Notes on creating a voicemail greeting:
We installed our first clients’ voice mail in 1984 or 85. I believe the cost was over $8,000.00 for a small system with limited features. Now it is included in most Cloud based systems or available at very little cost. However I believe that many use it as if one was playing hide and seek, and using it as if hiding behind a tree rather than taking the call. You can do two things; take the call or get another voice mail box for those that you regularly communicate with. When used properly I think of it as non-simultaneous conversation that improves prodictivity.
Another solution is to use a cloud based system with UC, Unified Communications. It is like IM but is used by those yo need to touch base with often. More on this in a coming post.
For now try to use voice mail effectively.
Sound upbeat in your message. When recording, be sure to say your message with a smile on your face. It’s obvious when people aren’t happy in their message. Since your work revolves around keeping happy customers, do your part by keeping a happy-sounding voicemail message.
Don’t rush. It’s important to speak slowly and clearly when leaving your next voicemail greeting. Have you ever called someone and the message sounds like one big word? Don’t be that guy. Pronounce your words and take pauses between your sentences
Avoid background noise. Whether you have music playing in your office, or you’re sitting in a coffee shop, background noise can make it difficult for your customers to understand your greeting. Limit the noise around you when you leave your voicemail greeting.
Rehearse or write down your message before recording it. Remember that old saying “practice makes perfect?” It’s certainly true when it comes to creating an electronic greeting. The more you’ve rehearsed, the easier the message will be to restate. If you don’t have time to practice, writing down the greeting before recording it – and then reading it aloud from the paper – may help you stay focused on the correct wordi