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This post will start with a few quick rules-of-thumb to help you create a professional and effective call menu. If you don’t have time for my rhetoric, then please feel free to skip down to the good stuff. When labeling menu options, be concise and get to the point. Like a voicemail greeting, a good menu prompt immediately tells the caller where this option will send them and quickly states
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Don’t leave customers and colleagues on edge. If you say you’re going to call them back, follow up. If you tend to fall behind in this area, encourage them to email you or reach out in another way. Better yet, learn how to forward voicemail to email so you can access the message anywhere.
“Congratulations! You’ve reached the right person! It’s [your name]. Unfortunately, you’ve called at the wrong time. Please leave a message with all your contact information, and I’ll call you back within 24 hours.”
Voice mail allows business professionals access to messages -- even when they're away from the office. A call to any business or home used to mean one of three things -- an answer, a busy signal or endless, unanswered ringing. Increasingly, it now means an encounter with voice mail.
8. Hello, you’ve reached [your name], [your job title] at [your company]. I’m sorry for missing your call, but if you leave a message that includes your name and contact information, I’ll get in touch as soon as I can.
To check your voicemail, simply press the voicemail button on your phone. (It looks like an envelope.) NOTE: Cloud PBXs will not require a password if you're checking VM from your Cool Telecom desk phone. Unavailable greeting - Greeting heard if you do not pick up a call. Busy greeting - Greeting heard if you are already on another call. Name - Played if you didn't record the other greetings (unavailable and busy). Also played if your PBX has a directory set up.
Note that the secretary has asked for the reason for calling so she can prioritize the patients who need the most help. She’s also keeping it short and to the point.
Having said all of this, I do admit that I too use voicemail and have been guilty of switching my phone to the out-of-office assistant while I was sitting at my desk because I was in a conversation with someone or was in the middle of a project.
4. "Hello, you've reached [your name and title]. I'm currently out on parental leave until [date]. In the meantime, please direct all phone calls to [alternate contact name] at [phone number] and emails to [email address].
Hello, this is (name). I am sorry I can’t come to the phone right now. Leave your name, number, and a short message after the beep. Oh and please do wait by the phone till I call you back. Bye.
10Hello, this is [your name]. I’m probably at home just avoiding someone I dislike. A funny way of telling someone you’re avoiding them without sounding offensive or having to pick their calls. Please speak very slowly, make it short, make it sweet, and I’ll deliver the message to them. Using other household appliances as stand-ins for the message center is cute and funny. This voicemail will warn callers not to bring drama, so you can save yourself the trouble of having to hear a message that was about to spoil your day.
9.) Welcome to John Doe. Unfortunately, there is no one in the office right now. Please leave your name and phone number after the tone. We will call you back as soon as possible.
Start making those calls and use your voicemail scripts to ensure you come across as a professional who will make a difference. You’ve got this! Sales: 1-800-573-0390 Support: 1-800-573-0390 Email: [email protected]
Shared voicemail and call routing is intended for multiple access and directing calls to one or multiple phones. Mobile apps are also available that allow you to check your messages from your phone. The below infographic outlines the current state and trends of voicemails.
“Hi, this is _______from ________. When I was out running around the other day, I noticed that your house was for sale by owner. Before you delete this, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve sold homes, very similar to yours, in the same area, and above list price. You might have received a few “Just Sold in Your Neighborhood” postcards from me. Because I have met with many buyers looking for this type of home, I think I could help you meet your goal of selling your home. I’m available to answer any questions about finding the right buyer, and I provide a free consultation. Please give me a call on my cell phone at _____________. Again, my number is ________. Take care and enjoy the rest of the day.”
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.”