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.
Creating a professional voicemail greeting isn’t complicated, but you need to keep a few things in mind to ensure success. The following tips will help: Be friendly and welcoming - let your company's personality shine!; Have a clear voice, speak at a slow to moderate pace, minimize background noise; Ensure the greeting is human and approachable; Keep the greeting short and informative; Ensure the greeting doesn’t sound robotic or unnatural; Show your gratitude for the call by saying thank you; Manage expectations by clearly stating when the client can expect a callback.

21. Hello, you’ve reached the Sales Department at [X company]. We can’t take your call right now, but please leave your name, contact information, and the reason for reaching out, and one of our team members will be in touch within 24 hours.
Each menu has a list of customizable options that can transfer callers further either to another account object (e.g. user's voicemail, hunt group, dial by name directory, etc.) or to a sub-menu. To configure it navigate to HostPilot > Services > Unite > Auto Attendant > Auto Attendant Name > Business Hours > Business hours Menu in question > Not set up button next to the option you wish to manage. Click on a number key and choose an option for it. Repeat this for each key you want to use as an option in the Business hours. There are several actions that can be set up for a button: Make sure you are on the Business Hours tab and navigate to the menu tree number to enable/disable the Dial By Extension. Choose the routing: Route to User: when selected, a drop-down is displayed to the right that lists all users who have an extension/phone number assigned. Select user to redirect the call to when a caller presses the corresponding key. Note: this option is not available if you do not have any users with extensions. Dial By Name Directory: enables the options of Dial by name. After the Dial By Name Directory is enabled, make sure your greeting gives the caller instructions for which number to press to get to the Dial By Name option. When the callers press the assigned Dial by Name option, they will hear the following recording: