Of course, we want to know as soon as an incoming voicemail is saved, so again, it’s Twilio to the rescue. By adding a few lines of code to our Python script, Stacey and I each get an SMS notification telling us there’s a new message. Note that Twilio’s API requires a separate call for each message to be sent, which is why the similar code repeats once for Stacey’s phone number and then again for mine. If you plan to send bulk messages from Twilio, I expect that you can build a list of phone numbers and loop through them with the API call. Since we only have two contact numbers and don’t expect to add any more, I decided not to loop through a list of two elements.
When your business is closed for vacation or holidays, it’s imperative that you set appropriate expectations for a callback and to provide an alternative coverage option, if available. The following greeting accomplishes this succinctly.

This next step may be dependent on your specific phone. Some users with basic phones can start by finding the Phone icon on the main screen of their device. Tap it, and if necessary, open up the dial pad by tapping its icon. Once you do, press and hold the 1 key until you’re connected.
– Thanks for calling. This is (name). Today is a Friday and I am working from our corporate office. If you need to reach me immediately, please call (number). Otherwise, please leave me a message and I’ll return your call as soon as possible.