On the topic of phones - how do you answer?

[Kayt5]

We had the discussion about cell phones vs. landlines. My cell was my cell before it was my business phone. I have always just answered with "Hello" because I have another full time job and I didn't really want my boss to know about my side work. Now that I will be a full time therapist, I'm not sure how to answer my cell. My business name is simply my name because I didn't want to establish a brand yet, that is coming this summer if my joint venture works out.

How do you answer your phone?

I'm not sure if I should say "First name, last name, certified reflexologist..." or just "Hello".

 

[Bob B]

I do have a business name so I answer "Good morning/afternoon, Solar Powered Massage."

My cell was personal before it was a business number too, but it's just smart to always answer as though a client were calling.

When I had another job I did not answer the cell while I was working, especially if I didn't know who was calling -- I put a professional voicemail message on and checked the messages at lunchtime. I felt it was unprofessional to do my own business on my employer's dime, even if it was just a phone call!

If I didn't have a business name, I would answer it "Good morning/afternoon, this is Lunabelle" -- good morning and good afternoon are used almost exclusively by businesses as a greeting and should cue clients that they've reached the right person, until you settle on a business name.

 

[Nobody]

Thanks for confirming that answering with just my first name will be good. I didn't answer calls at my other job but I was always afraid that my boss would call me after hours and then realize I was working somewhere else. Stupid to worry about this, but he's kind of spiteful. I don't care now because I am outta here!

 

[Minerva]

Stress Solutions.......This is Mick

Try it!! 507-951-0647

 

[BEAUTYTHANG7]

ALWAYS answer with a smile in your voice no matter what words you use to answer the phone - makes a super impression on whomever is on the other end of the phoneline.

As for how I answer the phone, - with caller i d, if I am able to grab the phone, I'll say "HI SUSIE, how are you today?" They get a surprise and a laugh, and we go on from there... OR, if it's a number that I don't recognize, etc, the "Massage Works, this is Jackie, how may I help you?"

The answering machine says:

"Hi! This is Jackie. You have reached the answering machine at this time because I am either in with a client, or, I am out of the office on business at this time. Because your call is very important to me, PLEASE, rather than hanging up, select one of the following three options, so, that when I am able, I may better serve your needs. Press 1 to leave a message, schedule an appointment, or ask a question; press 2 to learn the hours for massage appointments and services offered; press 3 to learn about or to place an order for gift certificates. This message repeats after a short pause. If you are calling from a rotary dial phone, please leave your message after the repeat. Thank you for calling, and remember, MASSAGE WORKS!"

 

[coldplay24]

Here are two samples I have used for our land line. I am not sure if either would be too long for a cell message.



Sample 1-


*smile* Thank you for calling .

We offer therapeutic bodywork and massage sessions by appointment only, .

Your call is very important so please leave your name and number after the tone and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

You may also visit us at .

Thank you for calling and have a nice day. *smile*





Sample 2-


*smile* Hello.

You've reached .

We can't come to the phone right now as we're either in session or away from the phone at this time. However, if you will leave your name, number, a brief message and any days or times that are more convenient for your appointment, we'll call you back as soon as we can do so.

Thank you for calling and have a nice day. *smile*

 

[illeciavE]

Good messages.. I may use something like that for myself. Thanks!

 

[Alessandro]

I forgot to let you know how I answer.



*smile* . This is . How may I help you?

 

[sgoldperson]

I say exactly that, lunabelle.
Gilbert Bodyworks. This is Jill. How may I help you?

My message is long, but I have alot of info to impart & especially love to include that we have instant gift certificates & appointment request features on our website.

When I used to use my cell phone for business & personal, I always kept the message "all business". My friends & family knew why & it suited everyone just fine.

After reading through this thread, and thinking about my long message for voice mails, I am rethinking the "either out of the office or with another client" type statement. I think its a given that you are doing something else, but I *do* want serious inquiries to leave a message. Hm. I think I'm going to pare down my lengthy message this afternoon.

Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[mJc]

My voicemail message is professional but short. I don't mention "out or w/client" as that's probably assumed, but I do say something like "Please leave your name and phone number, and I will call you back today." That way they know they'll get a prompt callback, it sounds a little different, and I *have* to check and call.

 

[Drunken monkey 17]

I say exactly that, lunabelle.
Gilbert Bodyworks. This is Jill. How may I help you?

My message is long, but I have alot of info to impart & especially love to include that we have instant gift certificates & appointment request features on our website.

When I used to use my cell phone for business & personal, I always kept the message "all business". My friends & family knew why & it suited everyone just fine.

After reading through this thread, and thinking about my long message for voice mails, I am rethinking the "either out of the office or with another client" type statement. I think its a given that you are doing something else, but I *do* want serious inquiries to leave a message. Hm. I think I'm going to pare down my lengthy message this afternoon.

Jill/Sagetherapist

Interesting to see that so many of you answer the phone basically the same way that I do. For many years now this is the way that I have been answering the phone:

Nordic Touch. This is Jeff speaking. How may I help you?

I usually don't pay much attention to my outgoing voice mail message unless I am getting ready to take a trip, but after reading this thread I feel motivated to review the message I have been using and perhaps make a few changes as well.

On a side note, for those of you who use your mobile phone for your business, do you sometimes have problems with voice mail messages that mysteriously appear many hours after they were originally left?

 

[Tru Champion 37]

yes nordictouch, that happens to me too as well as some of my friends. can't figure out why and it seems to happen in spurts.

i answer my business line with, "good morning/afternoon and thank you for calling pure massage. this is tera speaking how may i help you?"

i answer my cell phone "hello this is tera" if i don't know who it is or i know it's a client.