Answering the phone

[rich_yau]

Do you wedding photographers have a script or something when you answer a call. I seem to lack confidence on the phone. That coupled with my young teenage sounding voice has a negative effect on prospective clients.<<--- I'm not joking. I've advertised properly, the've seen my images, so they call, and thats the missing link: getting them from the phone to my living room to view portfolios.

technically my dad is the head photographer but he is too busy with his day job to book weddings and handle the paperwork, answer the phone, etc.

I need a voice synth to make me sound like im 35. :lol:

[BrandonSi]

The only thing I could suggest in confidence. Speak loudly (not shouting), and clearly. They are calling you because they've seen your work and have decided you're the best. They want your help. A simple, strong, "xyz studios, Rich speaking" should be sufficient.

[GPR1]

There's an old sales trick: stand up while talking. It's surprising how much more authoritative you can sound.

Greg

[robertwgross]

Just tell the caller that your father is the photographer. You're the assistant. That may go even farther to bolster their confidence because (unlike many wedding photographers) your business is comprised of two or more people.

Better yet. Just tell them that the wedding photography is done by a father-son team. "We work well together." You don't have to explain which one you are.

Also, if you are not used to doing business over the phone, it doesn't hurt to practice. Line up a half-dozen of your close friends or family members. Practice by having them call you and ask about wedding photography. Don't give them any script. You have to think on your feet. Once you've done those, you will have learned something. Now have the same bunch call you again, and you will speak better that time around. Part of it is not so much what you say, but it is what you don't say. You don't have to explain that your father is the main shooter and that he is too busy to talk. A little chat is good, because you may learn extra clues about the proposed clients, but you have to keep it directed toward the business at hand. Don't explain how good you've gotten about photographing your pet snake.

---Bob Gross---

[Kennymc]

Have all the relevant info at hand regarding prices and packages so you don't have to pause while you think or look things up... This will make you sound efficient and business like regardless of what your voice sounds like...

[unners]

just tell them that your grandson takes care of the paperwork

[AjP]

if you won't learn to be confident in yourself, don't do wedding photography at all, otherwise they will "eat" you alive.

[MattyB]

Bloo Dog should tutor me. :)