Every week I call Consultants and every week I am leaving voicemails that I am not 100% sure that I am reaching the right person.

Why do you say that Melissa? I’m SO glad you asked!
Because I get things like “Yeah – it’s me, leave me a message!” Who is me??

Your outgoing voicemail is a business basic and a top priority!

One of the first steps you need to take to set yourself apart as a “business” is to have your name and your business name on your outgoing voicemail message. I cannot begin to stress to you how important this is if you intend to build your business as a business. Many Consultants use their cell phones to conduct their business and your outgoing voicemail message should reflect that people have reached the correct number.

Here are some quick DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to your voicemail message.

DON’T:

– Don’t use the standard robot greeting provided by your phone carrier (“you have reached 123-456-7999”)

– Don’t use your child as your greeter on the message

– Don’t record the outgoing greeting in a loud environment or when you are driving.

DO:

– Say your first and last name right away

– Say your business name

– Ask for what you want them to do (leave phone number, best time to call back, etc).

If you want to be super business savvy, you can use your voicemail to promote your business even further by changing it up monthly to reflect the month, the seasons, the monthly customer or hostess special,etc.

Take a minute right now and go listen to your outgoing voicemail greeting, does it reflect you as a business owner? Will someone who picked up your catalog somewhere know with 100% certainty that they have reached the right person when they call you?

A professional voicemail greeting is a necessity in business, so take a couple minutes today and update yours if you need to! Feel free to have some fun with it and make it yours.

Example of a simple greeting:

“Hey there! Thanks so much for calling, this is Susan Smith with Cupcakes R’ Us! I am sorry that I am unable to take your call right now but it is very important to me. Please leave your full name, phone number and best time to reach you and I will return your call as soon as possible. I look forward to talking with you soon….”
Melissa Fietsam @DirectlySocial