As mentioned above, alerting callers that they won’t be getting an immediate call back is of upmost importance for an entity’s reputation and a caller’s satisfaction.
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.
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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.
>Check out these great Christmas voice mail message ideas from the folks at Smart on Hold
Hello, you have reached the voicemail of Jim Smith. I am currently out of the office and will return on Sept. 14. I will be checking my voicemail messages periodically, so please leave me a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.
You might also consider giving them the option to skip your voicemail message completely by pressing another key (again, check with IT). You also want to make callers aware what you will return their call, instead of telling them that you will try to return their call--and let them know when you are likely to do it, if possible. If necessary, provide additional or emergency information in your voicemail greetings. My dentist, for example, lists his cell phone number for emergencies.
True emergencies - such as extraordinary weather - should be addressed in your voicemail if it impacts your business. Thank you for calling the Carona Surf Shop. We are currently closed due to the inclement weather. Our normal business hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm. Please visit www.caronasurfshop.com to order merchandise and to check our schedule during the hurricane.
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Holiday / Vacation Message Examples, Script Ideas - Business: It is often used for Christmas/New Year and Easter. But it can also be used for normal holidays or vacation periods. 1.) Welcome to John Doe. Our telephone hotline is not occupied over the holidays.
To set up your voicemail, press *98 from your home phone or call the retrieval number you received with your welcome letter. Voice prompts will guide you through the rest of the steps.
5. You have reached [your business]. We are currently closed. Our normal hours of operations are from [hours] [days]. We are closed on [days]. Please leave us a message with your name and number and we will return your call when the office reopens. You may hang up after leaving your message or press the [key] for additional options. Thank you for calling.
On the Holiday Schedule page, assign an existing Holiday schedule in the Select an option drop-down, or create a new schedule. Click Next. 6
If you leave me a message that includes your name, telephone number and reason for calling, I will return your call when I get back. You have reached Jim Smith. I will be out of the office until Feb. 14. If you would like to leave a message after the tone, I will call you back when I return.
Any Unavailable Numbers—Forwards calls from unavailable numbers.
Record announcements for the business hours and after-hours menu of the Auto Attendant from either a Nextiva or non-Nextiva phone. These announcements greet callers and provide them with a menu of options. NOTE: For information on uploading audio recordings to the announcement repository, click here. From a Nextiva phone: Dial 9999.
Create a new schedule—Create a new name for the schedule and select holidays for your organization. Generate Auto Attendant Reports