THE JOKER

Every time I do a public seminar or a corporate training event, I’ll get questions about voicemail. Typically, folks ask what kind of message to leave (if any) and how best to solicit a return call.

It might be a good idea to spend at least as much time thinking about an effective message for your outbound greeting. When prospects, customers, or colleagues call you, why not make a unique impression? Why not do something fun and original that will separate you from the crowd?

After all, that outbound greeting is a miniature marketing message and what you say could make a difference in how others perceive you.

For example, every day my message changes because I include a little date-specific music trivia, and I have gotten lots of comments about it. Some people call me every day just to hear the trivia, and I like the idea of them being in the habit of calling me.

Last year, I did some consulting work for a financial advisor who is quite the joker. His message said something like, “if you are a client, I’ll call you right back; if you are a friend, I’ll call you after I’ve taken care of my clients; and, if you are selling something, leave your name, number, and tell a good joke...if I laugh, I might call you back.” You can bet he heard lots of jokes...and even returned a few calls from salespeople.

What can you do with your outbound voicemail greeting that is fun, unique, or memorable?

Comments

[Victor Zalakos]

Today's thought is gold Patrick, gold.

[Anonny]

Great idea. I tried it at work and got told off for being unprofessional. (I had a friend who used to do elaborate outbound greetings on his home phone. I used to hope he was never there when I called just so I could hear it. Sadly he stopped this practice when he started looking for another job and HR people were ringing his home line to arrange an interview.)