|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Make It Easy to Reply - Voice Mail That Works
If you are like most business people, voice mail has both simplified and complicated your life. On the good side, it helps you exchange information. On the other side, leaving messages can seem like putting notes in bottles that drift off to sea. Here's how to make sure that your messages get results.
First, prepare for the call. Realize that you are more likely to leave a message than to talk with someone. Thus, write a list of your key points and questions before you call. Then use that list as an outline when you leave a message. Of course, such preparation also helps you communicate effectively when you actually talk to someone.
If you suffer a sudden mental block when the beep tells you to leave a message, simply hang up. Then, organize your thoughts and call back. This is far better than leaving a rambling, incoherent message.
When you leave a message, speak clearly. Begin by greeting the person and identifying yourself. For example, I might say "Hi Pat. This is Steve Kaye at 714 -528-1300." This standard communication protocol tells the other person who you wanted to call and identifies who you are.
When leaving numbers, write the numbers while you state them. This slows down your speaking pace to match the listener's writing speed. Then, as an added courtesy, repeat all numbers. If this is your first contact or if your name is unusual, spell your name, also writing each letter as you speak it. The extra time that you spend to leave a clear message greatly helps the other person return your call.
Next state the purpose of you call. Be candid and concise. Provide enough information so that the other person can meet your request by leaving a message on your system.
Never leave personal information on a message. This could embarrass you or the other person. It is possible that 1) an assistant or coworker will pick up your message 2) the message will be played back on a speaker phone with other people in the office, or 3) your message will be forwarded to someone else.
Similarly, never leave a message when you are upset. Instead, hang up and call back after you calm down.
Close your message with directions on how to respond. Suggest times when you will be available for a return call. For example, you might say "I'd welcome a return call at three this afternoon." Then add positive encouragement, such as "I look forward to hearing from you."
- - - - - - - -
IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and author Steve Kaye works with leaders who want to be more effective. His innovative workshops have informed and inspired people nationwide. His facilitation produces results that people will support. Call 714-528-1300 or visit his web site for over 100 pages of valuable ideas. Sign up for his free newsletter at http://www.stevekaye.com
Wind Chimes and more... Want to get more from your people, but you don't... Read More This article relates to the Ethics in the Workplace competency,... Read More THE PURPOSE OF SURVEY FEEDBACK:In globally competitive environments, organizations are... Read More People talk to me about making personal and professional changes... Read More Every since serving a hitch in the military, I have... Read More The good news is that a new hire orientation program... Read More New York, NY, February 25, 2005 ? Employee retention and... Read More If you have ever worked within a large organisation then... Read More "His cardinal mistake is that he isolates himself, and allows... Read More Talk to as many consultants as you can before hiring... Read More The game of chess has been applauded and taught in... Read More Where there is people there is politics! Bullying is now... Read More People in leading positions are often in a dilemma: on... Read More To visualise where you are going, is deeper and more... Read More Following is a brief definition of core competencies and competitive... Read More Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More As an experienced manager, I can announce without a doubt... Read More What is document management: When we think about "Document Management"... Read More Working virtually adds a whole new dimension to the phrase... Read More Soon after I finished a brief seminar on how to... Read More ACCOUNTABILITY: Delegation is not complete unless subordinates are held accountable... Read More I talked with a group of internal consultants last week... Read More How you run your business is, of course your business.... Read More My background is in retail management - yes, running stores,... Read More I'm sure you've experienced those typical "headache" meetings! You know... Read More
Windchimes
for great gifts!
How to Coach Your Employees - 5 Simple Steps Anyone Can Do!
Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Workplace Ethics: Reaching the Highest Standard
The Survey Feedback Process for Organizational Development and Change
Focus On the Prize
Einstein, The Universe, And Leadership
Employee Orientation: Get New Hires Off To a Great Start
Spinning Gold from Straw: Low-Cost Employee Retention and Motivation Tools in a Changing Economy
Blame Culture Blues - How the Language of Blame Manifests Organisational Underperformance
The Ivory Tower Syndrome
10 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Consultant
Is Chess Good for Management?
Bullying and the Not for Profit Organisation
CEOs Are Great, Top CEOs Are Greater
Top Ten Things About Creating a Business Vision
Creativity and Innovation Management - Core Competencies and Competitive Advantage
Business Innovation ? Organizational Culture
Rules for Running a Meeting
Document management : A dream of paperless office
Cultural Differences: Making it Work Virtually
Are Your Meetings Smart?
How to Delegate Effectively
When Being A Facilitator DOESNT Help
Be a Leader - The Importance of Going Home Early!
Make a Difference - Sweat the Small Stuff First
Holding Effective Meetings Can Be Easier than You Think!
Protect Your Computer System with a Comprehensive Security Policy
The most difficult part of creating a Security Policy for... Read More
Top Ten Things About Creating a Business Vision
To visualise where you are going, is deeper and more... Read More
Profound Knowledge
We all are on a quest for knowledge. Whether its... Read More
Four Employee Behaviors That Can Kill Your Business
I found it important to clarify for employees what "deal-breaker"... Read More
Training Managers and New Trainers
Training managers use many of the same interpersonal and analytical... Read More
A Checklist for Organized Executives
I could begin this article by providing a checklist of... Read More
Plans & Goal Setting - Kicking winning Goals
Kicking Winning Business Goals The competition for business... Read More
Building Trust in Your Business Relationships - 10 Steps
There are some simple things you can do with your... Read More
Effective Email Communication
Email, when used properly, can generate additional direct sales and... Read More
Tales From the Corporate Frontlines: Diversity in the Workplace: Ethnic Considerations
This article relates to the Diversity in the Workplace Competency,... Read More
Innovation Management ? Diversity Can Make All The Difference
Companies are welcoming a diverse range of employees (The Sunday... Read More
Setting Clearer Performance Expectations
The annual performance review.Stating this phrase guarantees some reaction for... Read More
Bosses Are Out ? Managers As Coaches Are In
There is a new trend taking hold in business today... Read More
Develop Your People and Make More Money
What is the no. 1 asset in your business beside... Read More
Goodwill is an Intangible Asset
'Goodwill' is regarded as an intangible asset in a business.... Read More
Tales From the Corporate Frontlines: An Unexpected Benefit
This article relates to the Compensation and Benefits competency, commonly... Read More
Hows Your HUB?
Marketing gurus are always coming up with new lingo but... Read More
Your Biggest Problem in Business? Work Ethic
US Work Ethic Issues and Lack of serviceWell many... Read More
The Changing Boss-Secretary Relationship
THE CHANGING BOSS-SECRETARY RELATIONSHIP: Imagine a partnership at work. One... Read More
Management Coaching to Improve Relationships with Work Associates
As a recent employee to your job, you are becoming... Read More
The 5 Obsessions of a Passionate Employee
A recent report entitled "How Google Grows?and Grows?and Grows" stated... Read More
Organizational Capital in Politics, War, Sports and Business
Intangible Corporate Assets such as Organizational Capital, Blue Sky and... Read More
Innovation Management ? Rigorous data analysis
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
Supervisor-Employee Relations: Tips For Managers
Supervisor-employee relations are a critical part of a work place... Read More
What Every Manager Should Know About How to Conduct Successful Training Activities
Whether you are training preschoolers in the classroom or executives... Read More
Business Management |