The telephone was invented in 1876, with Alexander Graham Bell receiving a patent for the device on March 7th of that year. 

The first successful transmission of clear speech using the telephone is said to have occurred on March 10, 1876, when Bell spoke to his assistant, Thomas Watson. 

It has been 150 years since the telephone was invented, yet most businesses depend on it.

Today, nearly everyone is familiar with emails, so here are a few tips to make yours work for your business. Make sure your advertisements, signage and promotional literature include your email and web details.

With Email

• You know where your business is, but can your clients find it? You can give precise directions, even attach a map to make their trip easier. They will appreciate the thought.

• Emails can detail the services and prices you offer; if you own a restaurant, your menu can be emailed. Pre-ordering makes life easier for the kitchen staff while reducing your buying costs. Whatever your service, you can email details, price lists and special offers.

• Invite customers to leave their email addresses. That way, you can inform them of special offers, price reductions, entertainment engagements, holidays, and opening and closing times.

• We have all heard the expression, People don’t buy products, they buy people. It is true. Pictures of your premises, staff, and interior can be sent to enquirers. This will help them to bond with your business. Think of customers as partners in your business.

• If you hold events, are moving address, taking on a new manager, or booking an event, email can be used to inform your customers.

• Your email message offers an opportunity for you to place a ‘signature’; a permanent sales message on every memo you send.

• Invite customers to comment on your services. These can later be included in emails to reassure new clients. They are good for inviting suggestions, too. Imagine a free mystery shopping opportunity to give your business the vital edge.

• You have some good news? Tell your customers, promotions, awards, and very important key selling points that identify your business as being perfect for their needs.

• If a member of a trade association or body, its logo and details can be permanently included in your emails too.

• If it is appropriate, places of local interest can be included. You can also invite visitors to browse complementary businesses whose owners will be happy to link with your website.  

• When the phone rings, you are obliged to answer it even if it is inconvenient for you to do so. Similarly, you might have to get your timing right when making calls, even though it interrupts your routine. Unlike the telephone call, emails can be sent and replied to at your convenience.

• Unlike the telephone, the email does not cost anything to use; in contrast to the costly inconvenience of postal deliveries (snail mail), the email can effortlessly handle bulk information without bumping up the cost of sending it.

CHECK OUR BUSINESS ADVICE CENTER FOR FURTHER BUSINESS TIPS.

THE BUSINESS BOOSTER Michael Walsh, during 20 years Guild of Master Craftsmen, helped thousands of businesses to increase profits whilst reducing overheads. EURO WEEKLY NEWS business advice columnist. Perfect gift for the self-employed, wherever you are in the world. https://michaelwalshbooks.wordpress.com/