How are you today?

Did you cringe when you read that? Guess what your callers will too.

If you are in the business of solving problems and people call you when things go wrong (too hot, too cold, ran out of supplies, service person is not on time, didn't understand my bill, computer is not doing what I wanted...) then please don't ask "How are you?" because truly, the answer is NOT GOOD.

Try instead;

"How may I help you today?"

or "I'm glad you called, let me help..."