I have a confession to make: I haven't recorded a new voicemail greeting in nearly a decade. Since then, I've (hopefully) become more articulate, poised, and self-assured. But hear my voicemail recording, and you'd think I was still new to the work world, a little unsure of myself — and probably not an authority.
* Automated TXT replies make missed callers to your main phone or second number feel less ignored and less likely to call a competitor.

A secretary in a doctor’s office creates a voicemail greeting that says, “If you have a scheduled meeting with us, we could use copies of all your medical documents from last year, so come prepared.” Using the word “could” gives patients the impression that they don’t necessarily “need” last year’s documents. See the difference between “could” and “need”? Your word choice can impact a future meeting significantly. If you want a customer to perform a specific action, you need to pay close attention to how you express your calls-to-action.
“Hi. You have reached (your name). I will not be available in the office starting (date) to (date). You can leave a short message if you wish, after the beep or if you require immediate assistance, you can contact my assistant (name). Thank you.”