Don’t Forget ASL, Too

(I’ve been exchanging emails with a woman all day. She tells me I should be expecting her call later in the afternoon. I give her my name and direct number so she won’t have to go through the receptionist switchboard.)

Me: “Hello, this is [name].”

Caller: “Oh, sorry, I must have the wrong number.” *click*

(A few seconds later, the phone rings again from the same number.)

Me: “Hello, this is [name].”

Caller: “I can’t believe it! I can’t believe she gave me the wrong number!”

Me: “Oh, well who are you trying to reach?”

Caller: “I’m trying to call [my company], but I keep getting you instead!”

Me: “Oh, this is [my company]. Are you looking for someone else?”

Caller: “I’m looking for [my name]. I thought this was the right number.”

Me: “Ah, that’s me! I’m [name]! How can I help you?”

Caller: “Well, why didn’t you say that? You kept making me think I had the wrong number!”

Me: “I answered the phone with ‘Hello, this is [name]’. I’m sorry if you were confused, but what can I help you with?”

Caller: “That is SO unprofessional! Why didn’t you answer the phone with [company name]?! How is anyone supposed to know they got the right number?”

Me: “Um, because you’re looking for [name] and I said my name was [name], and you called my direct number?”

Caller: “You should still always answer the phone with the company name, no matter what! I was about to hang up on you again and just call [competition]. At least they let you know who you’re calling when they pick up the phone!”