46. Hello, you’ve reached [name], [job title] at [company]. I’m currently away from my desk or on another call. Please leave a detailed message so I can return your call as soon as I get back.
Prospecting refers to the process through which a business attracts new clients. This, surprisingly, is not as easy as it may sound. It requires you . . .
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Leaving a message on someone’s voicemail seems like a simple task but unlike a text or email you don’t have a chance to read over what you’ve said. This can cause problems because it is easy to forget important elements in your message and because of that it can be difficult for the listener of your message to follow up with you if they cannot hear your crucial information.
In today’s digital-first world, it can be extremely easy to treat things like your business voicemail as an afterthought. Your voicemail has the potential to communicate so much more effectively than its digital counterpart.
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.
You may think your voicemail message is professional. But when you listen back it could sound rushed or shaky. Listen to it regularly to see if changes are needed.
The above section details types of phrasing to avoid; however, it doesn’t detail what users should NOT say on their greeting. Though this is a bit loaded, as there are hundreds of combinations of things one shouldn’t say, there are some key components users should ALWAYS avoid. a. Forget About Slang: You should strive to be as professional and welcoming as possible in your greeting. While this may steer you towards using slang, in an attempt to make callers comfortable, it’ll most likely work against you. As a professional, your demeanor, tone, and speech should be clear cut and well articulated. Using slang undercuts this and works against you. b. Don’t Even Think About Profanity: This is a no-brainer. Never, under any circumstances, curse in your greeting EVER! c. Keep Your Sentences Clean, Don’t Ramble: Introduce yourself and give your caller specific direction. Avoid long diatribes detailing tangent thoughts. Keep it simple and quick. d. Always Return Your Calls: It’s important for callers to feel they are valued. Nothing dissolves this quicker than a greeting that doesn’t stress this. For example, “I’ll call you when I can,” “If I don’t return your call, please call back”—these phrases are terrible and completely destroy any good will you may have with a caller.
Hello, you have reached the office of Doctor X. I’m on call at the moment, so I’m unable to respond to your call immediately. Please leave your name, reason for calling, and your number and I will return your call as soon as possible, or call my secretary at Y.
The Right Way to Leave a Voicemail 1. Assess your surroundings 2. Prepare a brief outline 3. State your name and telephone number 4. Identify your purpose for calling 5. Speak in a confident, respectful tone 6. Remain brief 7. Briefly restate your point and contact information
It’s important to stay semi-ambiguous, create interest and curiosity, and focus on simply getting them to call you back as the topic of your voicemail.
Another common tactic is to leave voicemails at the end of the day so prospects will listen to them first thing in the morning.
33. Hello, you’ve reached [X company]. We’re currently closed to celebrate [X holiday], but we’ll be back on [X date]. Please leave your name, number, and a brief message so our team can get back to you when we return. .
Scroll down to the “Greetings” section and click the speaker icon (manage) next to Voicemail Greeting. Click Add Greeting. Select the Record radio button. Enter the number or extension of the phone you wish to record the greeting on. Name the greeting. Click Call and follow the instructions given to you on the phone.
A voicemail greeting can be pivotal in attracting a potential customer to your company or repelling him! So, it may be worthwhile to utilize some tried and tested tips to frame voicemail greetings for your company. The first line must include a brief description of your company and the services it offers clearly. Tell the callers the time frame within which they will get a call from your end. Ensure the voice used in recording the greeting is cheerful and not drab one. Ensure the greeting is recorded not in a hurried manner so that the callers can understand each word without issues. Try keeping the voicemail message length to 20 seconds or so.
There is no definitive answer here, but you should include one of the two at the beginning of your message based on what makes the most sense.
Try to avoid unnecessary phrases that only make your greeting longer, like “leave your name and number and what you’re calling about.” Most people know what “leave a message” means.
Business voicemail greetings are likely to vary by company. Consider these specifics to create a professional voicemail greeting that works for your needs.