Vonage also sends voicemails to your email if you set it up that way. If you've got a cell phone as your primary business line you can also try YouMail.com. I don't use it for my business, but all my personal calls are on my cell. I can customize the message based on the phone number calling (Google Voice does this also) and voicemails are emailed to me. I can also call in to get the messages (just like any other voicemail) or go online and check them.

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Sherra Scott

I'll third that idea--I get my VMs emailed to me as audio files with my toll-free Kall8 number.

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AnnaLisa Michalski, Sunny Words Writing Services

When I call any business and do not get an answer I get annoyed! I am even near annoyance it the phone rings for too long, that is 3 or 4 rings plus. Answering is important but answering promptly also makes a big difference!

I don't know...maybe it's just me...but, I really don't mind getting someone's voicemail. I actually prefer it at times because I can leave a message with exactly what I'm calling about and the other person can be prepared for when they return the call. Helps with overall time management.

On the flip side, I really don't have a hard and fast rule about whether or not to answer the phone. I use my cell phone as my business line so it really just depends if I am in the middle of a project or if there are any background noises at the time that would be unprofessional.

For me, the question I quickly run through in my mind is whether or not I am able to convey a professional image by answering the phone at that particular time and in that particular circumstance. I always err on the side of portraying the best image possible and, sometimes, that just may be my voicemail.

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Susana Sifuentes-Prieto
"A partner in your success - virtually... strategically... wholeheartedly."

I completely agree with Susana. I use my cell phone as a business line and I never answer if there is background noise or if I can't give the client my full attention. Sometimes voicemail is just better than what they would get otherwise!

wow - so many great things to consider. I am an email person because of the hard copy, CYA and history/continuity. Voicemail - hate phone tag, great I can leave a message and then sometimes I can get the answer in a message back as well. I NEVER answer my phone. I list it as voice message. ALL my clients have my cell and all know 1.) I prefer email 2) leave voice msg or email if don't have to talk to me or not in a hurry. I am able to screen my calls and triage that way. BUT I return calls a.s.a.p. with the information they need - or at least email/confirm receipt of the message and let them know I am working on it.

I have magicJack at home for my landline and it can go anywhere there is computer service. I only pay less than $20/yr and I have voice mail, v.m. that goes to email, call forwarding, conference calls etc.

I am sorry - I didn't phrase that correctly. All my clients have my cell phone. Primary contact then is my cell and email. If they don't have to talk and no access to email then go to my voice mail and I will return msg a.s.a.p.