A lot of businesses use interactive voice response (IVR) to field incoming calls. Also known as an auto attendant, IVR systems provide callers with a menu of options to request information or complete basic transactions. It’s mostly a self-serve process that a caller navigates via voice or their keypad, but it usually provides a path to speak to a real employee.
6. Callcentric. Another option for a business phone number is from Callcentric. They offer a Dollar Unlimited plan ($1.00/month) which allows the user to choose a Phone Number from the following states: New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
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For over 50 years, Gartner has been providing business executives with expert insights into a wide range of industries. They conduct original research on a massive scale, and in 2016, they reported that “various sources” had seen SMS open rates as high as 98 percent, whereas with email, you can expect open rates to look more like 10 to 20 percent (depending on your industry).
A professional voicemail greeting should be clear, easy to understand, a nice pace and friendly. Here at The Voice Realm we offer clients the ability to have a professional voice over talent audition their script for free. In general a voice greeting on your cell or landline should be limited to 30 seconds. The shorter the better.
Thanks for calling [Company Name]. Our offices are currently closed. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday 9 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 AM to 12 PM Eastern. If you would like to leave a message in our general voice mailbox, press 1. A representative will contact you the following business day. To reach our company directory, press 2. For business hours and directions to our office, press 3. You may also email us at [company email]. For more information about our products and services, please visit us at [website]. To repeat this message, press the * key. 7. Direct Customers to Your Account Login Page
Thank you for calling [Company Name]. To celebrate the holiday season, we are offering limited-time discounts on all purchases. Please ask your account representative about them today! To place an order, press 1. To follow up on an existing order, press 2. To speak with a representative about our products, press 3. If you have a billing question, press 4. To repeat the menu options, please press the * key. 9. Holiday Closures
24.Hello, you’ve called [X company]. We are currently unable to take your call. Please visit our company website at [company website URL] to speak to chat with a representative, or email us at [X email address]. If you’d like us to call you back, please leave your name and phone number, and our team will get in touch with you within 24 hours.
26. Hello, you’ve reached [your name]. I’m either on another call, on a top secret mission to Mars, or I’ve just stepped away from my desk for the day. Leave a message after the tone and I’ll call you back tomorrow or in about seven months.
By default beginning April 2017, voicemail transcription is available for all Phone System in Microsoft 365 users. When you receive a voicemail, the message will be transcribed in the body of the voicemail email you receive in your mailbox. If you do not want to have transcription for your messages, ask your admin to disable it for you.
4. Humorous Voicemail Greetings. While straightforward is always the safe bet, certain entities can go to the humorous side of voicemail greetings. Before taking this route, consider the type of callers and the persona the recipient is trying to convey.
If you’re out of the office, a voicemail greeting will essentially act as the first line of communication between you and clients or potential clients. So of course, this could be a great opportunity to add a hint of personality, while of course still remaining as professional as possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with it!
Create professional phone greetings for specific events and holidays to keep customers excited and connected with your business. Provide holiday promotions or advertisements to build customer loyalty, or simply let the caller know your business is closed in observance of a holiday.
Before you record your business voicemail greeting, be sure to rehearse it so you feel comfortable and don’t stumble around. You might want to write a script and practice a few times out loud beforehand.
Here’s another funny one for those times you really want to lighten the business mood:
Voicemail Greeting Sound Files. Bill Crystal / Fernando Lamas – You look marvelous. New: voicegreeting02.mp3
These could be details about the hours you’re out of the office or how to reach the appropriate employee to assist the caller. Eliminate the need to repeat information when it can be automated. Having your business information readily available will save time and money.
1. Personal Business Voicemail Greeting. Your personal voicemail greeting should be brief and to the point. State your name and your availability, project a welcoming aura, and ask the caller for whatever information you need from them.