Answering home-office phone?

Family members should only answer the business line if they're mature enough to answer with an adult, professional greeting. Young children generally should not answer your business phone; teenagers should answer only if they agree to answer with your business greeting. Spouses or other adults should be taught the same as the teenagers. Remember: this is your business image and maybe a first impression; you want it to be a professional one.

To help ensure compliance, post a script by the phone for everyone to use. For example, “This is XYZ Company, ‘your name’ speaking, may I help you?"

If you - the business owner - are not available, have them continue, "Ms. Williams is not available right now. May I take a message?”