Business phone automated message

The last time I had a business, I used a server to deal with incoming calls, take care of voicemail, etc. The problem though was that the voice that it used was synthesized and while it didn't sound like a robot, it didn't sound quite real. I still have the server, but I use it for other things these days.

In any case, I decided that for a new side gig I'm starting up, I'm starting small. So, I went with a cheap prepaid cell phone to use (so I don't have to post my personal cell number online). I loaded it up with $175 worth of airtime, and made sure that the service is good through August of next year. The only thing left is that 95% of the time, the phone will be turned off taking messages (which I can then check through my personal cell phone even though it's a different carrier). This means that almost every caller that calls in will get my voicemail. I don't want to use a computerized voice again, and I hate my own voice - I'm sure it's not as bad as it sounds to me - but it just bugs me.

Anyways, for $35 the folks at http://www.provoicegreetings.com/ will make a professional sounding message, and for a couple bucks more, I can get some music in the background. To top it off, they have a system that uploads the message to my voicemail in a way that retains the sound quality.

So, my questions are as follows. My business name is Smith Custom (except for Smith isn't the real name, I just don't like posting my name online with Google and all letting everybody and their uncle find it should somebody Google me). The business model is making top quality cutlery using exotic (and expensive) materials, and favoring careful hand craftsmanship over fast, heavily machined, quantity output. We're talking everything from cooking and steak knives, to hunting, fishing, and general utility knives - both fixed bladse and folders. It's not intended to really make a whole heck of a lot of money. It's just to pay for the hobby really.

First I'd like it if you could all approve or edit the script for the message as needed so that it sounds as professional as possible. Here's what I have:

Thank you for calling Smith Custom. Your call is very important to us and we apologize for being unable to answer at the moment. If you're calling during business hours, please try your call again later. Otherwise, please call back during normal business hours. If you need to leave a message, please follow the instructions after this message. Thank you again for calling Smith Custom where we recognize that not all knives are created equal.

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It feels rough and hokey to me.

Second I need help choosing a voice and music combo. Here are the options:
http://www.provoicegreetings.com/Voice+Samples/

Which of the voices do you think fits best? Listen to them.

The choices are:

Sweet and Soft Female
Laid Back 2 \t Male
Laid Back 1 \t Female
Animated 1 Female \t
Smooth Professional \t Female
Warm and Deep 2 \t Male
Elegant and Sophisticated \t Female
Hip and Trendy 1 \t Female \t
High Energy \t Female \t
Hip and Trendy 3 \t Male \t\t
Narrator 2 Female \t\t
Breaking News \t Male \t
Newscaster 1 Female \t\t
British Accent \t Female \t
High Society \t Female \t\t
Sportscaster 2 \t Male \t\t
Southern Accent \t Female \t\t
Movie Trailer Voice Male


Then, all the way on the right of each voice sample is a link that says "Create Your Greeting Now!". Click on that and you see the music options. Each one has the music sample played alongside the voicesample so you can see if they work together. The choices for music are:

No Background Music \t \t \t
Finally
Vivaldi
Yankee Doodle
City Blues
Paula Jane
Blues and Country
Ayayiya
Ocean
Curious Jorge \t
In The Beginning

So, what message and voice/music comno should I go with? It's a tough decision for me. \t

If I end up liking the results, I might make a message for my person phone too for the same reason - I hate my voice.

Interesting!

I think it would give a more personal touch if it were actually YOU doing the talking, but if you're set on the Provoice thing, then I'd go with Laid BAck 2 Male or High Society Female. Since it's a high-end sort of business, I think those work best.

Breaking News Male made me laugh out loud!!

Also, I think the music is kind of hokey, I wouldn't use it. So that's just my very humble opinion. As for your actual greeting, short and sweet is key. I don't feel like listening to more recorded words than I have to. Maybe start out with what you ended with: "Thank you for calling Smith Custom, where we recognize that not all knives are created equal...." Also it sounds like you really don't want people to leave a message. I'd rather leave a message than have to call back 10 times before getting someone. State the business hours and then say message will be returned as soon as you're able or on the next business day. I don't know, nevermind, I'm not the best with words, and I'm starting to ramble.

Good luck with it though, sounds like a great idea!!!

Are you aiming for a specific gender for your knives? I would go with the most professional sounding voice, no music and a very short message.

Originally Posted by DarkMavis

Interesting!

1. I think it would give a more personal touch if it were actually YOU doing the talking, but if you're set on the Provoice thing, then I'd go with Laid BAck 2 Male or High Society Female. Since it's a high-end sort of business, I think those work best.

Breaking News Male made me laugh out loud!!

Also, I think the music is kind of hokey, I wouldn't use it. So that's just my very humble opinion. As for your actual greeting, short and sweet is key. I don't feel like listening to more recorded words than I have to. Maybe start out with what you ended with: "Thank you for calling Smith Custom, where we recognize that not all knives are created equal...." Also it sounds like you really don't want people to leave a message. 2. I'd rather leave a message than have to call back 10 times before getting someone. State the business hours and then say message will be returned as soon as you're able or on the next business day. I don't know, nevermind, I'm not the best with words, and I'm starting to ramble.

Good luck with it though, sounds like a great idea!!!

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1. I agree it would give it a personal touch, but the problem is that despite how everybody tells me that I speak well and am both articulate and articulate my words well - I hate my voice. I don't hate it when I hear myself as I talk, but when I hear myself recorded, I cringe. So, that's really the only reason why I'd like to go with somebody else's voice, and I figure if I'm going to do that, it would be nice if it was done professionally rather than say, having a friend doing it. As to your choice of voices - I actually was leaning towards those two as well. Some of them were plain ridiculous.

2. I thought about that a few hours ago and I agree. The phone is going to be turned off most of the time anyways to take advantage of the professional greeting, so I should change the message to encourage leaving a message and promising an amount of time that calls would be returned. I should also mention that people can contact me through the business website, which will have a contact form on it when it's up in a couple days.

As for the music, it's funny that you say it's hokey, because that's similar to something that my advertising/marketing professor said in college (I got a Bachelors of Business Administration degree). It's also the traditional advice written online. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised that I can't tell the difference between 'cool' and 'hokey' considering that I'm one of those nuts with the crazy holiday light displays in winter.

Is it music in general or just the music offerings they have? I ask because there was a day that I was into recording and music production. I still have the whole studio, it just hasn't been powered up in years, and it's the real deal as far as studios go. I could write something custom and have an audible logo as well as a visual one, like Intel, Yahoo, etc. It's just an idea. I don't know if they would allow using it, but I could ask.

Are you aiming for a specific gender for your knives? I would go with the most professional sounding voice, no music and a very short message.

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Nope. I mean, I guess sporting knives for hunting and fishing are somewhat more guy oriented (but even that is an unfair stereotype), but kitchen knives are for anybody who eats, which with the exception of the Hollywood crowd, is everybody.

I like warm and deep male and female newscaster.

Hey, LG - I could record a message for you for nothing. Used to be my line of work. I was an award-winning radio journalist for many years... I still got the "pipes"!

I would also agree about leaving a message instead of constantly trying back. Let the caller know you will be back in touch within 24 hours, next business day, etc. so they know what to expect.

"Smith Custom" where we recognize that not all knives are created equal.... this is your tag line? Hmmmmmm...... meh. sorry it doesn't do anything for me. Let me think on it. I am also a writer.

I liked "warm and deep 2 male" and honestly, "southern accent" appealed to me too. I didn't see a link to listen to the music, but I don't think music is needed. That is more of a "on hold" thing and it's annoying even then, but better than listening to silence or adds I guess.

I agree that it would be more personable to record the message yourself. No one (that I know of at least) likes the way they sound. I can't stand listening to myself recorded but people tell me I have a great speaking voice. I've had people tell me over the phone that I should have gone into broadcasting. But when I listen to myself it just doesn't sound like "me"...but I hear myself differently and that is what I'm used to. If people tell you that you have a good speaking voice, believe them.

Also, if you record your own message people will realize when you call them back that it WAS you...which is a plus in my book. But, it's up to you. But, I wouldn't go with music. That is too much like a doctor's office, IMO.

Originally Posted by LawGuy

2. I thought about that a few hours ago and I agree. The phone is going to be turned off most of the time anyways to take advantage of the professional greeting, so I should change the message to encourage leaving a message and promising an amount of time that calls would be returned. I should also mention that people can contact me through the business website, which will have a contact form on it when it's up in a couple days.

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Yep, that sounds good, please leave a message or visit our website at (web address) for more info..

Is it music in general or just the music offerings they have? I ask because there was a day that I was into recording and music production. I still have the whole studio, it just hasn't been powered up in years, and it's the real deal as far as studios go. I could write something custom and have an audible logo as well as a visual one, like Intel, Yahoo, etc. It's just an idea. I don't know if they would allow using it, but I could ask.

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Both I guess, their music is just too cheezy for me, but also it's the music in general I don't like. Like calico2222 said, music is more of an on-hold thing. If I get an answering machine, I want it to be a short message. Not enough time for music.

So, can we hear the finished product when you finally decide on how to get it done??

Originally Posted by GailC

I would go with the most professional sounding voice, no music and a very short message.

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The biggest complaint that I've ever come across in OGMs is that they are too long. People are already frustrated at getting a machine, not able to talk to a person, so make it short and sweet. On the other hand, you want to leave options.
My OGM says, "thank you for calling the law office of.....to leave a message, press 1 and begin recording at the beep. Please be sure to leave a return phone number. For more options, continue listening: our fax number is...our mailing address is P.O. Box......we are located at.....our email address is...." After much trial and error over the years, I get lots of positive response to this layout.
Sending prayers and vibes that your new enterprise is a great success

My feeling about this message is that it needs to be professional, but friendly and upbeat. You're a one-man operation, and the caller needs to meet that man from the get-go. Yes, that also means your own voice. We all hear a difference between the voice we hear in our head and the one that's caught in a recording, and the former, because it is so much more part of us, will always sound better. But trust the people who hear it outside your head -- they can tell you what the caller will hear, and whether it is pleasant, better than you can. I agree with others that music is not only not necessary, but probably detrimental in this situation. I know your products are works of art, but they are not "artsy", and I think that is the impression that would be conveyed by a music background -- even a good one, never mind a cheesey one.

Here's where I'd start...

Thank you for calling Smith Custom. [Your slogan, whatever you choose. ]

You're right, it's a machine, but please talk to it, so I know you've called. I'll get back to you within [amount of time]. Your name, number and the time of your call would be fine, but if you want to tell me a bit about what you're looking for, it may make it possible to have some specific information for you when I call back.

Talk to you soon. Have a great day.

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This is based on the message I use in my office, which I haven't changed for probably ten years, because it continues to get compliments. Particularly..
*People seem to appreciate it when you acknowledge, however obliquely, that nobody likes to "talk to a machine", but that it is to their advantage to do so.
*People like to be invited to be more detailed, and it helps you be organized when you return the call.

As for slogan, I'm inclined to shy away from the "...all knives are not created equal..", mostly because the person who is coming to you already knows that. I think something that speaks about YOUR knives, as opposed to all knives, would carry more weight. Perhaps something like "Our knives are individuals".

FWIW

It's way too wordy!

I talk on the phone a great deal and work and I have to make numerous calls to. I can't stand getting voice mail, and I especially can't stand when it's long and wordy. I usually hit the # key or 0 key to see if it gets me past it. To be honest, there are times I simply hang up and try calling back later, or opt to send an email instead.

I think short and to the point is better. Also, no fancy music, chimes, bells etc. Just a short, professional sounding greeting saying you aren't there and will call them back. No music or sounds required.

Something like

This is Smith Custom. Sorry we aren't able to answer your call right now. Please leave your name and number after the tone and we'll call you back.

When I call and get a voice mail, all I want to know is if I reached the right company and that they will call me back if I leave a message.

Originally Posted by AddieBee

I like warm and deep male and female newscaster.

Hey, LG - I could record a message for you for nothing. Used to be my line of work. I was an award-winning radio journalist for many years... I still got the "pipes"!

I would also agree about leaving a message instead of constantly trying back. Let the caller know you will be back in touch within 24 hours, next business day, etc. so they know what to expect.

"Smith Custom" where we recognize that not all knives are created equal.... this is your tag line? Hmmmmmm...... meh.

sorry it doesn't do anything for me. Let me think on it. I am also a writer.

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Thank you for the offer to record your voice. That's very kind. Ultimately, the big plus of this service though is that they have a system that can get the message to my voicemail greeting directly which is a problem I have been struggling with for years. Their solution is so simple, but I hadn't though of it, and it would cost me roughly the same amount of money to build the equipment to do it as they're charging for the recording. So, it ends up being a wash as far as that is concerned.

The "Not all knives are created equal" thing was me just throwing out the first thing that came to my mind. I should have put "Insert slogan here" instead as that was more the point. If you have any ideas for slogans though, do let me know, I've not come up with any that I really liked yet. Any suggestions are welcome.

Originally Posted by calico2222

I liked "warm and deep 2 male" and honestly, "southern accent" appealed to me too. I didn't see a link to listen to the music, but I don't think music is needed. That is more of a "on hold" thing and it's annoying even then, but better than listening to silence or adds I guess.

I agree that it would be more personable to record the message yourself. No one (that I know of at least) likes the way they sound. I can't stand listening to myself recorded but people tell me I have a great speaking voice. I've had people tell me over the phone that I should have gone into broadcasting. But when I listen to myself it just doesn't sound like "me"...but I hear myself differently and that is what I'm used to. If people tell you that you have a good speaking voice, believe them.

Also, if you record your own message people will realize when you call them back that it WAS you...which is a plus in my book. But, it's up to you. But, I wouldn't go with music. That is too much like a doctor's office, IMO.

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LOL. Maybe it's that I spend so much time going to doctors and that my family is full of doctors that the music during the message idea didn't strike me as hokey, because I've heard it so many times when calling doctors' offices. Point taken.

Originally Posted by DarkMavis

Yep, that sounds good, please leave a message or visit our website at (web address) for more info..

Both I guess, their music is just too cheezy for me, but also it's the music in general I don't like. Like calico2222 said, music is more of an on-hold thing. If I get an answering machine, I want it to be a short message. Not enough time for music.

So, can we hear the finished product when you finally decide on how to get it done??

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Sure. I'll upload the recording to a server and post the link when it's done.

Originally Posted by catsknowme

The biggest complaint that I've ever come across in OGMs is that they are too long. People are already frustrated at getting a machine, not able to talk to a person, so make it short and sweet. On the other hand, you want to leave options.
My OGM says, "thank you for calling the law office of.....to leave a message, press 1 and begin recording at the beep. Please be sure to leave a return phone number. For more options, continue listening: our fax number is...our mailing address is P.O. Box......we are located at.....our email address is...." After much trial and error over the years, I get lots of positive response to this layout.
Sending prayers and vibes that your new enterprise is a great success

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Thanks for the vibes. I will work on making the message short, to the point, but retaining enough information to be helpful.

Originally Posted by rapunzel47

My feeling about this message is that it needs to be professional, but friendly and upbeat. You're a one-man operation, and the caller needs to meet that man from the get-go. Yes, that also means your own voice. We all hear a difference between the voice we hear in our head and the one that's caught in a recording, and the former, because it is so much more part of us, will always sound better. But trust the people who hear it outside your head -- they can tell you what the caller will hear, and whether it is pleasant, better than you can. I agree with others that music is not only not necessary, but probably detrimental in this situation. I know your products are works of art, but they are not "artsy", and I think that is the impression that would be conveyed by a music background -- even a good one, never mind a cheesey one.

Here's where I'd start...






This is based on the message I use in my office, which I haven't changed for probably ten years, because it continues to get compliments. Particularly..
*People seem to appreciate it when you acknowledge, however obliquely, that nobody likes to "talk to a machine", but that it is to their advantage to do so.
*People like to be invited to be more detailed, and it helps you be organized when you return the call.

As for slogan, I'm inclined to shy away from the "...all knives are not created equal..", mostly because the person who is coming to you already knows that. I think something that speaks about YOUR knives, as opposed to all knives, would carry more weight. Perhaps something like "Our knives are individuals".

FWIW

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Well, I guess music is out. Everybody has hated the idea of music. I like your message. I'm not sure if I want mine to be quite as casual though. I need to think about what kind of business image I want to project. Am I bold, creative, and outside of the box? Am I professional, serious, and focused solely on quality craftsmanship? Or am I something else? I don't know yet I guess. My logo looks sleek and kind of like an auto racing engineering or NASCAR team logo. Some thought needs to be put into it by me first.

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

It's way too wordy!

I talk on the phone a great deal and work and I have to make numerous calls to. I can't stand getting voice mail, and I especially can't stand when it's long and wordy. I usually hit the # key or 0 key to see if it gets me past it. To be honest, there are times I simply hang up and try calling back later, or opt to send an email instead.

I think short and to the point is better. Also, no fancy music, chimes, bells etc. Just a short, professional sounding greeting saying you aren't there and will call them back. No music or sounds required.

Something like

This is Smith Custom. Sorry we aren't able to answer your call right now. Please leave your name and number after the tone and we'll call you back.

When I call and get a voice mail, all I want to know is if I reached the right company and that they will call me back if I leave a message.

Click to expand...

Another point seems to be repeated so I'll have to go with it. - Short message.

So, so far my "for sure" decisions are:

1) No music
&
2) Short message

Thanks so far guys. This is why I ask questions online. I get viewpoints that make me reconsider my own ideas and assumptions due to the diverse backgrounds of forum members.

I'm having a tough time coming up with a non-cheesy slogan.