Can I take live final expense calls on my cell phone?
Yes. Calls can ring the number you give during setup, including a cell phone. Many agents take every call on their cell. The setup below helps you answer well every time.
Where should I take calls?
Take calls in a quiet place with no background noise: no background audio, no traffic, no other conversations. Seniors may have trouble hearing, and noise can make them think you are a call center or that you are distracted. A small room with a closed door works well. Avoid taking calls while driving, because you need your hands and attention for notes and quoting.
How do I make sure the signal is good?
Check your signal where you plan to work. If calls drop or sound choppy, try Wi-Fi calling if your phone and carrier support it, or move to a spot with better reception. A good headset helps your voice sound clear and keeps your hands free. Test with a friend before your first hours.
Should I use call forwarding?
Use call forwarding if you want calls to reach a different number than the one you gave, for example a business line forwarded to your cell. Test it before your hours start, and make sure it does not add long delays or send calls to voicemail. If you use a business phone app, check its settings so calls ring through quickly. Agencies with several numbers can see final expense leads for agencies.
How fast should I answer?
Answer as fast as you can, ideally within the first few rings. The senior just decided to call and may hang up if the phone rings too long. Turn off do-not-disturb during your hours, keep the ringer on and keep the phone with you. Do not let voicemail pick up before you do.
What should I have open while I talk?
Have your quoting tools, carrier applications and a notes template open before your hours start. Keep each carrier's health questions handy. A computer or tablet next to your phone works well, with your cell on a headset or speaker so you can type. Know how each carrier handles phone signatures and first payments.
How do I keep my line free?
Keep your line free by not making outbound calls during inbound hours, and by finishing personal calls before your hours start. If your phone supports call waiting, decide in advance how you will handle a second call. Usually it makes sense to stay with the caller you have.
What should I do after each call?
After each call, finish your notes, set any follow ups and reset your screen for the next caller. If a call ended quickly, move on; calls under 90 seconds are never billed. See what happens if a final expense call is under 90 seconds.
How do I handle missed calls?
Try not to miss calls during your listed hours. If you must step away, plan breaks outside your hours. See how to choose your final expense call hours. If you are often unable to answer, shorten your hours so every listed hour is covered.
What comes next?
With your cell set up, read how to sell final expense over the phone and how to work an inbound final expense call. For the steps to start calls, see how inbound final expense leads work, and see pricing on the pricing page.
How do I keep my phone ready all day?
Keep your phone charged with a charger at your desk, turn off notifications that could interrupt a call, and close apps that use lots of data during your hours. Keep the phone software up to date so calling features work. If you rely on Wi-Fi calling, check your internet before your hours start each day.
What should my voicemail and caller settings be?
Set a short, professional voicemail greeting with your name, in case a call ever reaches it. Make sure your phone does not silence or filter unknown numbers during your hours, since inbound callers will be numbers you have never seen. Check any spam-blocking feature from your phone or carrier, and allow calls through during your hours.