Creating an effective,trouble-free phone system

for your state partyBy TOM ISENBERG

YOUR PHONE LINE ISYOUR LIFE LINE

The most basic function of each state LP is to havea phone line to handle inquiries. Ideally, this shouldconsist of both a local and toll-free number that goesto a voice mail box - not a physical phone orsomeone's answering machine. The reason is that avoice mail box is always on duty, always cheerful,never screws up, and the phone number won't everneed to be changed (i.e., because your phone staffermoves or is not doing a very good job.)

In Washington state, we disconnected our physicalphoneline and had the existing number redirected to

~voicemail box. Things are much more efficientJW!

VOICE MAIL BOXESInstead of having a residential phone/answering

machine, get a «market expansion line" and a voicemail box from your local phone company. (You cankeep your existing number.) Your phone company'svoice mail service won't cost much more than cheapercompanies, and they're not likely to go out ofbusiness. Remember, your phone number will be on a

- -I-orof-1iteTature~-so-yOUl:iun'rwanr-nrhave-tcn:hangeit!

In Washington state, our "phone bill" is about $30a month with a one-time setup fee of $40. Make surethat only one person (ideally, the membership chair,or whoever handles prospect mailings) knows thepassword to the voice mail box.

Make sure that only one person (your Treasurer?)is authorized to make any changes/cancellations tothis service and arrange with the voice mail companyto demand a password before implementing anychanges.

~ Have an attractive female voice record yoursndly voice mail message. For example: "Thank you

ror calling the Libertarian Party of Washington! We're

sorry, but all our lines are busy. [Technically, that'strue.] To receive a free information packet, pleaseleave your name, address, and phone number. Thankyou for calling!"

TOLL-FREE NUMBERSAlso, get a toll-free number for prospects outside

your local calling area. In Washington, we use Sprint(1-800-877-4020) for our toll-free number, and itdoesn't cost much more than cheaper services. (Plus,they'll be in business for a while.) Our toll-free bill isabout $25 a month, and there is no setup fee.

You can pick your toll-free number, so make itsomething easier to remember (if you were to hear iton a radio ad, for example.) There are still some1-800-xxx-1776 numbers left!

And make sure that your 1-800 number also goesto your voice mail box.

Again, make sure that only one person (yourTreasurer?) is authorized to make any changes/cancellations to your toll-free service and arrangewith the phone company to demand a passwordbefore implementing any changes.

. -~I=I-Q-N-E-bl~-+-I-NGS·-------:...--Call all the local phone companies that service

your state to get your 1-800 number listed in all themajor phone books in the state (outside of the localcalling area, of course.) List the local number in yourlocal area directories only. Due to the monopolynature of local phone service, phone books do notoverlap coverage areas. It costs about $1 a month foreach phone book listing.

Also, make sure that your toll-free numbers arelisted statewide with directory assistance, theSecretary of State, the League of Women Voters, etc.Anticipate the different ways people will try to findyour number!

2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Suite 100. Washington DC 20037 • (202) 333-0008