Regarding current clients, I rarely, if ever, get a call from them. We always communicate by e-mail, which is really my preferred way to communicate! This is probably because 90% of my work is sent from the client through e-mail attachments. This is why my phone rarely rings unless it is a prospective new client, my friend, or a telemarketer (oh, they irritate me!). I agree, it is a bit harsh to pass one by just because the one time they call the phone isn't answered. It is hard to tell sometimes, though, what size a business is when you call them.

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Pam Deyerle - Transcriptionist in the Richmond, Virginia area
The Perfect Word Transcription Services

I have one client that I do phone work for. He has an answering service with a live person who answers all incoming calls and then transfers to me. If I am not available to take the call, the answering service takes a message and sends me an email. I use e-mail to communicate with my other clients unless I need clarification on a project. Sometimes it is better to talk directly to the client.

I agree with Pam that passing up work with a new business just because they do not answer the phone is a bit harsh. In this day and age, if you use v-mail appropriately, you can get a lot of work done by just leaving a detailed message of what your needs are.

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Margie Gibson
http://mgvirtualofficesolutions.org

Thanks, Darlene! I will check into Google Voice!

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Oh Darlene, I have Google Voice too and love that I can forward my calls anywhere. I also have a phone with voice caller ID so I can here the number/name of the caller so I can decide to pick-up or not.

Everyone has their own processes and that is the great thing about us is that we set our own rules. I am not a fan of automated phone calls but do understand if i get voice mail for someone. It just depends on how long it takes to return the call as to how I will proceed.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

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.