In today's age, getting your calls answered is like navigating a minefield, with several key obstacles standing in the way. Let's dive into the 4 most common barriers:
The "Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing" Dilemma
Imagine you're waiting for a call from a big-name company like Amazon or Netflix, but your phone labels it as "Spam Likely." This scenario is increasingly common due to carrier algorithms that are supposed to weed out unwanted calls but often mistakenly flag legitimate ones as spam. It's like having a highly sensitive security system in your home that sounds the alarm for both burglars and your friends. Just as these major companies can have their calls misidentified, so too can your business's calls fall victim to this mislabeling.
Solution: Get your phone numbers constantly monitored and automatically remediated if they get mislabeled.
The "Trojan Horse" Tricksters
In the quest for profit, some individuals employ deceitful tactics that can ensnare unsuspecting companies. This can range from providing false contact information with the hope of suing the company, to advertisers submitting bogus leads to earn commissions. It's like the ancient story of the Trojan Horse: what appears to be a gift (a new lead or contact) turns out to be a scheme fraught with danger. These deceptive practices not only waste resources but can also damage a company's reputation and legal standing.
Solution: Have the phone numbers you’re going to call get filtered through a system that can identify and block bad actors.
The "ID, Please" Protocol
Not authenticating your calls with STIR/SHAKEN protocols is like trying to enter a secure building without an ID badge. These protocols serve as a digital handshake, verifying the call's origin and ensuring it's not spoofed. Without this verification, your calls are more likely to be mistrusted and declined. It's similar to a bouncer checking IDs at a club; without proper identification, you're not getting in. Ensuring your calls are authenticated helps in building trust with recipients, much like wearing a visible ID badge makes security personnel more likely to let you through.
Solution: Only use a phone system that follows STIR/SHAKEN protocols.
The "Peephole Paradox"
Imagine someone knocks at your door, but they cover the peephole or your doorbell camera. You're unlikely to open the door, right? The same principle applies to phone calls. If your company name doesn't display on the caller ID, it raises suspicions, making it less likely for your call to be answered. It's the telephone equivalent of a visitor covering the peephole — without visibility into who's on the other side, people are hesitant to engage. Ensuring your company's name appears on caller ID is like wearing a name tag; it introduces you before you even speak, making the interaction more likely to be welcomed.
Solution: Get your calls branded with your company name.
Navigating the modern landscape of telecommunication requires awareness of these obstacles and implementing strategies to overcome them (Ytel can help!). By addressing these issues head-on, you can increase the likelihood of your calls being answered, paving the way for successful communication.