For businesses trying to market their products to potential consumers, the Do not call directory can pose quite a problem. There are many rules and regulations pertaining to telephone numbers on the do not call list, and the list can be updated quite often.

Make sure everyone in your company is aware of the do not call compliance. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the National Do Not Call (DNC) Registry "applies to any plan, program or campaign (excluding political organizations, charities, or telephone surveyors) to sell goods or services through interstate phone calls. This includes telemarketers who solicit consumers, often on behalf of third party sellers. It also includes sellers who provide, offer to provide, or arrange to provide goods or services to consumers in exchange for payment."

If your business violates the call compliance, it is subject to:
1. Civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.
2. Possible restrictions forbidding you from doing certain call-related activities in the future.
3. Potential payments to consumers that you contacted who are listed on the do not call directory.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Do not call compliance is a must with serious penalties, so become familiar with the law

Learn the details of do not call compliance for both the national and state do not call phone lists.

I recommend: You can learn more about the national law by visiting the National Do Not Call Registry. Learn about the national laws and states that have merged with the national list at American Inbound.

Do not call software can be accessed through the Internet; be sure it's from a trusted professional

There are dozens of providers available to help you comply with no call listings. Read up on the providers, talk with colleagues, and read your trade publications to ensure that the software you purchase and the provider you do business with does what they say they'll do.

I recommend: StrikeIron and Do-Not-Call (DNC) Compliance are some websites to assist you with compliance.

If you run into a problem with call compliance, consult an experienced professional

Do not call list software is not foolproof -- and neither are providers. If you receive a violation notice for the do not call list, be sure to work with someone trained to handle these types of issues.

I recommend: You can try Telemarketing Defense Network (TDN), or you can find an attorney in your area by visiting Lawyers.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Violations can exceed the standard in certain cases, so compliance is critical.
• •  Don't forget to train all new employees on the no call list law.
• •  Know that if your company inadvertently makes a call to a number on the do not call registry, you will not be liable if you can prove that the call was made in error.