If your business is closing on one of its normal operating days for a holiday, or is dealing with an emergency or unforseen situation, you should update your after hours announcement to avoid confusion.
17. “Happy Holidays from [company name]. Our hours are a little bit different this holiday season. [List hours]. We hope it’s not an emergency, but if so, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at [company email/other support lines] and we’ll get back to you ASAP. For all other inquiries, we’ll contact you when we are back from the holiday – we might be a few pounds heavier but eager to speak with you! Happy Holidays.” Things happen during the holidays, we know. Let your callers know you are still there just in case!
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All of these questions are pertinent to their call, and it’s important that you answer any that is relevant to your specific situation. Make sure not to drag on too long going through all of the info.
Keep in mind that to enjoy the full benefits of your professional greeting system, you must routinely check and delete messages. If your voicemail fills up, you won’t be able to receive new messages, meaning your customers will become frustrated.
Thank you for calling [Company Name]. If you know your party’s extension, please dial it at any time. To reach our company directory, press 1. For more information about [Company Name], press 2. If you are an existing customer, please press 3. For billing questions, press 4. To repeat menu options, press 9. For all other inquiries, press 0. 3. Language Options
9. Hi, this is [your name], [your job title] at [your company]. I’m currently away from my desk, but please leave a message with your name, number, and reason for calling so I can get back to you in a timely manner. See Also: 50% of Business Owners Over 50 Back Trump's National Emergency Declaration
Speaking slowly, clearly, and rhythmically while recording your greeting shows a greater level of confidence an clarity. Try to avoid conversational cadences when recording your greeting. Hi, this is Doctor Claire Rourke with the New Haven Medical Group, and I am not available to take your call. If you're a new patient, leave me a message, but if you're an old patient, please dial the hospital. Thank you. Hi, this is Doctor Claire Rourke with the New Haven Medical Group. [Pause] I am not available to take your call right now. [Pause] If you're a new patient, leave me a message. [Pause] If you're an old patient, please dial the hospital. [Pause] Thank you.
“Hey, this is [your name] over at [XYZ company]. So anyway I’m about to give in my resignation right now. Please don’t call here again. Just kidding!
It makes sense to have an after-hours / weekend voicemail greeting for important teams at your business so that your clients feel confident that they will be taken care of. You may also suggest alternate resources like a help forum, knowledge base, or online chat to support customers while closed, if available.
As the impact of the Coronavirus grows, we are doing our part to ensure employee safety with minimal business interruption. Because of this, you may experience longer wait times. Rest assured, we are committed to maintaining the same level of service and security through this time.
17. "Hello! You've gotten the voicemail of [your name]. Leave your name, contact info, and the answer to the eternal question ‘Which came first, the chicken or the egg?' Anyone who gets it right will receive a call back."
Note: I have several lessons about communicating on the telephone that may be useful to you:
4. Remember, They Are Calling for a Reason. If someone takes the time to call and leave you a voice message, they usually have a reason that they are calling.
Your prospects need to hear something which can make them hold on to what you are trying to tell them and that starts with a good attractive statement.
Good day, you have reached the office of [Name]. I’m away for the weekend. If you require my immediate assistance, please call 555-555-2345. Otherwise, if this is a casual call, please leave your name, number and a brief message, and I’ll get back to you on Monday.
“Hi _________, this is _______ _______ with (your company). You and I haven’t spoken yet, but I’ve been doing some research on your company and I think you’re a great fit for (our networking solutions – your products here). We can provide you with (list of one or two benefits) and I know you’ll be happy if we spend just a couple of minutes discussing how this can help you.
22. Hello, this is [your name]. I’m currently away from my phone. I return calls on Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m. Please leave a detailed message including your name and a callback number and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.