You should acknowledge that right off the bat by apologizing that they couldn't reach you directly.
Some people, even most people, would always rather just speak to a person first, rather than listen to a recording of your office directory or department extensions. If you want to offer the operator first, try this:
.
First of all, I want to say great work on using the phrasal verb “to pick up!” Native English speakers love phrasal verbs and we use them often. In this example, to pick up the phone means to answer the phone.
Telling a quick joke or including a little more information can keep you safely within the 20-second timeframe while letting the caller understand a little more about you.
Hi. If this is my parents, I need some money you guys. If this is my friend, I’ll get you your money. If this is a hot girl, DO NOT listen to a word I said before. I got plenty of money for you.
Hello, you have reached the office of Doctor X. I’m on call at the moment, so I’m unable to respond to your call immediately. Please leave your name, reason for calling, and your number and I will return your call as soon as possible, or call my secretary at Y.
If you do not have an existing account with Voicemail Office and already have an internal voicemail or other type of system with another provider and just need a voiceover, we can also do any custom, professional recordings for you!
A professional voicemail greeting is essential in many aspects of a business. In sales, it enables you to properly respond to inquiries from prospects and customers or discuss a deal in more detail. When they call, and you can’t answer, you may lose the opportunity for immediate communication and potentially lose a client or customer.
Why your business voicemail greeting matters A good first impression goes a long way, and a voicemail greeting is the first impression to your business. An expertly crafted voicemail script lets your clients know you’re dependable, capable, and confident. An unprofessional voicemail script, on the other hand, can do the exact opposite.
Do you have a landline at work? Make sure that all your phones, personal and business, have good clear, professional English voicemail greetings.
If you’re working remotely now, but your mobile number isn’t on your business cards, add your mobile number to your business line’s voicemail message! If you’re worried that people will start calling your cellphone at all hours of the night – they won’t. They’ll treat it just with just as much respect as your business line.
I think it’s a sad reality that most organizations use a telephone system to screen and triage phone calls before transferring the call to the appropriate person – forcing an electronic interaction that isn’t always customer friendly.
See how this voicemail is straightforward, clear and concise? This might be a good script to start with if you’re new to making calls to leads. Always talk in a friendly voice and come from a place of caring (they’ll feel it on the other end of the line). After you’ve used the script for awhile, you’ll learn how leads are reacting to the voicemail and you can rescript it if necessary. Keep in mind, you will be calling the lead MANY times so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try different scripts. To be most effective with your voicemail scripts, keeps notes on what’s working and what isn’t.
What separates a decent voicemail greeting from one that builds your professional image and bolsters your connection with clients and customers?
Do me a favor though please. So I’m not bothering you anymore, could you please give me a quick call and just give me an update so I know what direction you’re moving in?
I love my job because [XYZ company] is the best place to work at. Please leave your full name, contact info, number and other details and I’ll call back within 24 hours! Thanks a bunch.”
6. Use a service. If you are working full time and don't want to miss your calls, consider a call answering service. Basically, it's like having a receptionist to answer your calls and take messages.