1. Thank Them or Apologize. The basic rule of thumb is that callers should hear one of two things when they first connect with your voicemail — either an apology for not being able to answer the call or a “thank you” for having called.
Part of my issue is that I really probably do need the NHS and local gov't to be able to leave me voicemail (not least because the NHS isn't set up to deal with e-mailing patients, at least not where I am at the moment), but for pretty much everyone else EVER I will call them back much sooner if I don't have the mental hurdle of voicemail first (where the fundamental difference is that by and large the NHS & gov't don't give a shit if I call them back...). So uh. Yeah. :-/
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Covid-19 is creating a lot of firsts for many businesses. School districts, theme parks, government agencies, restaurants, and retail stores in nearly every state are closing and monitoring the situation every day. It’s important to update your phone system messages as new information becomes available.
Voicemails need to maintain a professional consistency that’s aligned with the entity it’s representing. That said, the structure can vary depending on the situation. There’s no template set in stone. In fact, trite and generic should be off the table. The goal should be a balance of uniqueness and practicality.
Voice-mail is an example of an electronic system that is used to record and store voice messages when we are away from our phones. I often judge organizations based on the ease of getting through the layers of electronic screenings to get my questions answered or speak to a live person.
3. Be mindful of your voicemail message. You need to confirm they've reached the right place, that the message will be confidential (make sure it is) and what you want them to do next.
6. Full Waiting Queue Message. What the caller hears when the waiting queue is full. Sample Scripts: “We are currently experiencing high call volume. Please leave a message with your name and phone number and we will return your call as soon as possible.”
11. "Hi, you've reached [company]. Unfortunately, we're currently unavailable. But we want to talk to you — so please leave your name and number, as well as your reason for calling, and someone will call back ASAP."
Departments and teams are typically organized by function – customer service, tech support, sales, billing questions, etc. When a team is busy handling other calls, encourage your callers to leave a message and reassure them that you will get back to them within a reasonable time frame. It’s important that you actually follow through to avoid upsetting your callers.
What happens here is when you apologize and sound genuine in your tone, your prospects would understand and leave their contact details for you to follow with them.
2. Hi, you’ve reached [your name]’s voicemail box. I can’t come to the phone right now, but if you leave your contact information I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
But, what do you say on your message? Similar to your phone greeting, your voicemail greeting should state your private practice name and instructions on what information to leave on the message (such as name, number, and the best time to call back). Include instructions on what callers should do in case of emergency. Carleton.ca About Admissions Undergraduate Graduate Academics Research Campus Future Students Undergraduate Graduate Current Students Undergraduate Graduate Faculty/Staff Alumni Carleton University Carleton University shield COVID-19 Search COVID-19 Magnifying glass Browse site navigation Menu icon
How your automated phone system greets and directs callers can make or break their customer experience. If the messages relayed by the auto-attendant are confusing, or if there’s no way they can change their mind and speak with a person, you might lose the call.
Your greeting is very important as it can be the first contact people have with you or your company. Voice mail is only impersonal if you make it that way. One way to help increase the effectiveness of voice mail is to change your greeting at least weekly if not daily.
You have reached xxx-xxxx. We picked this machine up at a garage sale in “as-is” condition. You can try to leave a message on it, but we are not sure it will be recorded. If we don’t return your call, it means the machine did not work.
11. Hello, you’ve reached [your name]’s cell phone. I can’t take your call at the moment, but if you leave a brief message, I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
While this information can be tucked behind a phone menu option, it's best to state it upfront in your after hours recording. This way, callers can decide whether to call back at a better time, or leave a voicemail message. Example: You've reached Big Apple Cleaners. We are currently closed.