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Greetings!
Here's a jumping off point for a discussion - Over the past weeks I have had the opportunity to call several of my fellow entertainers. Some weren't at home so I got the chance to listen to their answering machines. Here's what I heard.
A couple of machines had the generic' "Hello, you've reached XXX-XXXX, nobody is home right now...", complete with the computer voice. Several thanked me for "calling ABC Entertainment, please leave a message..." Most of time I had to listen to a 60 second advertisement for their services (seemed like 60 seconds). Which brings me to my question...
When you answer the call yourself, do you launch into a commercial, or do you simply introduce yourself and ask how you can help? Your outgoing message should be no different. This is one area where you can show the caller that you are a business and that you are a professional. Call up IBM and see if you get a commercial (and the holding messages/muzak don't count).
Here is my message (443-286-9997): "Thank you for Calling Magic with Wes & Advanced Balloons. Today is Thursday, Sept. 15. I have several performances today, but I am available to return your call. Please leave a message with day & evening phone numbers and I will contact you shortly to discuss your event."
Yes, I change the message everyday and include the date. Why? This gives the caller a warm fuzzy and reinforces the idea that I do check my voice mail, often. I also promise to call them, soon. They leave a message reassured that it will not be long before they get the information they desire.
What are your thoughts?
-Wes Holly-
Want to retire earlier, rather than later?
visit: www.deliveringonthepromise.com/wesholly
Here's a jumping off point for a discussion - Over the past weeks I have had the opportunity to call several of my fellow entertainers. Some weren't at home so I got the chance to listen to their answering machines. Here's what I heard.
A couple of machines had the generic' "Hello, you've reached XXX-XXXX, nobody is home right now...", complete with the computer voice. Several thanked me for "calling ABC Entertainment, please leave a message..." Most of time I had to listen to a 60 second advertisement for their services (seemed like 60 seconds). Which brings me to my question...
When you answer the call yourself, do you launch into a commercial, or do you simply introduce yourself and ask how you can help? Your outgoing message should be no different. This is one area where you can show the caller that you are a business and that you are a professional. Call up IBM and see if you get a commercial (and the holding messages/muzak don't count).
Here is my message (443-286-9997): "Thank you for Calling Magic with Wes & Advanced Balloons. Today is Thursday, Sept. 15. I have several performances today, but I am available to return your call. Please leave a message with day & evening phone numbers and I will contact you shortly to discuss your event."
Yes, I change the message everyday and include the date. Why? This gives the caller a warm fuzzy and reinforces the idea that I do check my voice mail, often. I also promise to call them, soon. They leave a message reassured that it will not be long before they get the information they desire.
What are your thoughts?
-Wes Holly-
Want to retire earlier, rather than later?
visit: www.deliveringonthepromise.com/wesholly
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