1. Creating an effective,
trouble-free phone system
for your state party
By TOM ISENBERG
YOUR PHONE LINE IS sorry, but all our lines are busy. [Technically, that's
YOUR LIFE LINE true.] To receive a free information packet, please
The most basic function of each state LP is to have leave your name, address, and phone number. Thank
you for calling!"
a phone line to handle inquiries. Ideally, this should
consist of both a local and toll-free number that goes
to a voice mail box - not a physical phone or TOLL-FREE NUMBERS
someone's answering machine. The reason is that a Also, get a toll-free number for prospects outside
voice mail box is always on duty, always cheerful, your local calling area. In Washington, we use Sprint
never screws up, and the phone number won't ever (1-800-877-4020) for our toll-free number, and it
need to be changed (i.e., because your phone staffer doesn't cost much more than cheaper services. (Plus,
moves or is not doing a very good job.) they'll be in business for a while.) Our toll-free bill is
In Washington state, we disconnected our physical about $25 a month, and there is no setup fee.
phoneline and had the existing number redirected to You can pick your toll-free number, so make it
~voicemail box. Things are much more efficient something easier to remember (if you were to hear it
JW! on a radio ad, for example.) There are still some
1-800-xxx-1776 numbers left!
VOICE MAIL BOXES And make sure that your 1-800 number also goes
to your voice mail box.
Instead of having a residential phone/answering
machine, get a «market expansion line" and a voice Again, make sure that only one person (your
mail box from your local phone company. (You can Treasurer?) is authorized to make any changes/
keep your existing number.) Your phone company's cancellations to your toll-free service and arrange
voice mail service won't cost much more than cheaper with the phone company to demand a password
companies, and they're not likely to go out of before implementing any changes.
business. Remember, your phone number will be on a
- -I-orof-1iteTature~-so-yOUl:iun'rwanr-nrhave-tcn:hange . -~I=I-Q-N-E-bl~-+-I-NGS·-- ----:
- ...--
it! Call all the local phone companies that service
In Washington state, our "phone bill" is about $30 your state to get your 1-800 number listed in all the
a month with a one-time setup fee of $40. Make sure major phone books in the state (outside of the local
that only one person (ideally, the membership chair, calling area, of course.) List the local number in your
or whoever handles prospect mailings) knows the local area directories only. Due to the monopoly
password to the voice mail box. nature of local phone service, phone books do not
Make sure that only one person (your Treasurer?) overlap coverage areas. It costs about $1 a month for
is authorized to make any changes/cancellations to each phone book listing.
this service and arrange with the voice mail company Also, make sure that your toll-free numbers are
to demand a password before implementing any listed statewide with directory assistance, the
changes. Secretary of State, the League of Women Voters, etc.
~ Have an attractive female voice record your Anticipate the different ways people will try to find
sndly voice mail message. For example: "Thank you your number!
ror calling the Libertarian Party of Washington! We're
2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Suite 100. Washington DC 20037 • (202) 333-0008
![Creating an effective,
trouble-free phone system
for your state party
By TOM ISENBERG
YOUR PHONE LINE IS sorry, but all our lines are busy. [Technically, that's
YOUR LIFE LINE true.] To receive a free information packet, please
The most basic function of each state LP is to have leave your name, address, and phone number. Thank
you for calling!"
a phone line to handle inquiries. Ideally, this should
consist of both a local and toll-free number that goes
to a voice mail box - not a physical phone or TOLL-FREE NUMBERS
someone's answering machine. The reason is that a Also, get a toll-free number for prospects outside
voice mail box is always on duty, always cheerful, your local calling area. In Washington, we use Sprint
never screws up, and the phone number won't ever (1-800-877-4020) for our toll-free number, and it
need to be changed (i.e., because your phone staffer doesn't cost much more than cheaper services. (Plus,
moves or is not doing a very good job.) they'll be in business for a while.) Our toll-free bill is
In Washington state, we disconnected our physical about $25 a month, and there is no setup fee.
phoneline and had the existing number redirected to You can pick your toll-free number, so make it
~voicemail box. Things are much more efficient something easier to remember (if you were to hear it
JW! on a radio ad, for example.) There are still some
1-800-xxx-1776 numbers left!
VOICE MAIL BOXES And make sure that your 1-800 number also goes
to your voice mail box.
Instead of having a residential phone/answering
machine, get a «market expansion line" and a voice Again, make sure that only one person (your
mail box from your local phone company. (You can Treasurer?) is authorized to make any changes/
keep your existing number.) Your phone company's cancellations to your toll-free service and arrange
voice mail service won't cost much more than cheaper with the phone company to demand a password
companies, and they're not likely to go out of before implementing any changes.
business. Remember, your phone number will be on a
- -I-orof-1iteTature~-so-yOUl:iun'rwanr-nrhave-tcn:hange . -~I=I-Q-N-E-bl~-+-I-NGS·-- ----:
- ...--
it! Call all the local phone companies that service
In Washington state, our "phone bill" is about $30 your state to get your 1-800 number listed in all the
a month with a one-time setup fee of $40. Make sure major phone books in the state (outside of the local
that only one person (ideally, the membership chair, calling area, of course.) List the local number in your
or whoever handles prospect mailings) knows the local area directories only. Due to the monopoly
password to the voice mail box. nature of local phone service, phone books do not
Make sure that only one person (your Treasurer?) overlap coverage areas. It costs about $1 a month for
is authorized to make any changes/cancellations to each phone book listing.
this service and arrange with the voice mail company Also, make sure that your toll-free numbers are
to demand a password before implementing any listed statewide with directory assistance, the
changes. Secretary of State, the League of Women Voters, etc.
~ Have an attractive female voice record your Anticipate the different ways people will try to find
sndly voice mail message. For example: "Thank you your number!
ror calling the Libertarian Party of Washington! We're
2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Suite 100. Washington DC 20037 • (202) 333-0008](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/createaphonesystem-110331225453-phpapp02/85/Create-a-Phone-System-1-320.jpg)
