Translation: If you sound unsure, then your current clients, prospects, and partners won’t be so sure about you either.
8. “Thanks for calling [your name] at [your company]. I didn’t mean to send you to voicemail but I am either on the line with another client or on the go. Leave your name, number, the reason for your call today and the best time to call you back. I’ll speak with you shortly! ” Your caller probably wanted to reach you, not your voicemail. Advise your caller that you’re simply on the line with another caller and you’ll be right with them.
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24. Hello, you’ve reached [business name]. Every call is important to us, so please leave a brief message that includes your name and phone number so a member of our customer success team can call you back as quickly as possible.
In certain situations, it’s a good idea to let a call go to voicemail. If you’re in a loud area, unable to spend 10-15 minutes talking, or are otherwise distracted, don’t answer. Recruiters who cold-call candidates will understand that you’re simply unavailable – but make sure to return calls in a timely manner. If possible, call back during regular business hours.
5. Change mailbox settings and greetings. Access voicemail. From the Main Menu, press 4 for Mailbox Settings. Press 3 for Greetings and follow the prompts. Set up sub-mailboxes.
Hearing this message, the following things would have happened to your prospects: They would realize that they have reached the right person so no doubts of confusionThey would understand why the person isn’t available to take the callThere is a confirmation that the minute the person is available they will cater to the prospect which is why the prospects will actually leave their contact details
Don’t rush. It’s important to speak slowly and clearly when leaving your next voicemail greeting. Have you ever called someone and the message sounds like one big word? Don’t be that guy. Pronounce your words and take pauses between your sentences
Make sure to keep your voicemail greeting fresh and new. In fact, updating your voicemail regularly will ensure that people actually listen to your message. Anytime you are on vacation, at a conference or other industry-related event, change your greeting to reflect where you are at.
Once you thank your customers for calling, state your name and the department. Make sure to speak clearly so the caller knows they called the right place and can understand what is being said. Don’t rush through in case the caller wants to write the information down.
ProTip: When recording a business voicemail greeting, do a trial run and listen to your message once it’s recorded to make sure it sounds great.
You don’t need to say why you can’t answer or where you might be, you simply need to say your full name, that you are sorry you can’t come to the phone, and that you will get back to them as soon as you can.
Call Forwarding is only available for telephone numbers within the continental United States.
For me, voicemail protocol doesn’t fall into a “pet peeve” category like a candidate arriving for an interview with bad breath or dirty fingernails. A voicemail greeting tells me something very specific about the communication savvy and sensitivity of a prospective candidate.
38. You’ve reached [your name] at [your company]. I’m sorry, but I’m temporarily unavailable. Please leave your name and number, and I’ll return your call as soon as possible.
5. "Hello, [Person's name] is chasing new adventures and is no longer with [Company name]. Please forward all future requests to [New or interim person's name] at [phone number]. Thank you!"
If you’re actively looking for a telecommuting gig, or you’re a small business owner looking to project a polished, professional image, do yourself a favor and call the number you’re giving out and listen to your voicemail greeting or, heaven forbid, see how your phone is answered by whatever family member happens to pick up the ringing phone. Are you impressed, or embarrassed? Was it useful, or was it a colossal waste of your time? Could you understand every word clearly, or did it sound like you were in a tent in the middle of a monsoon? Is the information you provided recent, or was it dreadfully out of date? Did it sound like someone you want to work with or hire? Or not?
Voicemail is necessary when no one can answer the phone. However, a dedicated receptionist can reduce the need for this feature and help people reach a live person. Consider live chat as well if your customers like to reach out online.