It is no surprise that your actual voice mail greeting must be delivered in the same way: Professional, clear, brief, and to the point. In a previous blog, "Marketing Messages on Your Cell Say You Mean Business," some techniques for making a professional voice mail greeting were discussed. There are many similarities between leaving a voice mail, and producing a voice mail greeting. You want your callers and receivers to hear a confident and professional person on the other end delivering a coherent message. You should introduce yourself to a prospective client in a personal way. An email doesn't generate much discussion, nor does it necessarily show you went the extra mile in contacting the client. Generating conversation. A professional, well conveyed voice message shows the voice mail receiver that you are confident and well-spoken, and that there is a person behind the message. Emails can be prepared, edited, and revised unlike voice mail messages An email or email chain thread is documentation of a conversation that can easily be referenced In an email you can include a phone number, address, website, etc that may be hard to remember or record through voice mail communication Emails can be forwarded, CC'ed, and blasted.
9. "Hey, this is [your name]. Thanks for reaching out. I'm busy at the moment, but if you leave your name, number, and message, I'll return your call.”

Written by Donato Diorio @iDonato
Approach voicemails with a scientific outlook, and score each one. Create a score sheet with a rating system that addresses the following: Would you save that voicemail? Would you return that call? Would you return that call right away? Are you missing the basics (alternative phone number, optimal ways to get in touch, a fallback person to call)? Did you craft it or wing it?