Any Advice on Hiring Virtual Receptionist?

12 years ago

Originally Posted by spock0149

Has anyone got any advice on services I can choose from that won't break the bank?

Thanks!

Rich

If you don't want to spend much on a virtual receptionist, I strongly suggest that you do not hire someone from your local area. You should consider outsourcing but make sure that you test or run a trial with your chosen candidate so you will know if she is competent/capable for the job and most of all if she will meet your standard (US/British accent).

Thanks

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JMB Marketing Group

12 years ago

Originally Posted by spock0149

Hey Folks,

I'm hoping to hire a virtual receptionist who can:

1. Answer calls in a friendly and professional manner, and give my online customers a good first impression.

2. Answer a handful (say 10) of fairly generic questions.

3. Take an online order.

My first preference would be someone with a US or UK accent - but I'd be open to other options.

Has anyone got any advice on services I can choose from that won't break the bank?

Thanks!

Rich

Check out:

Patlive.com

Patlive.com was introduced to me when I was in the Real Estate Industry!

They are professional and highly recommended.

OR

Google other VA Receptionists. There's a ton of them out there.

I recommend that you do your research and find a company that SUITS your NEEDS!

Cheers,

JMB

P.S. I have also hired a retired senior to take my calls using MY script. This worked out really well as he was previously and heavily involved in my subject matter. Therefore, he was able to hold a conversation with the prospect to get tons more information above and beyond what I expected for me. I worked out a deal with him where I would pay him a generous $$$ based on the deals that he closed. It was a win/win situation! It was also a fantastic partnership ... I got what I wanted and he got what he needed ($$$$ and a blast from his past!).

Thanks

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Peter Hansen

12 years ago

You can outsource a Virtual Receptionist. This would save a lot. One thing you should consider is the qualities and skills of the person you would hire.

Let me know if I can help you Warrior to Warrior.

Good luck
Peter

Thanks
1 reply

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copywrite1988 12 years ago

Hi. I am looking for a VA job. I am hardworking, tech savvy and speak and write well in English. You can make good use of me in your company
- Thanks
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tristatemedia

12 years ago

look in your phone for receptionist. you can get them local for 29 dollars per motnh if you are in the us.
or try grasshopper.....they are always advertising....they are very professional

Thanks

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hernalian

Banned 12 years ago

Yes as started above - Don't hire local - Expand your horizon and make sure you look around the world and always test them and mystery test them as it should be initiation process.
That being said - I had a virtual assistant (Only answering calls and fowarding them) and after a week i had a foreign english accent transfered as my assistant and it was very unprofessional as it was ' Broken english ' - I remember that was one of the worst weeks of my business at the time.

Regardless it is trial and error and make sure you check your services regularly.
I found out nearly a week later.

Thanks

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jeffster

12 years ago

I second, or third, or the suggestion to put them on a trial run first. Let them know that they will be on trial for the first 3 months. After that you can go full time with them if you are happy with the service they provide.

Thanks

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MrNiches

12 years ago

I found mine on Odesk.com. She does everything I asked her to do and I get praises about her on a weekly basis from my clients. I hope this helps.

Thanks

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copywrite1988

12 years ago

oh cool! Hmmmm., i cant find my luck in odesk. If you know any clients who need a VA, I'm available!

Thanks

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CareerGuy

12 years ago

Check around with the ones mentioned above. They should all give you a decent start on your search. But also, think about possibly asking a friend or family member or 10 of them. Just set up your phone number to forward to each of their phone numbers at the appropriate times and be 100% available to answer questions WHEN they have them.

Good luck.

Thanks

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JohnJonasVA

Banned 12 years ago

[DELETED]

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curly sue 12 years ago

-Hire someone from the phillipines they have such good work ethics,
-they are very affordable too.
-Always interview before taking on people.
- Thanks
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Don Schenk

12 years ago

You don't say many housr each day do you want your virtual receptionist to be available to answer the phone. If it is more than 7 or 8 hours, you need to hire an answering serivce, if less, then you could hire someone who is local to you.

When you hire an idividual, you will be responsible to take care of tracking taxes and sending money to the government. What happens on days the virtual receptionist is sick? Who will answer your phone?

To avoid having an employee, hiring an answering service would be better - taxes taken care of by the service and included in the price, consistant quality of people answering your phone line, good American or British accent, and they can email the sales leads to you along with the lead's phone number and any other info you want them to capture.

You don't say what country in which you are located, or where your customers are. Do you need international calling?

My first thought was the company JMB mentioned - Pat Live. I"ve used them for about 10 years. They are good - real good at what they do.

:-Don