You know that being able to answer the phone effectively can earn your business many repeat customers and create a positive buzz about your company and your customer service. But did you know that being able to make effective phone calls to others is just as important as your phone abilities on the incoming end? Your phone demeanor can net you additional business, help you develop customer loyalty and play a major role in growing your business.
Here are some ways to make effective business phone calls:

Have all your information in place
Make sure you know who you are calling and why you are calling them. You may even want to write down your goals for the call before you ever dial the phone. In addition, have any information about their business, their history with you and their needs on hand. You also should have any relevant information about yourself on hand so that you can easily provide your name, your business name and a concise summary of what services or products you provide.

Prepare questions ahead of time
Make notes of questions that you need to ask, and all the information that you will need in a response. This will save you from having to call back multiple times to get small items of information that you forgot.

Identify yourself clearly when you call
Always make sure that people know who you are and why you are calling right away. This will not only improve your chances of reaching the person you are calling, but it lets them know that you are calling on legitimate business. In the same professional tone, always thank the person for their time at the end of the call and make sure to reiterate any course of action you have decided on so that the listener knows that you listened to their needs and are responding appropriately.

Phone calls cannot be professional or effective if there are noises like music, television, pets or babies in the background. You should make professional calls at a time when noise will be minimal to nonexistent, even if it means hiring a babysitter to entertain the children in the other room while you make your calls.