It's not what it costs; it's what you get that counts!

When was the last time you bought the "cheapest" widget and was overwhelmed with satisfaction? I suppose it can happen, especially if the widget doesn't have a big impact on your life, such as a bran muffin or perhaps a pack of gum, but even in those instances, I'm thinking a "cheap" bran muffin might beget an experience I would regret.

"How much does it cost?"

When our prospects ask us that right out of the gate, we know we're in for an uphill battle. And unfortunately, they are setting the stage for a less than satisfactory experience and end result for themselves.

So, for you my friends, some free advice when considering your own messages on hold....

Because what your caller hears is important to you, please approach this decision with more caution than deciding which bran muffin to get.

It is easy as 1-2-3 oh and 4!

1--Who is writing the copy?
You? Your sales person? Pre-written canned copy for your industry? Ixnay on all the above. Because message on hold is only as powerful as the copy, don't leave this to the faint of heart. A professional copy writer, educated and trained specifically to write on-hold copy will be your best bet!

2--Who is the voice talent?
A professional voice talent is loosely defined as one who does this for their day job. I once worked at a TV station, and on occasion, I would be pulled into the studio to do some voice work when they were short handed. That does not qualify as a professional voice talent. The tonal quality of your final delivered product will be noticeably impacted, one way or the other, depending on which type of voice talent records your message.

3--Where is your production being recorded?
Fancy software on a computer and a microphone do not make for a professional sound studio--it makes for a hobby. Demand and expect your production to be created in a sound-proof studio, with professional, state-of-the-art equipment. In particular, be sure the script is being read into a professional microphone.

4--How is your message being delivered?
Plugging in your MP3 player, or CD player, or radio? Stop right now...put the device down and slowly walk away from the phone system! Technology is on your side! You either have a VOIP phone system (Voice Over IP) in which case you will get your production via email, and drag and drop it to play on hold. (How cool is that???) Or, if you have a traditional phone system with a MOH (message on hold) port, there is a digital player that will receive your completed production via a piggy-backed fax line or your internet ethernet port. In other words, REMOTE delivery is the name of the game--saves you time, trouble, and inconsistency!

I know what you're thinking...in order to get ALL that, it will be too expensive, and now you're about to run out and buy that "sounds of the rain forest" CD to plug into your MOH port.

Whoooaaa....with obvious self-serving intentions, let me just tell you that America On Hold delivers all the above for much MUCH less than you might think. In fact, on more than one occasion I've heard the incredulous "That's ALL?" at the end of a presentation.

This isn't rocket science--nor is it bran vs blueberry.