Top 5 - Tips on Leaving a Voicemail in 2012

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Comment by GovLoop on July 7, 2012 at 3:51pm

Anthony - totally agree.  I always think when I hear that - "Captain obvious"

Comment by Anthony Swinger on July 7, 2012 at 3:46pm

A pet peeve about greetings: "I'm either on my phone or away from my desk." Ranks right up there with "Have a Nice Day."

 

Comment by Allison Primack on July 6, 2012 at 1:01pm

Here's a tip that was shared on GovLoop's LinkedIn:

Charles Driggers PMP, ITILv3, Lean Six Sigma - Black Belt • To clearly ask your questions while not unnecessarily creating noise. Screaming is okay but unnecessarily creating distractions when communication channels are varied. Of course, it is important to remember the receiver needs rest too.

Comment by Carol Davison on July 2, 2012 at 4:51pm

I forgot to say you've reached Your Name Here in the Widget Office at 202-123-4567.  It lets people know whether they called the right office. 

Comment by Carol Davison on July 2, 2012 at 4:50pm

I don't understand the point of double messaging either.  It makes twice as much work. 

My tips: 1.  Say "You have reached Your Name here in the Office of Widgets.  Although I can't come to the phone at this time your call is important to me.  If you leave a MESSAGE with your name and number I can work on your need immediately on my return.  If you need an immediate answer my back up is Joe Blow at 202-111-2222 or my superivosr Boss Lady at 202 111 2223.  Thanks for calling." 

2.  It's amazing how many people just say call Mary.  Mary who?  at what number?  Regarding what?  I can't help people who don't leave messages.

3.  My personal cell phone has pretty much the same message except I claim no home office or backups!

 

Comment by Raymond Clark on July 2, 2012 at 9:15am

Robin Sweet has a good point.  That's why I normally don't leave a message but intstead email noting, "I tried calling, but no answer.  I need...."  It lets the person at least know you tried.  Sometimes I get feedback that says, "Well, if you had just called I could have done this or that..."  This way, it at least lets them know I tried. 

Comment by GovLoop on June 30, 2012 at 12:07pm

Robin - Very interesting.  Your article does have as #1 pet peeve- 1. Email to say you just left a voicemail. 

So always different strokes for different folks.  I'm a big fan of it because to Shawn's point I'd much rather respond to an email than call the person back.

Comment by Jennifer Snook on June 30, 2012 at 9:06am

I always give my number at the beginning of the message right after I say my name.  That way, if the listener has to play it back to get the number, they don't have to re-listen to the whole message.  I wish all my callers did the same.

Comment by Robin Sweet on June 29, 2012 at 4:48pm

I like the post, good reminders. I also usually give my number twice at the end. I do disagree with the follow up email. That is actually a pet peeve of mine. I had decided I was not going to comment and then I saw this article stating the follow up email is the number one way to irritate your coworkers. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/advisor/eleven-ways-to-irritate-your... Guess I'm not alone. Maybe if it was used sparingly such as when it is REALLY urgent.

Comment by GovLoop on June 29, 2012 at 4:10pm

Biggest change since 1998 - #5 (I just sent you an email).

Reason I think it's worth doing both is for folks that get a lot of email, showing that you just called as well shows that really trying to track them down and that it's urgent 

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