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In an increasingly technologically advanced world, many business practices are becoming digitized. Automation, for example, is becoming increasingly popular within phone systems, as it can help to improve overall efficiency and productivity. A good example of this can be seen with Auto Attendants, or Virtual Receptionists. An Auto Attendant is a digital receptionist that is able to answer and route calls 24/7. Though some may feel automation such as this may minimize the human element - i.e. personability - there are a number of ways automation can be used to improve personalization throughout one's business.

1. Customizable Greetings: All automated services allow for a customizable greeting to some extent. As such, users are able to program greetings with any information they want. Though some services allot for more advanced options - i.e. upload custom audio files, create greetings for specific individuals, etc. - all automations generally allow businesses to provide users with more information and accessibility. For example, an auto attendant can be programmed to include company hours, holiday and event information, and much more. Additionally, some automated services can greet by name. For example, Ringio's Auto Attendant greets callers by name if their contact information is saved in the company's address book.

2. Custom Audio Files: Briefly mentioned above, some automated services allow users to upload custom audio files. As such, businesses are able to create greetings and/or messages using their employee's (or a professional voice actor's) own voice(s). As such, callers may feel more welcomed by a greeting from a familiar and/or human voice.

3. Custom Call Menus: Call Menus can be used to better route callers throughout a company in a number of ways. Menus can be broken down to compliment any business structure and the initial greeting, too. Businesses are able to choose the information in their greeting. From there, they're able to organize information under different menu options. In doing so, businesses are better able to breakdown their infrastructure to callers-which allows for better connections and accessibility.

4. Department and Extension Routing: In addition to basic Call Menus, businesses can utilize menus with Department and/or Extension routing. For those who find general call menus to be a bit too impersonal still, Department and/or Extension routing can provide further personalization. This type of dialing allows users to reach specific areas or persons much more directly. As such, callers may feel better taken care of. For example, if a caller has a sales inquiry, he or she can access the sales department or a specific representative directly by typing in an extension. In fully utilizing call menus, businesses can provide callers with more direct and personalized customer service. As a result, businesses are in a better position to build a more personable relationship with callers.

5. Dial-by-Name Directory: Much like how Department and Extension Routing enhanced Call Menus, Dial-By-Name directory brings this one step further. With this feature, callers are able to search for a specific individual by name and be transferred directly to that party. As such, consumers can feel all the more taken care of by having direct access to a specific representative. By having direct access to someone, callers may feel they are be treated on a more individual basis, which allows for greater personability between customers and companies.

It's important to get the absolute most out of your business. A good way to do this is to beef up your human element. A lack of personability can be detrimental to a business. While it may sound like a minor hang-up, many consumers look for a certain level of personability with businesses. Think about it. As a consumer, how often have you halted business due to poor customer service and impersonality? That being said, automation can be a great tool to augment personability within one's business.

Furthermore, an auto attendant is a great way to better implement personability through automated services.

Author Bio
Michael Ventimiglia, Managing Editor and Tech Enthusiast at GetVoIP & CloudHostingHQ.