There was a time when I didn’t believe in using headsets and in retrospect it was an “ego” thing.
When I launched my business last year, I decided to lose the ego and suite up with proper phone gear.
There are 3 reasons why I enjoy using a headset, let’s get the obvious one out of the way first.
I like to work “hands free”
Its not uncommon for me to have to access a document, an email, my CRM, a web page etc and a headset makes it easy but wait, there’s more!
I tend to use my hands quite a bit when I talk. Working hands free, frees up my hands to flail, move and even make offensive gestures when someone is rude and hangs up on me.
I think one of the reasons why people can sound unnatural when making calls is because in a normal conversation, you aren’t holding a phone.
I like to move when I speak to people
I believe heavily in the concept of “motion leads to emotion” when speaking on the phone.
Being able to get up and move helps me manufacture energy and I believe it translates through the phone.
If people can “hear” a smile, they can sure as heck feel the force in Uncle Paul when he transfers energy through the phone.
It helps me change things up!
My final reason might be more of a selling point for a wireless headset or even a cell phone, but its valid just the same.
I don’t like to stare at the same four walls when I have lots of calls to make!
A wireless headset or cell helps with that big time!
Sometimes I make my calls in another room in my house, quite often I like to make my calls from the patio, sometimes I pack a beach chair and make calls from the park, I have clients who simply make calls from different offices, the conference room etc and here’s where this is going . . .
Different settings can jolt our creativity and free us from a sense of being confined to our prospective cubicles.
Different settings have different behaviors and protocols attached to them. In other words, we associate different ways to act in different settings so if I associate being relaxed with being outside and in my beach chair . . . why not?
One obvious disclaimer . . . if you have a bunch of dogs barking or trucks doing whatever the hell trucks do in the background it might sound a tad unprofessional.
I use two different headsets
I use the Plantronics CT14 Wireless headset. Its comfortable, compact, clear and I get a good 300 feet out of that sucker!
Investment: 159.99
I also use the GE VOIP All In One Foldable Headset. This is really versatile headset that can be used for Skype, your cell phone and even as headphones for your iPhone. They fold up really small which is ideal with all the travel I do. The quality is pretty good and certainly good enough for recording my Sales Playbook Podcast each week!
Investment: $29.99
Your turn . . . What are your thoughts about using a headset?
I have been using a headset now for about 6 weeks and it has transformed the way I work. As you say Paul, the clients “hear” the smile! Also, standing up gives you more volume in your lungs to project your speech to make an even better, confident call. I also have just set myself up with twin screens for the PC and that has been great…so I can jump around between emails, internet and databases whist on the phone. Only downside re the headset is that I’m on a lead/leash…so I only have about 12 foot of roaming from my desk.. before I get pulled back in!
Great points about projecting Max and the 12 fool “leash”. I could see myself getting so focused on a call that I pulled the phone right off my desk 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I particularly prefer to be “hands free” and to have the ability, as you said, to walk, move, change scenery, etc. Nothing distracts me more than being “chained” to a desk, staring at a computer screen.
Paul, do you have the same problems though with the headset messing up your hair as I do?
Ha . . . I have a problem with light reflecting off my head and blinding people who don’t know to “look away from Castain’s head”
That “chained to a desk” thing might just be the death of sales people . . . like caging a wild animal.Thanks Sean!
thanks for the info on head sets …. I have been thinking of doing this for a while now …. and you have just convinced me…. thanks again
Awesome Lisa!
Please let us know how this works for you!
Thanks!
Paul,
I have used a wireless headset for years. I talk with my hands so it helps me communicate more effectively. I also like to stand and walk around while I am on the phone.
My colleagues used to tease me that I looked like a telephone operator. While they were teasing, I was making sales. Teasing stopped pretty quickly.
How much is your ego worth? Will it pay your mortgage or buy that new car? Not likely.
Cheers,
Marc
Fantastic point about the “ego” and how much its worth Marc!
To me these things are essential tools for the serious sales professional.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and have an awesome Monday my friend!
In our world of webinars and travel to group presentations while working in our mobile office they are a must have. Especially when you consider the laws in most states now. The only bluetooth headset I have liked (and received raving comments from listeners) is also by Plantronics. Thank you for the research Paul!!
Thank YOU Thomas!
Funny! I don’t have an ego thing about the headset – maybe because I’m a girl :). I used a wired headset when I have a “block” of phone calling in my calendar. It keeps me focused (and literally tied to my desk) AND when someone else walks into my cube they back out quietly when they see I have the headset on. Double duty!
Julie It might just be a guy girl thing 🙂
Thanks and have an awesome Wednesday my friend!
Funny! I don’t have an ego thing about the headset – maybe because I’m a girl :). I used a wired headset when I have a “block” of phone calling in my calendar. It keeps me focused (and literally tied to my desk) AND when someone else walks into my cube they back out quietly when they see I have the headset on. Double duty!
I have a $15 headset that I use with my cell phone. Not long ago I took a call without it being attached, asked the caller to hold, and then I plugged it in. The caller said that I sounded clearer–so now I’m using it regularly.
Its amazing how technology is now quite affordable Fred. Your point is well taken.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
I totally agree with these comments. I typically take notes, access past emails or web sites, and need to be hands free. Like Paul’s idea about walking around when I don’t have to access the computer though. Thanks for all of your great ideas Paul.
Thank YOU Elyn!
Paul -We’ve never met in person but I can TOTALLY imagine you walking around and using your hands while talking! And your energy is conveyed through the call so it’s clearly working…
I have but one small addition to the “disclaimers” – please don’t use the restroom while on a headset – those mics are REALLY sensitive these days!
(I know it seems silly to actually think that folks wouldn’t already know that, but I’ve seen/heard it done… ick…)
Nice of you to provide the product suggestions too – always helpful when searching for a new piece of equipment!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Virtually Yours,
Anne-Marie
That’s an excellent point and unfortunately it means that we have to add . . . “Don’t borrow someone else’s headset” 🙂
Thanks Anne-Marie!
I owe you an email by the way!
Paul,
I use a bluetooth earpiece that verizon sold me for my Iphone. It works pretty well. For awhile, I got away from using it but have lately started back up. I like it for most of the points you mention.
Aside from Anne-Marie’s point below, I find that when you are dealing face-to-face with clients they often are not expecting you to be already talking with someone. Therefore, I would have to add to the list that you should “unplug” yourself before face-to-face meetings with clients. It’s rude.
Thanks John!
I agree!
I’m a hands-free hand flailer too, so empathise with your post!
I knew there had to be at least 2 of us out there 🙂
Thanks Ian!
Good information, I also like to move around throughout the day when talking on the phone. I also enjoy the Bose in-ear head phones for mobile use.
Thanks Cory!