In previous blogs, I’ve mentioned the importance of making a good first impression on a potential client. Most of the time, the first contact will be over the telephone. Since we are often in session, it is very likely that the first time a client hears our voice is on our voicemail greeting. This is why a professional greeting is so important. Identify yourself because you need to reassure the client that they have called the correct number. Clients will be a lot less likely to leave a message if they wonder who will get it. Use a warm friendly voice to say something like, “You have reached xxxx, licensed mental health counselor.” Tell clients what to do if they are in crisis. Although it seems obvious to us, clients may not realize that it could be several hours until we can return their call. I suggest something like, “If you require immediate assistance, please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.” Ask for what information you need. Yes, the obvious name and number, but if it would be helpful to get their insurance information, ask for that, too. Give clients an idea about when you’ll return their call. Common business practice is within 24 business hours. Any extra messages or information you’d like clients to know. For example, if you are no longer accepting a particular insurance plan, the end of your voicemail greeting is a great place to convey that information.
Once you access your voicemail you're going to be prompted with the number of new and/or old messages you have in the mailbox. Here's the list of options you have with the voicemail system of VoIP.ms 3 - Advanced Options 1 - Send a reply. Currently not available. 2 - Message Envelope. Speak the date and time at which the message was received. * - Return to the Main menu. 4 - Play the previous message. 5 - Repeat the message. 6 - Play the next message. 7 - Delete the current message, without confirmation. 8 - Forward message to another user. When prompted for an extension, you must enter the full mailbox ID of the intended destination (e.g., 52739100). 1 - Prepend the message with a recording. 2 - Send the message without a prepending message. * - Return to the Main Menu Known Voicemail issues or frequent questions

“Hi! You have reached [your business]. All of our staff are currently busy helping other callers. We understand how valuable your time is, and rather than keeping you on hold, we will make sure to call you back.Be sure to leave us a detailed message with your name and number. We will return your call within two business hours. Thanks!”
The concept is simple: if you keep spam callers on the phone it not only wastes their time and resources – but prevents scammers from calling nearly 3,000 individuals per second! Answer Bots, the popular feature in the RoboKiller’s spam-fighting arsenal, are hilarious pre-recorded audio messages designed to stop unwanted calls.