Beginning your call - top 5 tips

Do smile at the beginning of your calls, but DON'T use a cellphone!

At the beginning of your call, your tone, the words you select and the questions you ask can make the difference between a long call and a very short one. Here are 5 suggestions you can apply to the beginnings of your calls, to ensure that all of them are as intimate, long, and profitable as possible.

Please also note: None of this applies if your caller is insistent and in a hurry. Remember - if he's in a hurry, simply give him what he's looking for.

Have a bit of a plan for the beginnings of your calls, so that you don't have any of those potentially call-ending moments of silence. Taking control of the beginning of the call is crucial. Calls that lapse into sexual conversation too early often make your caller uncomfortable, and make you into a nameless, moaning voice that is easy for him to hang up on. Ask some open-ended questions after the initial hello... Try to find out what he's up to - show him that you're curious about and interested in him with your questions. Make sure that the subject of HIM has a chance to come up. . Not only will you get to know your caller better, but you'll make him feel comfortable and unrushed, which invariably leads to a more open, intimate conversation, and longer, more satisfying calls.

2. SMILE!

Your caller can hear it when you smile. Your smile lets him know that you're glad he called, and will put shy callers at ease...

3. Start out friendly

Unless of course your caller is in a hurry, avoid sounding too hot at the very beginning of your call! A friendly, flirty attitude at the onset is the best approach - it allows you to make some small talk at the beginning, while your caller is still warming up to your voice and deciding if he wants to stay on the line with you.

4. Put some clothes on!

Also, telling your caller that you're naked and/or laying in bed is a great way to make your call very short. It's just as sexy to be sitting on your couch, wearing something hot and letting him make you feel like getting into bed. Also, if you're wearing something sexy, it gives you something to describe to him (nice visuals) and something to remove for him.

5. Just say hello!

Just like when you answer your phone at home, a simple, "hello?" is a very good way to answer these calls. It's not intimidating, and has other benefits as well...

Suppose you're beginning your calls with, "Hi, this is Miranda - who am I talking to?" and you have a caller who hangs up in the first few minutes and calls right back. If you start with "Hi, this is Miranda - who am I talking to?" again he's going to hang up again! If you start out with a simple "Hello?" he will reply and if you recognize his voice, you can change characters and possibly save the call.

Please note: Doing the above will not only lengthen your calls, but will also result in more callbacks, as your callers sense your sincere interest in them.

Please also note: None of the above applies if you have a very insistent or rushed caller. In that case, simply give the caller what he's looking for :)