Before we tackle appropriate voicemail etiquette for outbound messages, let’s first discuss proper etiquette for setting up your own voicemail system. As a professional, make sure you are regularly updating your voicemail greeting with information most relevant to those calling you.
Now, this might seem like I'm reneging on what I just said, but you can easily reconcile this point with the one above. While you should keep your tone conversational, you can't get carried away.
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19. "Hello, you've reached [your name]. I'm currently [exploring Asia, hiking through the jungle in Costa Rica, hanging out on the beach in Bermuda] — or more likely, [recovering from extreme jet lag, googling ‘Are red spiders poisonous,' or looking for SPF 150 sunscreen] and won't be back in the office until [date]. Leave your contact info and reason for calling and I'll get in touch then."
For example, when leaving a voicemail you could say, "You can give me a call back at XYZ-1234. I am typically available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. I look forward to hearing from you." This lets your contact know exactly when they can reach you to continue the conversation.
So, you diligently practice this presentation, yet when you call, all you get is a voicemail. You will have to decide whether to leave a voicemail – it is debatable. Try your own experiment to see what works. I recommend leaving voicemails.
I don’t know about you, but I’m shocked every time I listen to a voicemail message left for me by sales reps, prospects and even clients. They are filled with ‘um’s’ and ‘ah’s’, they ramble on and on, they leave no compelling reason for me to call back, and they almost always leave their number so fast that I have to listen to it two, three, sometimes four times to make it out!
All sorts of funny issues can occur when your phone hasn’t had a reboot in a while. Rebooting allows your phone to clear out and fix any issues. So try switching it off for at least five minutes, then see if the problem is resolved.
This is not an answering machine–this is a telepathic thought-recording device. After the tone, think about your name, your reason for calling, and a number where I can reach you, and I’ll think about returning your call.
The attendant menu for your main contact number may be the first form of contact that a customer has with your business. Make sure your greeting is clearly articulated. Provide an option to speak with an operator if the caller has a question that is not addressed by the menu options.
Website: https://support.8x8.com/equipment-devices/phones/general-phone-settings/how-to-create-or-change-outgoing-voicemail-message
The first time you access your mailbox, the system will walk you through setting up your password, name recordings, and greetings. Please follow this all the way through and it will not play the tutorial again. The following instructions are for when you need to change something after the initial setup.
I can’t come to the phone right now because I’m down in the basement printing up a fresh new batch of 20 dollar bills. If you need any money, or if you just want to check out my handi- work, please leave your name, number, and how much cash you need after the tone. If you’re from the Department of the Treasury, please ignore this message.
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With so much stacked against you, why bother? Because the responses to sales voicemails are generally of a much higher quality. What you lose in response rate will be made up for in conversion rate—if you know how to leave quality messages, that is.
Avoid piecing your voicemail together on the fly — as I mentioned earlier, a good one is backed by preparation. So prepare, prepare, and prepare some more.
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If you’re too mysterious with information, suspicions will be raised. If you leave a mini-sales pitch that’s all about you, the prospect will most likely make the decision not to return your call.