How often have you called someone, and gotten a generic “Leave a message after the beep”? Or not even a message at all, just a beep?
You’re left wondering if you’ve dialed the right number, or perhaps been given the wrong number.
Now think about what the other person’s reaction might be, if you are in a job search, trying to build your network or a consultant working to convert contacts into prospects for your services.
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- If it’s a recruiter, they might very well hang up and move on to another candidate.
- If it’s an active networker, they might get a bit turned off and wonder how good a networker you are.
- If it’s a potential prospect, they might wonder about whether you are the outstanding professional to whom they would want to trust their business.
- If it’s a prospective employer, they might take this as a sign of your level and care of your professional image. Even if it doesn’t get you ruled out, it might go into their memory bank as a possible red flag.
No matter how minor the negative impression, can you afford to leave that?
Now what about if you leave a cutesy voice mail greeting?
This is generally going to received better than the anonymous one, because at least it’s personal. Presumably it matches your personality, so the ‘genuine’ factor works to your benefit.
On the other hand, if it’s a professional contact reaching out, there’s a risk of the message being too ‘cute’, and serving as a turn-off. Again, the question could come up, is this the person I want to work with in the future? Humor can be tricky to pull off for all audiences (such as via your voice mail greeting), just as in an interview.
There’s also the run-on greeting, that goes so long I get bored and hang up.
So what’s the solution?
I recommend a short, simple and professional message focused on a result you can bring to the table, or a challenge you can solve. This will help communicate your brand, and show how you can help the right person. It will create more interest and engagement on the part of the person calling you. It will show you as a professional who cares about the message and impression they leave.
If you want an example, call my office phone at 908-725-2437. And if you struggle with your messaging, maybe we should talk.