18. "Hi, you've reached [your name]. I'm away from [date] to [date]. If you need help with [X] before then, please contact [name] at [phone number]. Everyone else, please leave your name and number and I'll return your call when I return. Thanks and have a great day."
Here are some proven techniques for how to leave a voicemail message that gives you the best chance of getting a call back: Say the person's first name ONLY. Say your first name only followed by your company name. Keep your voicemail brief and urgent. Leave a reference name of a person and company you've worked with. How do you answer the phone professionally? Promptly answer calls. The average ring takes 6 seconds. Be warm and welcoming. Introduce yourself and your business. Speak clearly. Do not use slang or buzz words. Ask before you put people on hold. Don't just put calls through. Be prepared for your calls. How do you greet a client over the phone? Answer your phone with a "Hello" if you don't know who it is. Greet the caller by name if you know them. Use informal language with family and close friends. Introduce yourself by name when you call someone else.

For phone greetings to be successful, they need to be: Crisp. A crisp, clear voice goes a long way. The message needs to be clearer than glass. No shuffling papers or dogs barking in the background. **Professional. **Your phone greeting needs to sound like you're a real company, not a random person answering their cell phone. Thought-out.
The next step is very important and you need to get it right. Say your phone number two times very slowly so the person has enough time to write down your number as they are listening to your message the first time.