The Jilly Two-Step...no it's not a dance!

I'm not a "DYI-er"..."Do It Yourselfer". I subscribe to the "Jilly Two-Step" philosophy. If I want something done, I do two steps: Pick up the phone, and write a check. Voila. It's done and I didn't have to take a night class or rent a large piece of machinery to get it done.

As a self-proclaimed Non-DYIer, I have learned to watch for particular talents of those around me and I lean on them when I have a particular need or problem. For instance, my friend Carmen, she has a great brain and a fantastic business sense. I lean on her for professional and creative guidance. My friend Ray is a killer landscaper, I watch and learn from him instead of HGTV.

So what exactly do I bring to the table in terms of talents? I don't have a strong fashion sense, nor can I sew/stitch/draw/cut/create ANYTHING with my hands--no arts and crafts or scrap booking for me. Alas, I am not devoid of talent....in all honesty, my passion, good or bad, is my work.

Sounds odd, but yes...I am passionate about on-hold marketing. Sexy isn't it? But seriously, as your "friend" let me share some tips with you. I realize you didn't ask me--but indulge me nonetheless:

• Don’t play some canned, off-the-shelf, for your industry message.
• Don’t have platitudes reminding the caller he/she is on hold (i.e. “Thank you for holding, someone will be right with you.)
• Callers do listen and they do form an opinion about what they hear. Rely on a professional to deliver copy that will meet up to that expectation.
• Music alone is a missed opportunity—add timely, relevant messages.
• Don’t ever ever EVER play the same greeting month after month, year after year, no matter what you do or who you work with!

Keep your on-hold ears on. You might be surprised at what you hear!