Answering the phone can put small businesses ahead

Despite the difference in size, small businesses have many distinct advantages over large corporations. One of which is the personal connection that can be made over the phone. In most cases, consumers who call big-box retailers and other sizable organizations get stuck talking to automated messages and voicemails. This experience can be incredibly frustrating, and it can also diminish the personal connection individuals feel with a company.

When customers call a small business, however, there is the opportunity for a more meaningful conversation because an actual person is likely to answer the phone.

The Personal Branding Blog explains that this over-the-phone interaction can be an essential part of a small venture's business plan.

"It is painful that people want to reach you to do business with you, and can’t do that easily," the site explains. "Even vendors and sales representatives - who might have the one thing you can purchase to change the economics of your business for the better, deserve better."

For small business owners, having a knowledgeable and friendly personality on the other end of the line when customers call can be just as important as direct mailing lists and other marketing efforts. Both are great ways to promote customer loyalty and brand awareness.