5 Phone Etiquette Tips for Success in 2024

As work from home becomes the norm, the phone has become the primary way of making personal contact – whether it is with colleagues, partners, or customers. The lack of eye contact and studying the body language, non-verbal cues, etc., make matters worst. Since you cannot see the person you are talking to, how can you ensure you are providing them with what they need?

In such scenarios, how can you build a connection with them? How can you create a positive impact in just a few minutes?

Here are five tips to help you.

1. Prepare well
 

Plan your call well. Understand who you are speaking to, their needs, what may appeal to them, etc. You must know your customers before you pick up your phone. A one size fits all approach can backfire. Additionally, do your homework before your phone sales call. Practice what you are going to say, articulate it well, and be polite. Random ramblings will make them lose interest very quickly. Keep your content brief and language simple to make it impactful.

2. Stay data and research ready

One of the most crucial phone sales tips is keeping all the information handy before calling. This includes your research about the customer – basic information, family history, credit history, likes and preferences, etc., and product-related data – features of what you are trying to pitch, how it can benefit the customer, cost calculations, etc. This is important because putting your customer on hold when trying to hunt information can be a big turn off.

For instance, if you are suggesting a personal loan to your customer through the IDFC FIRST Bank’s MyFIRST Partner Refer & Earn Program, you can keep the points around the benefits of the loan and the ease of process handy to ensure you deliver a smooth pitch.  

3. Personalise everything
 

This is the age of customisation. Remember that not everyone is facing the same situation. Hence products, especially financial offerings, must be personalised to meet the customer’s unique needs. For example, for a product like the IDFC FIRST Bank’s personal loan, the customer may be looking for funds for a wedding in the family, children’s education, home renovation, medical emergency, or a holiday. If you want to make an impact over the phone, you will have to personalise your conversation and give them solutions like low-interest fees, quick disbursal, minimal documentation, etc., that can help them feel at ease and take an informed decision. 

4. Connect first, then call
 

Cold calls are the death of phone sales. It sounds dramatic, but one phone sale tip that stands true. Think from the customer’s point of view. There is nothing worse than getting a sales call when you are in the middle of a meeting, at a family event, or attending a personal emergency. Avoid doing this at all costs. Instead, always connect with them first over an email or text message to set a date and time that is convenient for them, and only call during that time. The customer will be in a better state of mind and more open to listening to you then. 

5. One call is never enough
 

It is quite unlikely that you will be able to close a sale over your first phone call. You will have to do a few follow-up calls to explain the offering, convince the customer, clarify doubts, take them through the process of getting a personal loan, etc. You must remember all the above phone etiquette even during follow up calls. Moreover, try to build a relationship with your customer over the many calls you have with them. You should be able to gain their trust to crack the sale, and you can also get a referral that can help you grow your business further.

Making an impact on the phone is easy as long as you follow a few phone etiquettes. These will help you work from home and earn money on every loan referral. And with so many benefits of joining the IDFC FIRST Bank’s MyFIRST Partner Program, why not put these tips into action. After all, this personal loan referral program allows you to earn money with zero investments, work anytime, anywhere, and has the potential for uncapped earnings.

Do not wait anymore. Download the IDFC FIRST Bank's MyFIRST Partner App today, sign up for free under 5 minutes, use these phone sales tips, and start earning!

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.