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Daniel Kehrer

Guide to Successful 'On-Hold' Messaging

Make your phones work harder. Put tell-and-sell to work on hold.

By Daniel Kehrer, Editor, Business.com & Work.com

Delivering sales and marketing messages on hold is an idea that’s gaining momentum among small businesses. Sure, you want to avoid putting anyone on hold. But if you must, why not make the most of it? Don’t waste that time with sleepy music or radio stations that carry someone else’s ads! Instead, use the opportunity to "tell and sell."

Successful ads on hold:

  1. Make a small company sound big
  2. Deliver an effective combination of information, voice and music
  3. Transform "dead time" - however brief - into sell time or customer service time.

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


Evaluate options, equipment and pricing

Explore different on-hold messaging options and learn what questions to ask before making your choice among the many solution providers.
I recommend: The On Hold Messaging Association, with about 70 member companies, offers helpful information about how on hold messaging works, how to evaluate providers, program design, equipment types and pricing.

Quick solutions and free custom demos

Try out free customized demos before you decide.
I recommend: Easy On Hold offers a range of quick message on hold solutions for small business and will craft an original demo message for your business.

Show me the money

Get details on how on-hold messaging can make money for your business.
I recommend: On Hold Marketing Services, Inc. is another vendor offering free demos. The Web site has free reports for download explaining how on hold messaging can make money for your business.

Combine toll-free and virtual on-hold messaging service

A hosted "virtual" PBX system with toll-free service and on-hold messaging can make a small business look a lot bigger.
I recommend: Freedom800.com offers virtual telecom services with PBX style functionality, automated voice messaging, on-hold music, call routing, virtual fax and more.

Run it through your own PC

For an in-house solution, try software that turns your own PC into an on-hold message and music player.
I recommend: IMS is a computer-controlled on-hold message player. Install the software on any Windows PC and connect the computer's sound out socket to your office phone system. You can continue to use the PC as normal.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Hours and location: Your message can include business hours and your Web site address - the very information some callers may have wanted.
  • Cross-selling and impulse buys: A caller on hold to a hair salon could hear about a new hair care product just in, or a weekly special.
  • Branding: Tell callers what your business is all about; things you do they might not know about.
  • Testimonials: Let customers hear what other customers are saying.

The official source of Successful 'On-Hold' Messaging is the Music On Hold page at Business.com

Custom On Hold Messages
Maximize every minute with your customers! Starting at $199.
MarketOnHold.com/deal
Music On Hold Experts: Easy On Hold
Personalized productions for music on hold, to reduce hangups and impress callers. 3 day process with no obligation.
Free Demo | Contact Us
www.easyonhold.com
Compare Price Quotes for Music On Hold
Easily Compare Prices & Save. Visit Now to Find the Best Deal!
Free Price Quotes | Start Request Now
MusicOnHold.BuyerZone.com
Telephone On-Hold and Message Software - Download
Professional and powerful computer based on-hold music and message software for phone systems. Features date scheduling, intelligent mixing and more.
Windows Download | Mac OS X Download | More Information
www.nch.com.au/onhold

Recommended Solution Providers

Muzak: On-Hold
Plays on hold music, and also helps companies use music to build brand awareness.

Ad on Hold: Phone
Designer of a fully digital player that requires no downloading, programming, software or maintenance.

GotVMail: On-Hold
System can be used anywhere, with any phone, and instantly administered online.

On Hold Pro (OHP): Phone
Produces quality, personalized on-hold messages promoting a business. Also carries a full line of on hold equipment.

TalkSwitch: On-Hold
Callers hear a pre-recorded message "Please Hold" and then custom music selections when the auto attendant transfers the call.

Best Sites to Learn More

BuyerZone: On Hold
Collection of articles discussing tips, pricing, and service features.

On Hold Network: On Hold
If you're new to Music and Messages On Hold, or just shopping around, this is an excellent place to begin.

Focus Point: On Hold
Offers tips for scripting a phone message.

Telephone Doctor: On Hold
Offers products and services which improve the way an organization communicates with customers.



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