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UIFN - Universal International Freephone Number

13th July 2020 blog, Business Phone Numbers

What is a Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN)?

9th July 2020 blog, Cloud Telephony

How to Set up a Virtual Phone System?

30th June 2020 blog, Business Insights

5 Ways on How to Do a Winning Product Demo

29th June 2020 blog, Customer Service

44 Industries That Need Great Customer Support (2026)

25th June 2020 blog, Customer Service

9 Best Customer Service Examples for 2026

25th June 2020 blog, Business Insights

6 Ways to Get People to Buy Your Product

24th June 2020 blog, Sales Management

Top 11 Qualities of a Successful Sales Rep

18th June 2020 blog, Sales Management

7 Cold Calling Tips to Close More Sales

17th June 2020 blog, Call Center

9 Ways for a Call Center to Use a Web Dialer

What is a Universal International Freephone Number (UIFN)?

Luke Genoyer 13th July 2020 blog, Business Phone Numbers

Do you have customers in different parts of the world and are struggling to maintain unified communications? In this guide, we share everything there is to know about a UIFN or universal international freephone number.

What is a UIFN? Everything You Need to Know
Benefits
Restrictions
UIFN Country List
How to Dial a UIFN Number
UIFN or ITFS

What is a UIFN? Everything You Need to Know

A Universal International Freephone Number, also known as UIFN, is a unique type of international toll free number that can be dialed the same across 60 different countries. These numbers enable customers to receive a single freephone number for multiple countries. The UIFN program is administered by the International Telecommunication Union.

Benefits of Using a UIFN

There are many benefits to getting a universal toll free number. Here are the top 3 reasons why you should get a UIFN.

1. Global Coverage: UIFN is available in 60 different countries, so if your business conducts operations globally, then a universal toll free number can make your business accessible in multiple countries through a single number.

2. One Number: Companies with multiple office locations or branches can easily benefit from a UIFN. For example, an international company with several branches, a small business with remote offices, or a university with global campuses. With a universal toll free number, you have one number that connects your entire business across the globe.

3. Easy to Advertise: Plus, it is much easier to advertise for one number instead of multiple numbers for the different locations you are targeting.

Universal Toll Free Number Restrictions

While there are many UIFN benefits, the technology does have some important restrictions to note. The most important restriction to note is the list of countries where UIFN is available. The second major UIFN restriction is mobile-accessibility. Finally, subscribers should consider that dialing conventions may vary across countries.

Mobile Accessibility

Universal toll free numbers are only mobile-accessible in a handful of countries. In certain countries, the number cannot be reached at all from a mobile phone. This is really important to note because roughly one-in-five people only have cell phone service. You should consult with your customers to find out what percentage of them use mobile phones.

Dialing Conventions

While dialing conventions are pretty standard across the United States, dial-out conventions vary across UIFN countries. For example, certain countries require callers to dial 00 before the number, while other countries require 01. It can be difficult to communicate this information to customers.

In order to avoid irregular dialing conventions, we recommend that businesses properly communicate this information to their customers. This helps avoid any common problems associated with UIFN.

UIFN Country List

While it seems appealing to have a single number that works everywhere in the world, the reality is that not every country is involved in the ITU program. Here is a list of UIFN countries:

Argentina	Australia	Austria	Belgium
Brazil	Bulgaria	Canada	China
Colombia	Costa Rica	Croatia	Cyprus
Czech Republic	Denmark	Estonia	Finland
France	French Guiana	Germany	Greece
Guadeloupe	Hong Kong	Hungary	Iceland
Israel	Italy	Japan	Korea South
Latvia	Lithuania	Luxembourg	Macao
Macedonia	Malaysia	Malta	Martinique
Mayotte	Moldova	Monaco	Netherlands
New Zealand	Norway	Peru	Philippines
Poland	Portugal	Reunion	Romania
Saint Pierre & Miquelon	Singapore	Slovakia	Slovenia
South Africa	Spain	Sweden	Switzerland
Taiwan	Thailand	United Kingdom	Uruguay

For more wide global coverage and lower setup fees, you may consider our Toll Free FlexDial solution instead. Chat with our reps to learn more about this global toll-free number service or view FlexDial rates.

How to Dial a UIFN Number?

Now that you have a better understanding of how UIFN numbers work, let’s look at how to dial a UIFN number. A UIFN is formatted as a fixed 11-digit phone number. It starts with a 3-digit code to enable toll-free service, such as 800, assigned to them by the ITU. This is followed by an 8-digit global subscriber number (GSN). For example, +800 00123456, where 800 is the country code and 00123456 is the GSN. However, dial-out prefixes may need to be entered before dialing the UIFN to connect to the right business.

Customers from anywhere in the world can dial and call a UIFN number without being charged for the call. However, the format varies depending on which country is being called. The format generally is:

International access code (IAC) + 800 + 8-digit UIFN

And so, to successfully dial a UIFN number, customers need to know the appropriate international phone prefix. Then, they can add 800 and dial the rest of your UIFN number. Always confirm with your provider what your customers will need to dial to reach you.

As you can see, the process to dial a universal toll free number can be slightly complicated. Additionally, when dialing, customers may not recognize this number as a toll free number. They are typically more accustomed to 800 numbers or their national toll free number formats.

UIFN or ITFS

You’ve probably already asked yourself which would be better for your company, UIFN or ITFS. While the concept of UIFN is great in principle, there are some drawbacks to be aware of.

UIFN coverage is limited and certain countries do not have mobile access.
In the countries where UIFN is available, callers must be aware of unique dialing conventions.
There is a high cost and lengthy setup time.

We have many customers that prefer ITFS numbers instead of UIFN because of the wider global coverage available through ITFS. In addition, ITFS numbers generally have much fewer restrictions and can be set up rather quickly. It should be determined on a case-by-case basis which option is better for your business.

Universal Coverage with UIFN Numbers

If you want to expand your business globally and work with customers from different countries, then getting a UIFN number is a good place to start. You could also purchase multiple local access numbers for a cheaper rate. Customers are more likely to dial local numbers instead of numbers they don’t recognize. For more information call 1 (561) 908-6171.

How to Set up a Virtual Phone System?

Nadine Sampson 9th July 2020 blog, Cloud Telephony

Need to upgrade your business phone system? Thanks to advancements in telecommunications, a virtual phone system can help you organize and manage calls while expanding your reach. Follow these steps and set up your business communications quickly!

What is a Virtual Phone System?

In short, a virtual phone system is just like a traditional phone system, except that it works virtually. With such a system, you can run communications from any location or device. You are not limited to your immediate physical location. Additionally, since communications are virtual, you can connect with long-distance clientele more quickly and with lower calling charges.

A virtual or hosted phone system is made up of:

Virtual phone numbers such as toll free, local, and international numbers.
VoIP or PBX set-up.
Features such as call forwarding, call routing, IVR systems, extensions, call recording, and more.
Online account management.

With a virtual or cloud phone system, you can keep communications running no matter where you are located. Plus, it facilitates easy communication between remote offices and employees. To get a virtual phone system, you need to sign up with a virtual phone service provider. Here are key steps to keep in mind.

1. Determine Your Needs

Before getting a virtual phone system for business communications, you first need to determine what you need from your virtual phone system. What type of connections do you want to maintain: just local or international as well? Do you need multiple toll free and international numbers?

Consider the various features virtual phone service providers offer. What features would you like your communication system to have? Do you need to record calls or a dynamic caller ID to display custom caller IDs?

Finally, what is your budget and how high are you willing to go? There are countless providers out there but you need one that can accommodate all your requirements and still fit your budget.

2. Research Virtual Phone Service Providers

Once you have a good idea of what you want from your business virtual phone system, start researching the market. Review various virtual phone service providers, how long they’ve been in the market, their pricing and list of features, customer reviews, etc.

Global Call Forwarding has been in the business since 2007 and continues the legacy of its parent company, United World Telecom, established in 1996. Global Call Forwarding has been offering toll free, local, and international numbers to businesses through number hosting in more than 160 countries across the world. We also offer common and premium communication features such as call forwarding, IVR and extensions, call recording, outbound calling, and more. You can choose a plan suitable for your size and needs from our 5 plans.

3. Sign Up for the Service

Now, sign up for the provider that gives you everything you need at a price you desire. You can sign up for our service through our website or by calling 1 (877) 898 8646. Activate your service and start advertising your new number!

4. Set Up Call Forwarding

The main component of a virtual phone system is forwarding incoming calls to devices or lines of your choice. This is especially beneficial when receiving international or long-distance calls. To better explain, when you purchase an international or toll free number for a different country, residents of that country can call this number for local charges or for free. However, that call is routed through a call forwarding service to your office line, field office, or home office, as desired.

Therefore, if you purchase multiple numbers for different cities, states, and countries, then the first step is to map out how calls will be forwarded and where to. Route calls based on the location of the incoming call or the time the call is being made.

5. Set Up Features

Next, set up and organize the features you purchased. For example, create your custom greetings and voicemail messages. Map out and design your IVR system. If you have an outbound calling service, you may want to download the web dialer or outbound dialer that comes with your service and update it with current contacts and records. This way, you can start placing calls quickly.

6. Start Placing and Receiving Calls!

Now that everything is set up and ready to use, start making calls to local and international clients and prospects. And be prepared to offer excellent customer service to customers located in your target areas.

Get Your Virtual Phone System with Global Call Forwarding

Want to learn more about how we can help you build an ideal virtual business phone system? Reach out to one of our experts today and find customized solutions for your business!

5 Ways on How to Do a Winning Product Demo

Luke Genoyer 30th June 2020 blog, Business Insights

A product demo goes a long way when trying to sell your business’ product or services. For some businesses, it can make or break the sale. And so, as a salesperson, you must do everything you can to make your product relevant to your prospect.

How to Do a Product Demo Successfully

A successful product demonstration includes describing the product well but also making it relevant and useful to the prospect. So, what do you need to keep in mind while preparing for a product demo? Here are some ways you can create a solid demo.

1. Study the Product Well

Nothing puts prospects off more than a salesperson who doesn’t know the product they are selling. To be able to sell during the product demo, you first need to know what the product is and how it can benefit your audience.

For instance, if you are selling a new version of a product or service, make sure you understand what comes with the new version before the demo. Pay attention to new features, technical details, and more. Essentially, be prepared for questions about the product or related processes.

2. Research Your Client

Every prospect is unique and has specific circumstances under which they are considering your product. Therefore, it is important that you are able to present your product or service as the ideal solution. To do that, you first need to know relevant information about your prospect. Do your research and study your client before the product demo.

Don’t just Google their name and skim their website. Understand their service, number of employees, size of the company, essential needs, and so on. Look through their LinkedIn page and social media accounts. Read their press releases, articles, interviews, and industry reports. You may even choose to see what their competitors are doing to see if you can help them achieve it.

There are plenty of helpful tools for salespeople to research potential customers.

3. Craft Your Offer, Rehearse, and Personalize

Once you have the right knowledge about the prospect, you can craft a personalized offer that is relevant to them. A successful sales demo not only demonstrates the product but highlights and identifies it as a solution to an existing problem. When creating your offer and product demo, consider these questions:

What are the prospect’s common challenges?
What are the main areas of concern in their industry?
Which features or sub-features of your product/service can solve their problem?
Are all features applicable and relevant? Which features should I pay more attention to?
What is the best way to describe the features? Can I use examples that are similar to the prospect’s situation?

4. Have a Plan (and a Plan B)

Plan out exactly how you want this product demonstration to go. Write down each point to cover. Map out the sequence of topics you want to bring up. Highlight portions you want to repeat or reinforce. Revisit and rehearse the plan a few times until you feel comfortable.

Create a plan B in case things don’t pan out the way you want them to. For instance, your internet or phone connection may not be good or your prospect may have to cancel. What can you do to continue this conversation? Have backup software or communication tools ready to go. In case the product demo gets rescheduled, have other activities that you can pour your energy into.

5. Make the Call Confidently

Finally, once you are ready to make your call, make sure that:

Your internet and VoIP phone service are strong.
Make sure your communication tool is working well.
Your microphone (and camera, if applicable) is on and works.
The software for the product demo is ready.
Your plan A and B are both readily available.
Keep relevant websites and tabs open.
Keep your CRM or notebook ready to take notes.

All Set to Create the Ultimate Demo

As a successful salesperson, it is your job to do the extra work that will give you better chances of making a sale. With all of this in place, you can confidently make the call and focus on giving an excellent product demo!

44 Industries That Need Great Customer Support (2026)

Luke Genoyer 29th June 2020 blog, Customer Service

Customer support is essential for almost every business. This is because how you treat and serve your customers directly impacts customer satisfaction. And quality support helps you retain more valuable customers.

How to Offer the Best Customer Support

So, what are some ways your business can offer useful and relevant customer support?

Hire the right people and train them well
Focus on improving caller experience by understanding your target audience better
Pay attention to the customer and adopt active listening
Personalize and customize the customer experience
Make yourself accessible by offering multi-channel communication (live chat, SMS, email, phone, etc.)
Provide quick and easy solutions, and so on

Additionally, check out these helpful examples for quality customer support.

Industries which Provide Excellent Customer Support

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI) ranks businesses within their industry based on customer satisfaction and evaluation of goods and services. According to the ASCI, these are the industries which have been offering great customer support so far in 2026:

1. Cellular Telephones
2. Consumer shipping
3. Video streaming
4. Wireless telephones
5. US postal service

In 2019, the figures were different, with the following industries topping the list of excellent customer support. Companies in these industries must, therefore, continue focusing on strategies and methods that improve customer experience and increase customer satisfaction rates:

6. Breweries
7. Personal care and cleaning products
8. Food manufacturing
9. Television and video players
10. Soft drinks
11. Full-service restaurants
12. Internet investment
13. Internet retail
14. Household appliances
15. Life insurance
16. Banks
17. Cellular telephones
18. Financial advisors
19. Internet travel services

Industries that Need to Offer Better Customer Support

However, the following industries received low scores regarding customer satisfaction in 2019. Hence, companies in these industries must up their game and provide useful and resourceful customer service in 2020:

20. Internet search engines and information
21. Apparel
22. Internet news and opinion
23. Ambulatory care
24. Department and discount stores
25. Health and personal care stores
26. Cooperative energy utilities
27. Hotels
28. Wireless telephone service
29. Health insurance
30. Airlines
31. Gasoline stations
32. Municipal energy utilities
33. Investor-owned energy utilities
34. Hospitals
35. Internet social media
36. Fixed-Line telephone service
37. Video-on-demand service
38. Internet service providers
39. Subscription television services
40. Network/Cable TV news
41. Cigarettes
42. Newspapers
43. Pet food
44. Motion pictures

Companies Ranked for the Best Customer Service

Here is a list of companies with their industries that provided the best customer service in 2019, as compiled by ASCI:

Airlines:

Southwest
JetBlue

Automobiles:

Lexus
Daimler – Mercedes Benz
Toyota
Subaru

Cellular phones/Computers:

Apple

Consumer Shipping:

FedEx

Department & Discount Stores:

Costco

Digital Services (content & social media):

HubSpot
MailChimp
Buffer
Pollfish

Full-Service Restaurants:

Texas Roadhouse
Cracker Barrel

Furniture Stores:

IKEA

Household Appliances:

Internet Retail:

Amazon
Shopify

Internet Search Engines:

Google

Life Insurance:

Thrivent Financial

Limited-Service Restaurant:

Chick-Fil-A

Specialty Retail:

L Brands

Supermarkets:

Trader Joe’s
Aldi
HEB Grocery
Publix
Wegmans Food Markets

Newsweek, with Statista Inc., has a different list of America’s Top 10 Best Customer Service 2020. This list was put together based on a few factors such as quality of communication, professional competence, range of services, customer focus, and accessibility:

Disney Cruise Line
Neiman Marcus
The Ritz-Carlton
Edward Jones
Chick-fil-A
L.L.Bean
National Storage Affiliates
Embassy Suites
Publix
Beau Coup

Start Showing Customers Your Care Today!

Customers need to know that they are being valued and they can count on your team if any problem arises. You must make it easy for them to connect with you and resolve their concerns quickly. As you improve your customer service and experience, you will notice a rise in customer satisfaction. After all, happy customers equal happy businesses!

9 Best Customer Service Examples for 2026

Nadine Sampson 25th June 2020 blog, Customer Service

Customer care and support are essential as they can determine how well a company performs. If you are looking to upgrade your service, check these best customer service examples and give them a try!

Best Customer Service Companies for 2026

From small gestures to quick responses to individual care, customer support can go a long way in securing valued customers and clients. Here we list 11 best customer service examples of companies that try hard to offer quality customer care and please their valued customers.

1. Amazon.com

Amazon has risen tremendously in the past decade. Almost every individual uses Amazon to purchase gifts, household equipment, clothing, books, and more. In fact, users tend to look at Amazon first to get products that may not be available in any other physical or online retail store. Plus, the e-commerce giant is quick to offer refunds and even makes the return process easy with multiple drop-off locations. This makes Amazon one of the top customer service examples to model your support team after.

2. Google

Google, like Amazon, has grown into a service most people use on a daily basis. From its search engine to Google phones, Chromebooks, and apps, to marketing and advertising, Google is embedded in almost everything we do. It is, therefore, necessary that they pay attention to how we use the service. The company is extremely accessible via live chat, email, and phone. They even have an extensive forum for common issues and frequently asked questions. This helps users get quick answers to their concerns and resolve them successfully. They also offer deals and discounts (and at times, even gift products for free) to valued and loyal customers.

3. Chewy.com

Chewy has been steadily growing and earning its place in customers’ hearts. The key is to genuinely care about the pets and animals they are providing resources for. If a customer is unsatisfied with a product, they are quick to respond with a refund and possible solutions or alternatives. All the while keeping the interaction friendly and empathetic. With pets, it is often possible that you purchase a product that might not work out. Having a customer support team to right that wrong in the easiest way possible can be a huge load off your shoulders.

4. Publix

Publix is another top pick from great customer service examples because they’ve been voted the “South’s Best Grocery Store” and selected as one of “America’s Best Supermarkets,” both in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, Publix has continued to care for customers as well as their own employees. Employee satisfaction is an essential key to good customer service. If your employees are unhappy, how do you expect them to translate happiness to customers? Publix has this nailed down!

5. Starbucks

Starbucks pays great attention to details and uses that to meet exceptional customer service standards all over the world. Each type of drink is uniquely made with a precise pattern and ingredients that are easy to imitate elsewhere. From specialty drinks to cozy store designs to even their own music profile on Spotify for customers who care about music, Starbucks has been innovating in regards to customer care for years and continues to do so.

6. Chick-Fil-A

The customer service team at Chick-Fil-A is known for being professional and courteous. In fact, in 2016, they were rated the most polite employees for always including the magic words “please” and “thank you” in their interactions.

7. Aldi

Aldi has won many customers’ and shoppers’ hearts over the years with their low cost, high-quality items, and selection of produce. Even though the store is a supermarket, it creates a personal feel that appeals to customers of different sectors.

8. Costco Wholesale

Costco is a favorite all over the United States. Their low prices, top quality, bulk purchasing, easy policy, and free samples make them one of the best customer service examples, easily. And these factors are the reason why they receive loads of new members every year while retaining the ones they already have.

9. JetBlue

JetBlue is considered one of the top best customer service examples because they use small gestures to make their customers feel valued and cared for. In fact, in the 2019 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, this company was awarded the Top Customer Satisfaction Honor Among Low-Cost Carriers. From cheap cancellation fees to complimentary snacks, JetBlue makes an effort to take care of its customers and offer a worry-free service.

Why are These Customer Service Teams Successful?

The reason why these companies and businesses are mentioned in lists of top customer service examples is because they are doing something right. So, what are they doing well? These companies:

Are accessible through different channels.
Customize and personalize wherever applicable to make users feel special and involved.
Practice active listening and quick responses.
Study customer behavior and preferences in an attempt to serve better.
Provide self-service content and FAQs.
And are highly motivated to serve well.

Let us leave you with these questions to consider: Is your business trying to achieve these goals? Where do you see room for improvement? How can you enhance customer experience and service? What is the next step?

6 Ways to Get People to Buy Your Product

Luke Genoyer 25th June 2020 blog, Business Insights

Most sales reps constantly contemplate: how can you get people to buy your product? What can you do to quickly close a deal that you have been working on for weeks? How do you convince prospects who are on the fence to make a purchase? What efforts can you make to ensure sales go smoothly?

How to Get People to Buy Your Product

Even though it’s hard to close certain deals, part of being a successful sales rep means not giving up. So, what can you do to get people to buy your product? Here is a look at the most common hurdles to closing sales and how you can communicate clearly to ensure your products get noticed and ultimately, purchased.

1. Avoid Using Heavy Jargon

Overly technical language can easily put a customer off. Instead of using jargon or commonly used industry cliches, make it easy for your clients to understand what your product consists of, what the benefits are, and how they can apply it to their needs.

2. Focus on the Benefits of Your Product or Service

Most agents or reps tend to list down all the features that come along with a product or service. However, while clients are interested in what a product does, they also want to know what it means for them specifically. Understand their needs and business so you can demo your product as a solution that helps them.

3. Keep Them Engaged with Email Marketing

Use email marketing to educate and inform customers, not just to remind them of your business. Why are prospects hesitating from making purchases? Can you offer more information about the product or service your company provides? Use email to continue the conversation in a productive, informative way.

4. Emphasize How Your Brand is Unique and Different

Get a prospect to pay attention to your specific product and brand by demonstrating how it is unique and different from others offering similar or the same product. Generic benefits and features may convince a client to purchase, but it does not guarantee that they will buy it from you. So show them how your brand is separate from the others, offers better features or functions, and why it’s important in the industry.

For example, our sales reps spend a majority of their time explaining how our international toll-free numbers are quite different from services offered by other providers. A focus on differentiation will surely help convince more people to buy your products.

5. Use Testimonials and Case Studies to Demonstrate Success

Include reviews, testimonials, and case studies on your website and social media platforms. You should constantly be asking your best customers for testimonials. Highlight how customers have already used the product so new customers can visualize it and see how it works in action. Include statistics and hard data to support your claims.

6. Create a Sense of Urgency for Difficult Customers

Sales reps have to deal with customers who do not get off the fence. Even though they are solid and promising leads, they need ongoing convincing. So how can you increase the urgency without using high-pressure tactics? Short-term offers or deals with an expiration date can help close these deals while triggering them with immediacy.

Close the Deal!

Now that you know a variety of inside sales tactics to get people to buy your product, start implementing these methods into your strategy to improve your sales record. Be patient and find maneuvers that will help you enhance your efforts; using the right tools and strategy, you will be converting sales successfully.

Top 11 Qualities of a Successful Sales Rep

Luke Genoyer 24th June 2020 blog, Sales Management

What does it take to be the best sales rep out there? Here are 11 top qualities every salesperson who wants to be successful should have. A critical eye and hard work will help you achieve your goals better and perform your job effectively.

How to Become a Successful Sales Rep?

As a salesperson, you need to prepare yourself through education, networking, and more to handle calls and clients in the best way possible. So, what are the key elements to be a successful sales rep? Here are the 11 qualities only the best sales reps possess:

1. Stay Persistent But Respectful

Most sales require multiple follow-ups and contacts, yet reps are generally inclined to abandon a call after the first or second follow-up. The idea here is to not be too persistent so as to frustrate the prospect. However, a successful sales rep has to be persistent to close more deals. For inbound leads, 6 to 10 attempts to contact a person is considered the industry norm.

Persistence does not suggest aggressiveness. When following up with clients, ask if they are still interested in completing or achieving a goal with the help of your product or service. Speak with them about the issues they are facing and help them identify your product as a viable solution.

2. Be Goal-Oriented

It is every sales rep’s responsibility to know and understand what the goals are and what is expected of them. If you are not goal-oriented, then you are not moving towards the same direction as the rest of your team or company. This can lead to confusion, lack of motivation, and more. Keep track of the company’s goals as well as the personal goals you set for yourself. Make a plan and aim for it. Track your progress either bi-weekly or monthly. And, most importantly, be sure to celebrate those small victories.

3. Stake Your Claim as an Expert in the Industry

A good sales rep takes the time to study the company, its products, values, as well as the industry the company resides in. Understanding the target audience’s businesses — from general goals to daily tasks — is valuable. As an expert in the field, you will be able to help customers understand how your product can be applicable and useful in their specific business. You can use this information to guide and consult them and offer your product as a solution.

4. Be Tech-Savvy

Depending on the business you represent, you will be required to work with different technologies and software. This is why it is important that you take time to master the tech most frequently used in demos, meetings, presentations, or calls. The tech used can range from video communication tools, CRM software, outbound calling software, PowerPoint presentations, and so on. Learn how to troubleshoot common issues, bad internet connectivity, etc.

5. Adopt Active Listening

Paying attention to prospects and clients is crucial. If you don’t listen, you will not be able to provide useful information and solutions. Sticking to the script is important, yes, but every prospect and client is different. Their needs, issues, and goals differ. To understand their problems and provide them with the best help, you should listen actively to what they have to say. This way together both of you can make a plan that satisfies their needs.

6. Take Rejection Well

Rejection is a common occurrence with outbound sales calls. Not every prospect has the time, patience, or even interest in what your product is or what you are presenting. And while rejection is hard, a good sales rep knows how to overcome rejection. Take risks and pursue promising deals. And if you are rejected, bounce back and focus on the successes.

7. Focus on Building Relationships

As a sales rep, your job includes — and at times, depends on — building strong relationships. Therefore, you need to be able to build a rapport, strike up interesting conversations, and be a good listener. Research your prospects and their businesses deeply. Ask follow-up questions. Let your client know that they are important to you and your business and they are not just another prospect on your long list.

8. Network, Because Your Business Depends on it

Salespeople love to network. This includes being involved in relevant online and offline communities, having various business connections and relationships, and knowing the ways of your business and industry.

9. Multi-tasker

As a sales rep, you will be handling a variety of tasks and deals simultaneously. Therefore, you should know how to prioritize and juggle promising leads while responding to and following up with leads in the initial stages of the selling process.

10. Understand How to Communicate Well

This should go without saying but a sales rep that cannot communicate well will struggle with leads and clients. You should have good verbal and written business communication skills and use the right industry-jargon to inform, educate, and sell your services and products.

11. Patience (Is More Than a Virtue)

Finally, be patient. Inside sales can be hectic and often overwhelming. You will come across some very difficult clients and situations. Take the time to evaluate and find the best possible solutions.

Self-Evaluation is Key!

Evaluate yourself and understand your strengths and weaknesses with honesty and determination to consistently perfect your skills. How many of these qualities do you possess? And what areas do you need to improve in? Find yourself a good mentor who can help, teach, and guide you. With hard work, you can be the next successful sales rep in your team. Good luck!

7 Cold Calling Tips to Close More Sales

Miguel Isabal 18th June 2020 blog, Sales Management

Many in the sales industry ask if cold calling still works. The short answer is: yes, it still works but only if done right. Here are 7 practical cold calling tips that can help you generate better sales.

Generate Sales with These Cold Calling Tips

Businesses have been using cold calling for years to garner new customers and improve their sales growth. It is the most effective way to set appointments with relevant decision makers at your target accounts. However, while calling cold is easy it may not always convert into a sale, booking, or an appointment.

Here are successful cold calling tips that can help you manage these calls better with improved results.

1. Be Personable, Focus on the Prospect

Most individuals are not interested in being pitched to and may try to get off the phone as you try to make your sale. For this reason, it is important to develop a personable and human interaction at the very beginning of the call. Avoid sounding monotonous or reading straight off a script. Pause to ask prospects how they are doing. Try to understand their demographic and needs so you can present your product or service as a solution. Listen to their concerns or questions and provide easy-to-follow answers. Give them reasons to listen to your pitch and consider your product or company.

2. Follow Scripts But Don’t Be Robotic

It is recommended to stick to the script so you are not promising or adding anything that may cause an issue later. However, customize your interaction with each client. People can tell immediately if you are robotically reading a script and not pausing for questions. To avoid putting clients off, personalize the interaction by using their name, repeating something they mentioned before, and more. This will let them know they are not simply one of the million people you are speaking to and that their business will be valued.

3. Use Technology to Speed Up Processes

One of the most important cold calling tips is to upgrade the technologies used. Agents and employees performing cold calling in large volumes need the right tools to support their efforts.

Consider investing in an outbound call center software with customizable caller ID capabilities and a dialer. This way, you can override the caller ID to display a toll free or local number of the area being called. Prospects are more likely to answer a local number or one they recognize as local instead of a random number.

Use a web dialer to quickly place calls, save contact information and call notes, etc. A well-designed CRM to keep track of customer interaction can also greatly improve productivity and efficiency.

4. Be Respectful of Their Time

When contacting prospects, let them know you consider their time valuable. Start calls by asking how the client is doing. Let them know that this call won’t take long. If they seem to reject it or are busy, ask them when is a good time for a follow-up. Additionally, when booking appointments, instead of giving them a time, ask when would be convenient for them.

5. Make Calls During Certain Times and Days

One of the most common and oldest cold calling tips is making calls during specific times and days. For years, we have been told that Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to call, and it still rings true. Mondays and Tuesdays are important business days because people are usually planning their week, catching up on emails and updates, etc. They are more likely to reject calls during these days.

Additionally, you want to place calls during specific times of the day where they are more likely to pay attention to you. Studies have found the best times to call are between 11 am and 12 pm (before lunch) or 4 pm and 5 pm (as the workday ends). Calling early in the morning as people are scrambling to get to work will be more of a hindrance than a successful call. If you’re calling across time zones, we recommend using a world clock like timeanddate.com or 24timezones.

6. Always Follow-Up

Follow-up either by calling again or sending an email or text message. This follow-up can be to answer a question or query, to remind them of the upcoming appointment, collect feedback, or simply to check in.

7. Use Collaborative Language

Studies show that the use of collaborative language results in more successful calls. Use “we” and “our” language instead of “I/my” language. Make yourself appear as part of a bigger team. This can help build credibility and demonstrate your company as large and capable.

8. Do Your Research

Prospects appreciate when sellers do their research. At the very least, you should understand who your target customers are. You should also go the extra step and research the prospect before your call. For example, you should know the person’s name and his or her position in the company.

Try These Cold Calling Tips!

Keep these tips in front of your employees or refresh them in your next upcoming training. Experiment with them to see which works best with your product and service.

To learn more about Global Call Forwarding’s business phone service and how it can support your cold outbound calling efforts, call us at 1 (888) 908 6171.

9 Ways for a Call Center to Use a Web Dialer

Nadine Sampson 17th June 2020 blog, Call Center

More and more companies (call center or not) are using a call center dialer or a web dialer to support their outbound calling strategies. The main reason is that this type of dialer can be used on any device and from any location. Here we will discuss what these dialers are and 9 practical ways you can use them to increase productivity and customer relations.

What is a Web Dialer?

A web dialer or call center dialer is a keypad tool that allows your employees to make business calls through a computer or smartphone. Call center dialers and web dialers are not meant for call centers exclusively. Regular businesses that engage in outbound calling for sales or customer retention purposes can use this dialer to connect with local and international customers. Virtual phone service providers like Global Call Forwarding offer web dialers with their outbound calling service.

Who Can Use a Call Center Dialer?

Businesses of every kind — start-ups, remote and hybrid workspaces, small businesses, large enterprises — can use a web dialer to manage their inbound and outbound calling efforts. Depending on what type of company you operate, there are two types of calling:

Inbound calling: incoming calls by customers, prospects, and vendors usually for customer service and support.
Outbound calling: outgoing calls made by your team to customers and prospects to increase sales.

A web dialer allows you to receive and make calls from your computer or smartphone. This means that you do not need to invest in desk phones for every employee. They simply download a software, application, or browser extension. Most providers will offer a call center dialer with additional features such as the ability to save caller notes, update contact information, check voicemail, CRM integrations, etc.

Web Dialer: 9 Practical Uses

Here are the top 9 ways your team can use a call center dialer to increase productivity and efficiency.

1. Sales and Lead Generation

Use the call center dialer to quickly contact various prospects on your sales list and generate new leads. You can store and update prospect information, notes on the interaction regarding whether they qualify, whether they demonstrate an interest in the product, need a follow-up call, and so on. This way, you create a contact and the next time you call them, you have a history to build off of, and can quickly dial the number. Dialers are a call center favorite when it comes to calling large volumes of customers.

2. Increase Brand Awareness

Besides merely calling to make a sale or appointment, you can use a web dialer to promote your brand and increase visibility. Use market research to identify target audiences and demographics. Then, contact these potential prospects from this list and introduce them to your brand and its products and services. You can offer them a promotion or direct them to your website where they can learn more about the services you offer. This will help you get closer to target consumers.

3. Connect with International Clientele

Global Call Forwarding’s outbound calling service comes with a customizable caller ID capability. This means you can customize your outgoing caller ID and override it with a toll free or local number (of the location being called) previously purchased. Customers who receive such calls will see a toll free number or a local number and are more likely to answer the call. The main reason is that local or toll free calls are inexpensive compared to international calling.

You can get multiple international toll free and local numbers for countries across the world. With this service, you can call internationally for much cheaper rates and avoid paying long-distance calling fees.

4. Welcome New Customers

Use your call center dialer to welcome and verify new customers when they sign up or make their first purchase. This will demonstrate customer care as it shows that you value their business. You can verify purchases, offer to help them understand your service better, activate accounts, and so on.

5. Follow-Up on Recent Purchases

Check in with customers who made recent or repeated purchases with follow-up calls. Ask for feedback, how the experience was, or anything that can be done to improve the service. This too will display that your business cares about how customers interact with it. Your team should always try to improve customer service and this is one way to do so.

6. Reach Out to Abandoned Carts

Abandoned carts occur when an interested customer starts the check-out process but does not complete it. In other words, they abandon their cart and don’t make a purchase. Follow-up on abandoned carts with calls to identify reasons why customers may hesitate to purchase your product or service. Inquire how processes can be made simpler or help them complete the purchase.

7. Execute Customer Retention Strategies

Bringing new customers abroad can be more expensive than retaining customers. Having the ability to quickly contact important and valued customers can help you improve customer relations. Some good customer retention strategies include calling customers and prospects to:

Schedule new appointments
Set sales appointments at more convenient times
Remind them of upcoming appointments, payments, renewals, etc
Help reduce abandoned carts, and more

Keeping in touch with customers shows that your business is customer-focused and this will help you retain existing customers.

8. Raise Funds/Donations

Another useful application of a call center dialer is when your organization is conducting a fundraising campaign. You can reach out to members or prospects, present your campaign, and more through an outbound calling service.

9. Collect Customer Surveys and Feedback

Finally, a call center dialer can speed up phone surveys and help you collect feedback from customers about certain services, products, or interactions. Use this feedback to improve your overall service and offer better customer care.

Need a Call Center Dialer for Your Business?

Voice IP and web dialers can work together to give you the right tools to support inbound and outbound calling. Your business may fall behind if you do not take advantage of the right tools.

You can get a web dialer with our outbound calling service attached to your virtual phone number plan. Sign up today on our homepage or contact us for more questions!

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