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About Cynthia Lett Expertise Author of "That's So Annoying - An Etiquette Expert On The World's Most Irritating Habits And What To Do About Them" . One of the few Certified Etiquette Professionals (CEP) and Certified Protocol Professionals(CPP) earned by examination through the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals (www.ispep.org). I will be happy to answer your questions about business or social etiquette, international customs or protocol issues. Experience Ms. Lett is principal of The Lett Group since 1983. Professionally, Ms. Lett is the founder of and serves as Executive Director of the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals headquartered in Washington, DC. Organizations University Club of Washington, DC She is an active member of the National Speakers Association, American Society for Training and Development; Women Business Owners; Professional Convention Management Association; and past member of the American Society of Association Executives; Foundation for International Meetings (Board of Governors 1986-1987). She was elected into Who's Who of American Women; Who's Who of Advertising Executives; 2000 Notable American Women; Who's Who of the World's Women; Who's Who of U.S. Executives and Who's Who of the World. Publications Ms.Lett is the author of "That's So Annoying: An Etiquette Expert On The World's Most Irritating Habits And What To Do About Them" available wherever books are sold and at www.thatssoannoyingbook.com. She has been featured and quoted in publications such as Successful Meetings, Meetings and Conventions, Meeting News, Business Travel News, Washington Business Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Regardies Magazine, Wall Street Journal, The Robb Report, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Harvard Business Review, Ohio Business Review, Training and Development Journal, CIO Magazine and others Education/Credentials Certified Protocol Professional Certified Etiquette Professional Certificate: Adult Learning Techniques - George Washington University Master-Legal Studies - Antioch School of Law BS - Restaurant, Hotel & Institutional Management - Purdue University BA - Public Relations / Interpersonal Communications - Purdue University Awards and Honors Distinguished Darden Professor - Purdue University Past/Present Clients During 1990, Ms. Lett planned a series of Business Exchange meetings in the Soviet Union for entrepreneurs from the United States who wished to learn about joint ventures with the Soviets in many different fields. She is featured in the PBS special – Pioneer Living – as the protocol expert. Ms. Lett is also the etiquette expert for the Fine Living Channel and currently featured in Survival Guide – Office Etiquette. She is also a frequent expert on etiquette issues for Fox Cable News. |
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Self-Improvement/Self-Help > Business Etiquette > Voice Mail Greetings Business Etiquette - Voice Mail GreetingsExpert: Cynthia Lett - 3/27/2008 Question Do you have any suggestions on how to create/leave professional voice mail greetings on both an office phone and a cellular phone? I am in the Commercial Real Estate Business and naturally, my telephone is in continual use therefore a great deal of my incoming calls go to voice mail. Knowing how frustrating many voice mail greetings can be, I'd like to make the experience for my callers professional and pleasant. Answer Dear David: Thank you for your question. Voice mail is often the first impression someone has of us and professional and informative voice mails lay the foundation of the relationship we hope to have with a client. There is a simple formula for a great voice mail. 1. Identify yourself. We want to know that we have the right number. 2. Explain why you are not answering the phone live, the date (so the caller knows you pay attention to your phone calls, and explicit instructions about what you need from the caller. I would say, "You have reached the voice mail of Cynthia Lett of The Lett Group. It is Thursday, March 27 and I am not available to take your call at the moment. If you will leave your full name, affiliation and phone number, I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you." If you know you will be out of pocket for a certain length of time - in a meeting or on a site, state when you will be able to return calls - after 2pm today or not until 10 am tomorrow morning. Voice mail messages need to be concise - not rambling. We don't like to listen to a "machine" for very long. The instructions are very important because most people don't realize what they are saying in their message. How many times have you received the message with, "Hi, this is George. Call me back." and you have not idea who George is and you certainly don't carry his phone number with you? Keep this in mind when you leave your message with others. Always identify yourself with first and last name, organization and purpose of your call. Say your call back number at least twice.My typical voice mail message when I leave one is this: "Good morning. This is Cynthia Lett, L.E.T.T., of The Lett Group. My phone number is 3-0-1-9-4-6-8-2-0-8. I am calling to follow up on your inquiry yesterday. I will be in my office today, Thursday, between 1 and 4. Again my number is 3-0-1-9-4-6-8-2-0-8. I look forward to talking with you." You will notice I say the phone number slowly, clearly stating each number. I also say when a convenient time to return my call will be. This cuts down on phone tag. I hope this helps, Cynthia Lett www.lettgroup.com | |