Arguably the most intimidating factor when leaving a voice mail is the fact that once you leave the message, "in one take," there is no taking it back. That is why, especially in the business world, an overwhelming amount of people revert to email rather than leaving a voice mail message. Especially in a technologically advanced world, email or text messages are now used as a primary form of communication. Although there is a good argument behind opting for the written word over the spoken one, an email can lack the human touch, the emotion and enthusiasm in a voice, that can often times generate a better response. In fact, there is no impact that compares to delivering a clear, concise, professional message through your own unique human voice.
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.
