Margaret- I'm not sure who is afraid of being recorded nowadays, because we are recorded every where we go. However, for clients who feel alienated, they are welcome to use my much preferred method-of-contact: email.
If they don't want to write it down in black and white or talk on the telephone, they'll just have to work with another SEO consultant.
Michael, I suspect the use of this might vary legally from state to state, but I didn't sleep at Holiday Inn and I don't have that piece of paper that lets me practice law.
Hi Corrine-- most definitely. Upon hiring, everything is in writing. This is strictly for people that call and want to discuss SEO pre-sale...
Michael...I think your the bees knees when it comes to SEO services! It sounds like this guy ruined an opportunity...his loss!
We use google voice, but for a different reason/benefit. We are diverting our out of state callers here, for less interuptions. I can choose when/whether to take these calls wo/ cluttering up my asst's line (since she's the one that answers all the local customer calls) and the voicemails are recorded. and, there's a transcrsipt (although they have some work to do on those).
One trouble is, I believe, related to when I hear "recorded for quality purposes" I confidently presume the company is lieing to me about why they are recording the conversation. But I put up with it because they are big corporations and I've been there among them and I know why then need to record. Unfortunate they feel they need to lie to me with their absoluate B.S., and unfortunate they get by with it. But I would not grant the same slack to an individual person, particularly a single-shingle guy I'm about to perhaps do business with. Sure will be interesting how this plays out for you, Michael. Guess if I had any advice, or do it myself, rather than feed a line of B.S. about "for quality purposes," I'd level with them in a diplomatic way and say "to be sure I can recall how you describe your needs and you can recall some complex ways I provide service." Or like that. Good luck on this.
I really thought this would be a good idea- but it seems that most people disagree. I respect Mr. Lee Alley a great deal of course. I guess I'm going to give this some more thought. I just want to prevent misunderstandings, but maybe this is the wrong approach.
This is why we have ActiveRain!
Hi Michael - probably best to move on and away from this potential client. Thanks for sharing the Google Voice feature. Regards Dave
Michael,
I can understand your frustration but a HUGE word of caution here. If you're going to record a conversation I suggest you give the notice you hear on other business calls. That is that the call will be recorded. The reason is in some states, Maryland being one, recording an audio conversation without prior notice and consent is a felony. There will always be people who will misrepresent what you say to them but make sure you protect yourself. There are some exceptions where there is no expectation of privacy but a phone call is not one of them.
How interesting...I've never even thought about recording phone conversations.....
I keep text messages and emails.....well, some customers just not easy.....don't take it personally.
Seriously smart! (going to make note of that link for the future) and yes, I was on the phone the other day with a customer and I must have said 5 times, I don't guarantee any rankings! He was certainly trying to get something out of me. I finally said, run from anyone that can promise a position. He finally conceded into working with me... but boy, that recorder would have come in handy. Thanks Michael,
I did not realize that there was such a thing and I, too, would caution recording without some kind of disclaimer...you know how people can be!
Michael, I support the recorded calls. I have no issue being recorded either. I've had some interesting experiences with some, shall we say, interesting characters over the years and I too feel it is a good business practice to record calls. It's a layer of accountability that protects everyone! IMHO.
Why are you doing this after just one complaint? If it were a regular occurence, I would understand, but you might alienate some clients who don't want to be recorded. Yes, we are recorded all the time, but all the same, but mostly with huge companies.