Do you know what it is like to make or receive 50 to 90 telephone calls per day, to go home and not want to talk to anyone, or to be down?

Here are some tips for getting yourself up for the suspect, prospect or customer . . .

Place a compact mirror on your desk and look into it from time to time when speaking on the telephone. If you are smiling, the person with whom you are speaking can "see" it. If you have a frown, it too is perceived. Transfer a smile to the person on the phone with you!

Sit up straight. Use a chair that is ergonomically designed. Studies show that slouching in your chair results in poor voice projection and a less than positive sound.

Use a headset. Most people talk with their hands. Holding a telephone restricts hand movement and voice intonation. Portable headsets are a little more expensive, but enable the telesales person to move during the conversation. Headsets also reduce the strain on your neck. You are just not as tired at day's end.

Set a contact goal! I call until I talk with two people to whom I wish to speak. I set my goal, reach it, and then take a short break, or do something else. On a good day, I usually call 100 managers and talk with approximately 14!