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
After helping tens of thousands of companies set up voicemail systems, we’ve learned that there is no set of rules defining what makes a great business voicemail, but there are definitely some key points that you should aim to hit. Before you hit the record button for your voicemail message, take some of these tips into account:
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It’s important that your voicemail makes a good impression and conveys professionalism to anyone who calls. Here at UniTel Voice, we specialize in helping business owners set up a virtual voicemail system that not only helps them sound professional but also keeps them connected with voicemail-to-email and voicemail transcription (voice-to-text) technology.
1. Personal Business Voicemail Greeting. Your personal voicemail greeting should be brief and to the point. State your name and your availability, project a welcoming aura, and ask the caller for whatever information you need from them.
For information about how to update your outgoing message, forward your desk phone to a cell phone, and check voicemails remotely, reference this Knowledge Base article from the EOU IT Department: https://kb.eou.edu/topic/phone
Yes, I'm lucky in that I don't actually need to be left voicemail by (or receive voice calls from) anyone. And I have a couple of friends who are happy to make phone calls for me if I need to e.g. check when a restaurant is open.
Hello. You have reached [Name]. I apologize for not being able to answer your call at the moment. However, if you leave your name, number, and a short message, I’ll make sure to contact you when I return.
When you work in a business, customers, employees or other business-related individuals may try to get in touch with you by phone. Having a professional voicemail greeting when you can’t answer calls directly can set the right tone for your business and inform callers when they can expect their call to be returned.
6. Don’t Overthink, Just Keep it Short and Relevant. The main point that we want to drive home with this article is that you shouldn’t overthink your business voicemail greeting.
I’m not a big fan of voicemail. I don’t mind leaving voicemail messages; I just hate having to listen to them. For some strange reason when people know their voice is being recorded, their brain short circuits. What normally would take 30 seconds to say, now takes 2 minutes.
You’ve reached [Company Name], the [company’s slogan]. Please choose from the following menu options: To speak with the operator, press 0. For customer support, press 1. For troubleshooting questions, press 2. For accounting questions, press 3. For a list of our staff members, press 4. To leave us a message, press 5. To repeat these options, press 6. After-Hours Greetings
Unexpected crises like COVID-19 can occur at any time. Here are a few example business voicemail scripts you can adapt for those unanticipated events. It’s important to incorporate key information that your clients need to know. You should also add a human touch by expressing your goodwill for them and their families.
2. Use A Professional Voice Actor (from Fiverr) If your answering system lets you supply your own mp3 or wav audio files for the greetings, consider hiring a pro to record it for you.
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
As you develop your voicemail script, keep in mind these important tips to ensure that you’re perceived as a professional.
No matter the time, no matter your location, our team backs your business communications around the clock with free phone, email, and chat support.
Hello. You have reached [Insert employee name here] in the [Insert department name here] office at UNI. I will be out of the office from [insert day of the week, month, date] through [insert day of the week, month, date]. Please leave a message and I will return your call on [insert day of the week, month, date]. If you require assistance prior to [month, date], hang up and dial our main departmental number at 273-[insert phone number here]. The main departmental voice mail will be checked daily on Dec. 28, 29, 30 and 31. Return calls will be made if an immediate response is needed.