Leave a Message at the Beep...

[William Draven]

Ever call a business from the yellow pages to get a quote on something you need, only to be met with a "hello" on the other end? Ever get that sudden sinking feeling that the company your calling is less than creditable?

So if you're booking yourself out as a magician, why the hell do you not use a professional voice mail message yourself?

It seems like a silly over sight, but if you're giving your number out to possible bookers then if they do call you you want to make sure that your voice mail message is both friendly, and informative.

If you use a ring back, then avoid offensive songs or lyrics.

Your voice mail message should be well thought out in advanced, and shouldn't sound like you're making it up as you go. Try reading from a script once or twice before recording it.

Your message should include your name, your stage name(if you use one), a brief apology for missing the call, your website, and instructions if the person wants to be called back.

Just thought I'd throw that out there. I'll try to expand upon this idea a bit later when I'm not pressed for time. Gotta love work....

 

[RickEverhart]

Agreed. Nothing is more annoying than calling someone to listen to an offensive ring back tone that is inappropriate. Take note some of you younger guys....not a good way to land potential clients.

 

[AlfieWhattamMagic]

Agreed, I hate voicemail music

 

[Randy]

Whats wrong with getting a "Hello?" on the other end? Unless you are talking about those voice mails that go "Hello, this is Bob. I'm not at the office right now." Which I still don't see whats wrong with it.

 

[William Draven]

Randy: When I call a business I don't want to hear "Hello". That sounds sooooo unprofessional.

As a consumer I expect to hear something like: "Thank you for calling Target, my name is Tess. How may I help you?"

That sound way more professional.

 

[Randy]

Well not everybody goes by your standards. And you're the guy who said people should sometimes accept gigs via craigslist.

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

I happen to agree with Draven.

When I contact a business, I want it to sound like a business. I can't tell you how many times I've nearly hung up, thinking I had a wrong number, when I called a business and got, "Hello?"

Businesses are not personal. One should answer a business number in a professional manner.

By the way, can we drop the ad hominem? It isn't adding anyting to the discussion.

 

[William Draven]

Well not everybody goes by your standards. And you're the guy who said people should sometimes accept gigs via craigslist.

No. Not everyone does. Just most of corporate America, and fortune 500 companies. There's always an exception to the rule, sure. But I'm sure businesses whose phone skills are less than professional don't stick around too long anyway.

And what's wrong with craigslist, if you know how to use it?

I booked a full feature length film with a major Hollywood actor by replying to a craigslist add once.

Are you trying to take a dig at me Randy?

 

[Randy]

Maybe I am, Maybe I'm not.

I'm just saying that your complaints about somebody saying "hello" on the other line not being professional is sort of contradictory to you taking offers on craigs list.

It's like a hooker complaining about not getting high level clients.

Oh No, I didn't just go there!

 

[William Draven]

Maybe I am, Maybe I'm not.

Don't be ambiguous with me. I don't play mind games like that. If you got something to say, then man up and say it. I'm a big boy, I think I can handle a little bit of criticism once in a while.

I'm just saying that your complaints about somebody saying "hello" on the other line not being professional is sort of contradictory to you taking offers on craigs list.

How so? I don't get where you are going with this.

It's like a hooker complaining about not getting high level clients.

Oh No, I didn't just go there!

You're treading into dangerous waters Randy. I really don't think you want to do this with me of all people. You know I have no problem putting you in your place, and I won't lose sleep over it either. I'd be very careful how you approach your inevitable reply to this post. This is the only warning you're going to get to be civil. I have claws, and I will use them!

 

[Randy]

I am saying that your complaint about them not being super professional is kind of contradictory. I mean you work in LA, what happened to you hiring an Agent to get all those high end corporate gigs?

As for them saying "Hello" on the other line, it really shouldn't bother you. Not everybody was trained to talk like they work for a major corporation.

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

You did go there, but you aren't making any sense.

How does taking gigs from Craigslist contradict the idea that you should have a professional voice mail? They are not related. I have no solid numbers, but plenty of events use CL as free advertising and a way to search for entertainers who often rely on the free sites to get gigs (Since we're all starving artists).

This goes beyond entertainment, as well. I got the best paying job of my life from Craiglist (working in technical support), and I didn't even meet anyone involved in the company until after I was hired.

I also nearly lost an employment opportunity because of a lame voice mail message that I'd forgotten to change before using that number on an application.

You can feel free to have "Hi, you've reached Randy, leave a message" if you like, it's really your call. But I have to wonder, have you actually researched this at all? Do you know anything about psychology and selling? Because that's what we're doing, selling. We're selling our acts and ourselves. That transaction starts long before the audition. It starts the second someone hears about us, and everything contributes to it. Including your outgoing voice mail message.

 

[romeo sierra]

I'm just going to throw this out there... but if you're answering your own phone for potential gig opportunities, I personally feel you may lose a lot of credibility anyway in terms of 'professional standards.' As Draven said, there are exceptions to every rule, but if a person's sooo talented and sooo successful that he runs his own entertainment firm, why should he be answering his own phone?

RS.

 

[KeoSilver]

I'm just going to throw this out there... but if you're answering your own phone for potential gig opportunities, I personally feel you may lose a lot of credibility anyway in terms of 'professional standards.' As Draven said, there are exceptions to every rule, but if a person's sooo talented and sooo successful that he runs his own entertainment firm, why should he be answering his own phone?

RS.

I see your point, but I feel that if you are a highly successful performer and have time to answer your client phone line, it will make them feel like you are more accessible then not. You care enough to take time away from a "Busy" schedule to talk to them. At least that is how I feel when I call a professional establishment that is locally owned and the owner answers the phone.
Just throwing that out my thoughts, now time to go hunt for some foods.

 

[Randy]

If your are soo talented and soo professional. Get an Agent. That way you don't have to worry about people answering there voice mail with "Hello." or dealing with somebody answering it like that on the other line.

"Thank you for calling (Insert talent agency/entertainment agency here)." etc. Problem solved.

 

[E/caulfield]

If your are soo talented and soo professional. Get an Agent. That way you don't have to worry about people answering there voice mail with "Hello." or dealing with somebody answering it like that on the other line.

"Thank you for calling (Insert talent agency/entertainment agency here)." etc. Problem solved.

And spend 15% or so of any pay so you don't have to answer a phone?
...HBO's new hit show....Magic Entourage..
Agents have their advantages, but not everyone needs them.
Just answer the phone yourself with a courteous, approachable greeting, and you still don't have to worry about "people answering there voice mail with "Hello." or dealing with somebody answering it like that on the other line".

I agree with William Draven, I think professional fronts are important to getting business. The notion can be applied to other areas as well, if a web site is poorly designed, I'll be much more wary to shop from it, etc.

 

[William Draven]

I am saying that your complaint about them not being super professional is kind of contradictory. I mean you work in LA, what happened to you hiring an Agent to get all those high end corporate gigs?

As for them saying "Hello" on the other line, it really shouldn't bother you. Not everybody was trained to talk like they work for a major corporation.

I have an agent. His name is Aye Jaye. Maybe you've heard of him? He was the first Ronald McDonald. But just because I've got a fricking awesome manager doesn't mean that I don't go looking for gigs myself. That's just stupid to put all my eggs into one basket.

Don't mix up the issues here. If you want to debate agents and getting corp gigs with me I'll take you to town. That's not what we're discussing here though. What we're talking about here is having a professional voice mail message.

As for saying hello... Unless we are dealing with a real little micro business owned by mom and dad that only does business three days of the week (and they do exist I'm sure) I highly DOUBT that they will answer with just "Hello". Not if they are professional. I don't care what it is that they do.

Now, Randy, since you've opened this can of worms... I challenge you to grab your local yellow pages and call 10 businesses out of it at random. This of course is on the honor system, since I can't verify your results. I'm wiling to bet that 9 out of the 10 won't just answer with "hello". I'm willing to bet that you will get an answer simuler to this plot.
"{a greeting}, {gratitude for your patronage}, and {an offer to assist}"

 

[Randy]

I see your point, but I still don't see why it's a huge deal.

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

The devil is in the details, as they say.

When choosing between two performers, the way you greet people on the phone will weigh into that decision, even if on a subconscious level.

 

[William Draven]

If your are soo talented and soo professional. Get an Agent. That way you don't have to worry about people answering there voice mail with "Hello." or dealing with somebody answering it like that on the other line.

"Thank you for calling (Insert talent agency/entertainment agency here)." etc. Problem solved.

This is a straw man argument and you know it!

Proper phone etiquate is something that everyone should have when dealing business for oneself. No matter how big you are.

Secondly, Randy, Not EVERYONE has the luxury of having an agent or manager. Yes, for me, it's easy. I live in LA. Agents are a dime a dozen out here. But try finding one in my home town of Troy, Ohio. You won't. Dayton maybe.

Third, Randy, Finding a GOOD agent that will work for you, get you gigs, and not charge you an arm and a leg JUST to sign up with them is difficult. There are a lot of companies out there willing to scam you in order to make you feel like you're being treated like a talent.

Lastly, Randy, There aren't a lot of agents that focus on Magicians. We're a very niche group. Most agents focus on acting, modeling, or vocals. If you had any clue what the hell you were talking about you'd know that already. Quit jerking me around, I'm not an idiot. I know my industry better than that.

Thank you.