On The Line How can I take calls for my part-time business when I'm working a full-time job?

Question: I'm planningto start a professional organizing service but must remain in myregular job until I can generate at least half my needed income.How can I still be accessible to potential clients? Is itacceptable for my voice-mail greeting to state that I'll returncalls within 24 hours? I'll rarely be home to take calls onweekdays. Is it necessary to "apologize" for notanswering calls in person?

Sandra Trca-Black
Story City, Iowa

Answer: Don't bedefensive about not answering your phone in person. Instead,capitalize on your "problem" by lightheartedly saying inyour message that you're out "organizing" orsomething else that implies you're in demand.

Yes, you can say you promise to return calls within 24 hours,but committing to a faster turnaround time is better. Often ifsomeone seeking services doesn't get a live person or at leastthe assurance their call will be answered shortly, they'll goon to the next name they have.

Here are other easy steps you can take to turn callers into yourclients:

Get Caller ID so, if someone doesn't leave you amessage, you can call the number to see whether the caller needs aprofessional organizer. You may even stimulate business from peoplewho phoned you for some other purpose.

Instead of just having an answering machine or voicemail, consider using personal communications assistant technology,such as Wildfire, Oryx, Personal Assistant or SoloCall. These giveyour callers more of a sense of personal service.

Small-business experts Paul and Sarah Edwards' latestbook is The Practical Dreamer's Handbook(PutnamPublishing Group). If you have a question regarding a start-upbusiness issue, contact them at www.workingfromhome.com orsend it c/o Entrepreneur.