innkeeping: Re: first impressions

[Bill Wayne <bwayne@cedarcroft.com>]

gardens2 wrote:

> greetings all:
> please help.  where may i focus for data on answering machine greetings
> for creating best impression of potential guests?

You can do your own - but you need to write out your statement in
advance, then deliver it in your best voice with no distracting
background noise.  Remember, some people are not going to talk to an
answering machine no matter what your message is.  

Content:  Identify the B&B name right off the bat.  If you get personal
calls on this line, too, Say "'yourname' welcomes you to 'whatever your
key phrase is'"  Then ask them to leave name, dates of interest, phone
(including area code - surprising how many forget that) or address. 
Thank them.  Do it all in less than 20 seconds or they'll get tired of
waiting for the beep.  Be professional, not cutesy.

Oh, and if you haven't got a digital one, do so the next time you have
to buy one.

I'll bet if you join PAII, you'll find something in the info they have
available.  And, to increase your credibility with guests, you've joined
your state association?

Best
Bill
-- 
Bill & Sandra Wayne
Cedarcroft Farm Bed & Breakfast - Warrensburg, Missouri, USA
http://www.cedarcroft.com - bwayne@cedarcroft.com - 816-747-5728
Home of INNSTAR On-line B&B Guidebook Ratings - New update reviews and
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