Answering Business Calls

[Lush1]

Basically, I did a lot of cold calling for local business SEO, and have left messages on multiple businesses. I'm getting a lot of calls back, however, my caller ID doesn't say which business is calling. Sometimes the owner will call with his cell phone. I usually pick up and say. " Hello, ____ Marketing, James speaking."

Then they would say; "Hi....you called me about a marketing service."

At this point I want to know who I'm talking to before I go into the whole "pitch" (This is so I can talk about their company by name and their markets). How should I phrase this? Should I just say " Can I ask who's calling?". That makes it seem a little "rude" wouldn't it? Because it doesn't show that they're important or whatever.

What would be a good way of figuring out what business is calling instead of asking them explicitly?

 

[oxgman]

Why not run things through a virtual office/pa? When someone calls asking for you, your 'receptionist' asks who they are and their company name before handing them over. In the uk you can do this for the equivalent of $30 per month. Also this makes you look like a larger, more reputable company.

My 2 cents worth anyway.

 

[Lush1]

Are they legitimate receptionists or automated? That's a good option, I'll look into it.

 

[oxonbeef]

They just called you, they're hot prospects, why lie to them and
risk losing a potential client and your credibility.
Tell them straight " I'm on my way to see a client" then ask "is there a time we
can arrange a time when it is mutually convenient for us to discuss solutions for your business as it will be unfair to divide my attention at this present moment".
This instils in the caller you are dedicated to your client, Then direct them to you website and ask them to fill in your contact form, follow up and fill your boots.

 

[tacopalypse]

lol just ask who's calling.

they shouldn't expect you to just guess who they are if it's the first time they're calling you.

 

[oxonbeef]

lol just ask who's calling.

they shouldn't expect you to just guess who they are if it's the first time they're calling you.

Could you explain to me exactly how productive to business
that response would be?

 

[Lush1]

That's an alright plan; but I can see a lot of clients delaying that part of being redirected to my website and filling out a contact form. Its going too out of their way for them I think.

I was thinking being like: "Hi, my apologies...my phone's having some technical difficulty today and isn't getting caller ID; who may I be speaking with?

Just saying that as professionally and courteously as possible, without sounding like a b!tch; just cool professional.

They just called you, they're hot prospects, why lie to them and
risk losing a potential client and your credibility.
Tell them straight " I'm on my way to see a client" then ask "is there a time we
can arrange a time when it is mutually convenient for us to discuss solutions for your business as it will be unfair to divide my attention at this present moment".
This instils in the caller you are dedicated to your client, Then direct them to you website and ask them to fill in your contact form, follow up and fill your boots.

 

[Talsin]

Don't lie about your caller ID.

Just say something like

"Ah yes that's right, could I please ask which business you represent? I just need to pull up your file so I have all the pertinent information on hand."