We were hiring recently. When I called to talk with two of the "interested professionals" who sent their resumes, I got their cell phone voicemail messages.
Message #1 (in a bored, lifeless tone): "It's me. Leave a message."
Message #2 (clearly recorded in a moving car): "Hey, it's Brenda. Can't deal with you right now. Call back later." (Before the message ended she and someone else started laughing.)
Try to imagine how quickly these two didn't get the gig.
The lesson: If you're a businessperson and your cell phone is your only phone, don't use your "weekend voice" when recording your voicemail greeting.
Author and trainer Susan Hoekstra has posted a few basics about voicemail greetings on her blog, TheServiceJourney.com, including these:
Identify yourself, your company, and your department so the caller knows she's reached the right person.
If you'll be unavailable for more than a day, mention that in your message so callers will know not to expect a quick return call.
Let callers know how they can reach someone else if they need immediate assistance.
Read all of Susan Hoekstra's voicemail tips here.
You may not invest a whole lot of thought in your voicemail greeting, but it is a touchpoint that can either aggravate important callers or help you deliver a more positive customer experience. Maybe it's worth a little thought.
We were hiring recently. When I called to talk with two of the "interested professionals" who sent their resumes, I got their cell phone voicemail messages.
Message #1 (in a bored, lifeless tone): "It's me. Leave a message."
Message #2 (clearly recorded in a moving car): "Hey, it's Brenda. Can't deal with you right now. Call back later." (Before the message ended she and someone else started laughing.)
Try to imagine how quickly these two didn't get the gig.
The lesson: If you're a businessperson and your cell phone is your only phone, don't use your "weekend voice" when recording your voicemail greeting.
Author and trainer 
