In the past businesses located in storefronts received much more respect and consideration from customers and suppliers than businesses operated from or out of the home. Institutions such as banks and insurance companies have also been discriminatory.
Research indicates that professional business practices correlate with business success.
The business telephone should be answered promptly after two rings, if possible, during business hours by a person or, if necessary, an answering service, an answering machine, or voice mail. Answer in a friendly voice with the name of the business followed by identifying the speaker. The voice on the answering machine should be warm and upbeat but avoid cutesy messages. If you have hired an answering service, an occasional call to check on how your phone is being handled in your absence is a good idea. Only allow children to answer the business phone after you have taught them how to do it correctly.