Improving your phone skills with these tips can make a big difference in the level of your success and how quickly your business grows.

1. Prepare yourself by getting mentally set for the task ahead and by having a purpose and an agenda ready.

2. Follow a script, but be flexible. Don't sound like you are reading.

3. Create index cards with specific points that keep you on topic. If it's more natural for you to strike up a conversation, then just do it!

4. Keep it brief, and get to the point right away. Make sure you are clear concerning your reason for making the call.

5. Be friendly but try not to get off topic. Remember that network marketing is all about building relationships.

6. Be a good listener. That way you will be able to help your prospect with making the right decision, hopefully about joining your business.

7. Avoid the hype. Show enthusiasm, but make sure it is sincere.

8. Smile! Keep a smile on your face, your attitude can show through the phone.

9. Avoid selling your business. Just introduce yourself and find out if they have any questions.

10. Understanding how your business works will help you feel more confident when talking to prospects over the phone.

11. Don't get on the phone if you are in a bad mood. If you do have some prospects that need to be contacted then ask your sponsor or team leader for help.

12. If someone is not interested, then don't keep calling them. This will only make you look desperate, not to mention waste your time.

13. Expect to hear "no" a few times. Don't get an attitude or take it personally, just thank them and proceed to the next call.

14. Be aware of two things as you speak, what you say and how you say it. The sound and tone of your voice is just as important as what you are saying.

15. Alway's leave a message! Let your prospects hear your voice and know that you are available. Sometimes that's all it takes for them to join your business.

16. When leaving a message don't speak too fast. Speak slowly so that your message is not hard to understand.

17. Say your name clearly. If it's not common spell it, just make sure the caller understands your name.

18. Slowly leave your phone number. Assume that the listener is writing it down, so make it easy! Repeat the number at the beginning and end of your message, if possible.

19. Most importantly, leave the reason for your call. Why would they call you back if they don't know what you want?

20. People can be very impatient, so it is important to answer your phone by the third ring or make sure your voice mail is set to pick up by the third ring.

21. Maks sure that your answering machine greeting makes a good first impression. Be short and to the point and don't drag it out. Leave clear instructions and what information they should leave. Such as their name, phone number and the best time to call them back.

22. Check your messages often. A prospect may be waiting on information to make a decision, and by taking to long returning their call they may join under someone else.

23. Return all phone calls! This could be the most important thing that you do to build your business. Set a goal to return all calls within 2 hours.

24. Avoid using a speaker phone. It will make the caller think that the call is not private and that you are not concentrating fully on them.

25. Put together a list of answers to frequently asked questions and post it by your phone.

26. Decide what you will say if someone answers the phone other then the person you are calling. Should you leave a message with them or call back later?

27. Don't type or shuffle paper while you are talking, it can be distracting to the other party.

28. If you must put the phone down for any reason, do so gently so you don't startle your caller.

29. Never chew food or anything else while talking on the phone.

30. If you have to cough or sneeze, make sure that you cver your mouth and the receiver.

31. Always speak directly into the receiver.

32. Don't hang up if you dial the wrong number, just explain yourself and verify the number to avoid repeating the call.

33. Avoid any background noise such as TV, radio and computer beeps and clicks.

34. Listen to how people talk and not just to what they are saying. You can learn how to connect with a person over the phone by reading "between the lines".

35. Never start a greeting with "Can I have a moment of your time?" or "Is this a good time to talk"? Only a sales person would use these phrases and it makes it all too easy for your callers to say "no" right away.

36. Be prepared. Have a list of calls that you need to make including the name, phone number and any other information that you may need.

37. When you first begin using the phone rehearse in your mind what you are going to say. Once you do it enough, it will come naturally.

38. Know what your schedule is before making any calls. That way you can set up any follow up appointments if necessary.

39. Do not procrastinate. Get you calls done first thing in the morning. Putting them off may mean losing business.

40. Stand up or walk around while you talk.

41. If you are making more then one call, don't hang up when the first call is over. Keep going until all your calls are done.

42. Make sure you are not hungry, cold or need to go to the bathroom before making any of your calls.

43. Record whether you left a message, if you need to make a return call, who you talked to and what was said.

44. Leave an email address as an alternative communication option. Many people will use email to get back to you rather than the telephone.

45. Always enunciate clearly keeping the volume of your voice moderate. Speak slowly and clearly.

46. Speak properly while sounding professional. Avoid using slang or jargon.

47. Think before you speak! Offending prospects will not encourage them to join your business.

48. Never say "I don't know", instead say, "Let me find the answer for you". This is a great way to set up a return call.

49. Stick with it! If what you are saying is working, keep doing it, if not then try something else. Trial and error is how to determine what works and what doesn't.

50. Have fun! Remember that some will and some won't, who cares, just keep at it! Good phone etiquette is good for business. It can set you apart from your competition and it can actually get you the results you want much faster.

To summarize, first say hello and then introduce yourself. Next, get to the point and just say what you have to say. Last, ask if they have any questions and don't forget to give them your contact information.

Using the phone consistently may just be what you need to succeed!

Copyright 2008 Joe Rispoli