how really fortunate you are to have such wonderful Teachers in there. Give specific examples of the great things they do. Talk about what we offer that the competitors nearby do not. (security, staff longevity, etc.) Know your centers advantages!
9. Invite the parent to tour. Ask the parent to commit to coming in to see the center and meet the Teachers. (Know who on your staff can give decent directions!) Give a choice of 2 available times.
10. Offer to mail more information to them – again empathizing, as "it is a big decision" and you " know that they would probably like to have as much information as possible about their choices."
11. Close the call on a friendly note. Thank them for calling, preferably using their name. If you have made an appointment for a tour, let them know you are looking forward to meeting them on (time/date.)

Follow up with written materials on the center including a short, handwritten personal note.

Copyright 2005 ~Cathy Abraham