Small business owners know that time is gold dust. Ever lost track of the hours spent answering calls? Scheduling appointments. Handling customer enquiries. Addressing complaints. The list goes on.
Answering calls may seem necessary to run your business, but it’s holding you back. The team at Bizik, one of the UK’s leading telephone answering providers, explains why outsourcing to a call answering service allows you to focus on growing your company, improving customer satisfaction, and making strategic decisions.
Read on to uncover the hidden costs of answering calls, the benefits of outsourcing, and how to choose the best virtual phone answering service for your needs.
The hidden costs of answering your calls
Running a business means staying focused, but frequent phone calls interrupt this. Stopping to answer a call makes it much harder to complete tasks efficiently. In a University of California Irvine study, researchers shadowed workers and studied their productivity. Gloria Mark, Professor in the Department of Informatics, revealed that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to the task after an interruption. This means even a few daily calls can derail your entire work schedule.
At first glance, interruptions might seem harmless, or even beneficial, since the study showed that people work faster when frequently interrupted. However, this speed comes at a cost. Workers start rushing tasks to compensate for lost time, leading to higher stress, increased frustration, heavier workloads, and time pressure. In the long run, constant disruptions can drain your focus, reduce the quality of your work, and be exhausting.
Lost opportunities
Missed calls can translate into lost revenue. A potential client calling for a quote or information may jump to a competitor if they don’t get an immediate answer. At the same time, spending too much time on the phone means less time for higher-value activities that contribute to growing your business.
By outsourcing calls, small businesses can rest assured that their calls are handled professionally and promptly while maximising their productivity. Let’s understand how a telephone answering service can help small businesses thrive.
The benefits of using a call answering service
A telephone answering service ensures every customer receives assistance, care, and attention. It improves response times, reduces missed opportunities, and lets small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners focus on growing their businesses without constant interruptions.
Improved customer service
Customers appreciate an efficient, personalised service, and a dedicated answering service ensures their concerns are handled just like an in-house receptionist would address them.
Some key advantages include:
- Flexibility: Reduced delays and miscommunication thanks to message-taking and call-transfer options.
- Professional representation: Specialist telephone handling agents, trained in your business, providing a consistent and positive customer experience.
- Call filtering: Forwarding only critical calls to you, letting you focus on more important tasks.
Increased professionalism
A virtual phone answering service enhances your company’s professional image and reinforces credibility and trust. Consistent call handling means customers always receive a high level of service. This reliability strengthens your reputation and gives the impression of a well-structured, established business.
Even if you’re a small team or a growing startup, by maintaining a professional presence, you’ll create stronger customer relationships and improve brand perception.
Cost savings
Hiring a full-time receptionist comes with significant expenses, including salaries, benefits, office space, and training costs. By contrast, a call answering service offers flexible pricing options with few or no long-term commitments, making it a cost-effective alternative. By outsourcing, businesses can save thousands per year while maintaining a high level of professional customer service.
According to Deloitte’s Global Outsourcing Survey 2024, 80% of executives planned to maintain or increase investment in third-party outsourcing, highlighting its role in cost reduction and operational efficiency.
Maximised productivity
Outsourcing call answering allows SME owners to get back valuable hours in their day. They can then focus on growth and strategy, improving their products or services, and strengthening customer relationships. With fewer distractions, small business owners can dedicate their time to innovation, networking, and expanding their reach to drive long-term success.
How to choose the best call answering service for your business
Choosing the right service means evaluating what fits your specific business needs. Consider factors such as:
- 24/7 availability – essential for businesses with customers in different time zones.
- Industry expertise – some providers specialise in specific industries (e.g., medical, legal, or real estate).
- Bilingual support – ideal for businesses with a diverse customer base.
- Call screening and forwarding – ensures you only handle high-priority calls.
Cost considerations
Many services offer flexible plans, from pay-as-you-go to monthly subscriptions. Before committing, look for:
- Free trials – test the service before making a financial commitment.
- Scalability – choose a provider that can grow with your small business.
- Transparent pricing – avoid hidden fees and unclear contracts.
What is the best answering service for small businesses?
This will depend on your business needs. Look for a service that offers flexibility, professional customer interactions, and a pricing model that aligns with your budget.
Get started with a telephone answering service
By outsourcing to a virtual phone answering service, you can take control of your time, improve customer service, and boost efficiency. If you think now is the time to stop phone calls from controlling and interrupting your workday, consider booking a call with the friendly Bizik Sales Team. They’ll be happy to discuss different solutions and determine which service is right for your business. Explore your options today and take the first step toward a more productive business.
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