Comments on: Phone Greetings That Make a Positive Impression

By: Conservenrgy

Conservenrgy — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:11:02 +0000

This article is Pablum and a waste of time. Knowing that someone on the end end of the line is reading a script that sometimes ends with the terrible “My service operator number is 051-44-35622. How can I provide you with excellent customer service today?” makes me want the 15 seconds it took to listen to that garbage while I was busy trying to get work done.

By: Todd Smith

Todd Smith — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:20:03 +0000

Hi Bonnie- Great points! Thanks!

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:06:04 +0000

Todd – I really enjoy reading your articles, thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with us!

For myself, it matters if it's a home or a cell phone. I spent some time as a single mom, and I did change some things for safety reasons. On a home machine, I think of a solicitor, or a mis-dial, or whoever, hearing my full name and perhaps a cute message from my kids, and thinking my home would be a more vulnerable one for a 'vist'. My solution to that was to record a greeting with just our last name. “Hello, you've reached the Smith family…”, and not list first names, or kids' names.
For the cell phone, I don't worry about my name on that, as it is people who are looking for me personally.
Bonnie

By: Todd Smith

Todd Smith — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:41:10 +0000

Hi City Girl, As a father of two daughter's ages 15 and 22 I am naturally concerned with their safety. I don't see how having their names in their greetings impacts their safety. I would value your insights as to how having their names in their greeting puts them at risk. Thanks! Todd

By: City Girl

City Girl — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:56:05 +0000

That is completly understandable. Modern day safety issues apply here. A savy business woman may wish to use her first name only on her cell phone greeting. There are stalkers and other unsavory people who gather tidbits of information and use it for their own purposes. Those who are calling will respect her effort to be safe.

By: Todd Smith

Todd Smith — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:28:44 +0000

Hi P Smith,

Thanks for your contribution. Great advice!

As to asking Amber how she is doing today, if the person seems overwhelmed, I don't do it, but in most cases, they like being acknowledged and asked. I agree that every situation is different, but this is how I try to treat everyone and it has worked for me.

I can see you speak from a position of experience and would value you continuing to contribute to this blog.

Thanks,

Todd

By: P. Smith

P. Smith — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:53:22 +0000

As someone who has often made a living answering other people's phones, I would like to recommend against asking 'Amber' how she's doing today! All your other suggestions are excellent, but I suggest that it's better to simply be pleasant without exchanging pleasantries. A receptionist or EA may be juggling multiple lines or tasks, and an efficient phone manner is much appreciated! “Hello, Amber, it's Bob Smith calling from Widgets R Us. May I speak to Mary Smith please?” is all you need to say. The company name is important, or some fact to help place you(“I'm a subscriber” or “I'm calling to make a complaint!”) Callers who don't provide this type of information upfront can sound evasive, and are often sent to voicemail if their name is unfamiliar to the person they're trying to reach. Also, in the case of turnover at the company you're calling, the additional piece of information enables the receptionist to redirect you to whoever has replaced Mary Smith in subscriber services since you last called.

By: Todd Smith

Todd Smith — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:29:36 +0000

Hi Matheus- Thank for your comment. I am glad you are enjoying my blog. Todd

By: Matheus Weber

Matheus Weber — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:34:10 +0000

Hello there Todd Smith!
I just found this site and i'm gradly I did!
Keep posting good tips!

By: Todd Smith

Todd Smith — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:11:13 +0000

Thanks for your contribution. Can you please share why you don't feel comfortable sharing your first name on your personal phone greeting. The only people who call my phone number are people looking for me personally. If the only people who call you are people who are trying to reach you, why would you leave them wondering if they dialed the right number? Thanks for helping us understand your position. Todd