Thoughts on Marketing…

What impression do callers get when they hear your voice mail?

It could be telling them more about you than you think! It could even tell them if they want to pursue doing business with you.

It might tell them you’re friendly, or cranky, or pleased that they called, or hurried, or disorganized, or calm and competent.

So be careful what you say, and remember that business contacts as well as friends and family are apt to be calling your number.

The first rule is to let them know they’ve reached you. Machines that just say “We’re unavailable at this time” are real annoyances. If you leave a message and don’t get a call back, you wonder all day if perhaps you left a message with the wrong machine.

Next, speak clearly: If you speak in a hurry and make it difficult for them to understand, they’ll have a different impression than if you speak in a relaxed, well-modulated tone. Remember to put a smile on your face before you begin to record, because smiles really do come through phone lines.

The same can be said for leaving a message – smile first, then leave your name clearly and give your number, with area code, slowly. I don’t know how many people I’ve been unable to call because their number was something like 448-glub glub 2 ugh.

And if you use “uh” and “um” go back and re-record the message. Write it out and practice it a couple of times before you record so you don’t have to do it 6 times to get it right.

If you’re the caller and think it likely that you’ll have to leave a message – try formulating the message before you call. You’ll come out sounding much more sensible than you do when the machine takes you by surprise!

If you’re going to be away all day, let your callers know – so they aren’t sitting by the phone waiting for you. (They could be you know, if speaking with you is important!) Let them know when you’ll return and when you expect to begin returning your calls.

For instance, if you’re out until next Tuesday and will return late, let them know you’ll return all calls on Wednesday. If you manage your schedule through time blocking and routinely return all your calls between set hours, tell them that.

The last rule: Be Brief! Most of us are so sick of voice messages and phone menus that we do NOT want to sit and listen to a 5 minute spiel from an answering machine. In fact, some of us will just hang up and forget your number!

Show respect for your caller’s time by making it short and sweet.

Put your best voice forward!