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.
In order to manage Auto Attendant's PIN, once in Auto Attendant tab, click on the Auto Attendant you wish to manage. Go to Settings and the PIN will be at the bottom of the General section. Uploading greeting from HostPilot: Record and save your greeting using any sound recording program (read the Knowledge Base article on How do I create a *.WAV or *.OGG file for my greeting? for more information). The file must be in WAV or OGG format and cannot be larger than 16 MB. Then navigate to Services > Unite > Auto Attendants > click on Auto Attendant Name > Business Hours > click on a menu you wish to change the greeting for. Under the menu options, click on the current greeting name, then choose file, specify the file name and agree with policies and limitations, then click Upload.

An extended absence greeting is useful to notify callers when you are on vacation or a long period of leave.
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.