Posted by BLE on 8/14/05 7:55am
Msg #58988

Question for phone - opinions please.

I'm considering adding a "music ringer" to my phone. That's where the caller hears music while the phone is ringing me. My question is would you do this if you received business calls? I know that some music would be in poor taste but what about popular tunes of the day?

Reply by Kimberly-IN on 8/14/05 8:08am
Msg #58989

I would stick with the regular ring sound, myself. Hearing the music instead of ringing might confuse people.

Reply by Margaret/Florida on 8/14/05 9:29am
Msg #58992

Music can be annoying for business. When I go to websites that have music, it is usually so loud that I get off right away. Its ok for a personal website, but not a business website, unless music if what you sell.
I have been told this also by other professionals. The same should apply for a business cell phone.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/14/05 10:07am
Msg #58993

I do have music on my website. Some signing agents that I asked for opinions from on my website didn't think the music was a good idea.
But, several of the weddings I have done I was told by the bride that they selected me because they just loved the music on my website. One was undecided whether to get married in her home county of Miami-Dade, or get married in her grooms county of Brevard, and after visiting my website she said she just wanted to have me officiate so she got married here in Brevard county. She said it was the music on my website that was the "clincher"

Reply by AnneSoCa on 8/14/05 10:17am
Msg #58995

For business purposes (especially something as "dry" as notary work), I would stick with the ring and not add music. I used to work in the film industry, and our phones would play music from our movies when a customer was on hold, which they liked (sometimes). But it still had a ring when they called initially.

Reply by LawrenceOK on 8/14/05 10:33am
Msg #58999

This business is everything but dry! I would be bored out of my gourd if it were anthing like an 8 to 5. All of the nice and not so nice people we get to spend time with. All of the SS's BS, all of the little country drives (100 miles rt or more) and all the big money we make. I love it.

Reply by Margaret/Florida on 8/14/05 10:20am
Msg #58996

I think it is allright for a wedding website but not the notary business. I have had other websites that were fun and I helped my nephew set up his website because he has a rock band but his music is downloadable.
I am working a setting up a website for my ebay business and it will be fun. I am mixing my passion with business and having a blast. Unlike notary signing that is not so much fun sometimes.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/14/05 10:32am
Msg #58998

But, it isn't a wedding website. It is a mobile notary website, which includes the information that I also do weddings.
They have usually got to my website through 123notary.com
But, the music is working for me, YMMV

Reply by Bonnie/FL on 8/14/05 10:45am
Msg #59003

Did we just get off the track. I thought the question was about music on the phone, not a website. What difference does it make what music you play, when I am with a client, I put my phone on the table in case I need it and put it in "manner mode" so my phone only buzzes and no music, no hideous sounds and no interruption. I can look to see who called and answer if I decide to or return the call when I get back to my car. I also keep it there as an emergency or if I need to call the loan officer. But I don't think I should keep the phone playing music or whatever while doing a signing so put all the music you want as long as it is not playing while you are actually doing a signing. That's just my opinion.

Reply by Margaret/Florida on 8/14/05 11:01am
Msg #59006

Just trying to make a point. I thought she said that it was the music they would here when they called you, not how your phone rings. Sorry, I quess I will get off the board and work on something else.

Reply by BLE on 8/14/05 11:40am
Msg #59009

Just a quick clarification: I'm not referring to the way my cell phone rings when I'm getting a call. I'm referring to what the person doing the calling will hear instead of a ring. You know, when you dial someone's number, you hear it ring until they say hello. I'm considering doing away with the ring until I say hello. Therefore, it would be music the caller would hear. It has nothing to do with how my phone rings. Most of the time, my phone is on "vibrate" anyway. I don't have a website, but thanks for those opinions, too.

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/14/05 5:24pm
Msg #59037

I'll go along with the group that says you shouldn't do this. It's a little too cutesy for a business phone line. There's no benefit from it, but it could give a negative impression to some companies about your professionalism. Why take the risk?

Reply by MarleneM/USNA on 8/15/05 10:27am
Msg #59112

I can't think of anything - with the exception of hearing chainsaws or jackhammers while I'm waiting - that would irritate me more before I even had a chance to speak with you.