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:
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.
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:
It feels rough and hokey to me.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.
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.