I encountered the most unique (and somewhat disturbing) outgoing message last week while trying to find a vet who could see my dog. I woke up on a Monday morning to find my 10-year-old chihuahua-mix, Martin acting very strange. I thought he might be having a stroke. I scooped him up, ran out the door, and arrived at the emergency center at 6:40 am to find a 2-hour wait.
I decided to try my own vet which opened at 8:00 am. However, they were not able to see Martin as they had a vet on vacation and had a full schedule for the day. Martin and I left. We sat in my car as I called around town desperate to find a vet who could see us. That’s when I heard an outgoing voicemail message that stunned me. I tell the story and play the outgoing message in this video.
If you’re like me, you may be wondering, “What in the world is going on at that clinic (and in the industry in general) that would influence them to put customers on notice right from the start?” Everyone calling this particular vet hears this message before they talk to a human being. It’s sad and bewildering, to say the least.
I encourage you to think of your outgoing message (and hopefully you have one) as a tiny virtual stage. When someone calls, they become your captive audience. Through your recorded voice, they get a sense of you. Make it count. Use it wisely. Take advantage of this tiny piece of digital real estate.
Next month I’ll give some tips on how to leave an engaging voicemail if you are the one calling.
Remember, I’m here for you when you’re ready to engage from every stage with confidence.
