What do you do when you work from home (your own business) and you come down with the flu? Is there a number you can call and let them know that you're sick and cannot come in today? If only!
Since Saturday I've been hit by one of those dreaded winter flu's (mind you this winter marks the very first time I ever got the flu vaccine). Feverish, headache, entire body hurts and my throat is soar.. the flu! It takes everything out of me to get out of bed today to ensure the websites I do support for are fully functional and all customers are happy. This means replying to tons of emails and support tickets.
Here's a tip... create as many short cuts as you can that will not only save you time, but will help you when you get the flu and cannot function at 100%. In my Eudora (email program) I've set up responses for all of the common questions I receive. But a canned response can be spotted and many customers hate them. Be sure to personalize the canned response, so start your reply with Hello , and simply place the persons name in the field when responding. This will allow you to respond to a customer or client in the time it takes to type their name.
Here is an example of a canned response I use...
Hello
Thank you for taking the time to contact us with your concern.
Step 1 - Place the Cd into your cd drive on your computer.
Step 2 - Open your text editor ( MS Word, Works, Note pad, Word Pad or MS Excel)
Step 3 - Click on "File" (top right) .. then "open"
Step 4. You should see the option to choose which file you want to open. In the area marked"Look In" choose the drive that your cd was placed in. Once you have the source chosenthe list of files with the leads should appear.
Step 5. Choose the file you want to open and hit "open".Note : If you use MS excel to open the file, it will automatically open in a spreadsheet format.Note : Depending on the version of operating system you have installed on your computer the disc will automatically open after you load it into your cd drive.
Best Regards
Chris De La Rosa
Owner / Operator
www.genuinejobs.com
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I have this saved as a stationery file within my Eudora, so all I do is hit "reply with" and edit the name field. It's that simple.
Create as many short cuts as you can, remember we can't call in sick!
regards
Chris
Chris De La Rosa is a work from home dad who manages Genuinejobs.com where users have free access to vacant work from home, telecommute, freelance and contract jobs You can also get help with your resume, cover letter and tips on a successful job interview. You can also read my daily entries at my blog, A work from home dad's story.
