Alan Lamarr is a successful composer for television. He is well-known for his work on children's programming, especially animated features. "I work very closely with the creator of one show in particular, who is also the executive producer. He has a very clear vision for how every episode should turn out. He gets kidded because he is almost obsessively controlling, but every aspect of the show from the look, to the sound effects, to the music, comes from his creative mind," said Alan.

"Many times, we'll run through storyboards and Paul, the executive director, will 'act out' the music he wants in particular scenes. Unfortunately," Alan says with a laugh, "Paul isn't a musician. He acts out the rhythm in his mind and describes the kind of sound he wants for each scene. Then I take over."

"Based on what Paul and I have run through together, I watch each animated scene and compose the background music. Some days it comes easy. Paul and I will just click on what he wants and things really flow. Others, I struggle a bit and I have to wait for a flash of inspiration."

Alan works alone in his studio, surrounded by the technology that enables him to turn out the award-winning work he is known for. One challenge was limiting the amount of distractions.

"I used to turn off ringer on my phone and let everything run to voicemail while I was composing," said Alan. "That was okay, but I found I was missing important calls. Since I am an independent contractor, I couldn't just ignore potential clients. In fact, I missed an opportunity to work on a big production because I didn't answer my phone."

A business colleague suggested that Alan hire an answering service. "I did a lot of shopping around before I found the right one," he said. "I was surprised to learn just how many options were available. Right away, I rolled over my voicemail service, so I wouldn't have to worry about maintenance issues, which had been a problem for me. I also elected to have a live agent answer every phone call and send all my messages to my email."

"I was even able to provide the answering service a short list of clients that I wanted to work for, as well as a list of clients that I'm just not compatible with. Now, the answering service can accept and schedule appointments for me for those on my short list of preferred clients and screen out the others. What a difference it has made!"

Alan says that the decision has been a profitable one as well. "I was surprised to learn how much more productive I've become using the answering service.  I am now really able to relax and concentrate on my work. I've gained about five productive hours a week. I only wish I'd known about this sooner," he said with a smile.

Learn more about telephone answering services and discover how the might be able to help you.