Debbie, Both my land-line (office phone) and cell phone are used for business. I don't have a "personal" phone line. So both have a professional business greeting.
Tom, I confess I have caught myself leaving a bunch of blah blah blah ... then I erase and re-record to leave a simple message ... call me.
Toni, That is my pet-peeve too.  I don't care that you are in a conference today or cat sitting for your favorite Uncle.  Just check your messages and return calls timely.
Joan, I have no doubt that your greeting is professional because you are a true professional.
Michael,  I need to check Pat's post ... thanks for the heads up.  I hear you ... it makes me want to bang my head on the wall when people do that. We don't care ... just answer your phone or get back to me in a timely manner.
Rob, There is a concept ... answer the phone.  But I would say if you are in the bathroom or even shopping its best to wait until one is in a quiet environment and can offer their undivided attention.

Laura, It never hurts to revisit our voice messages.  In fact, I relistened to mine after writing this post!
Richard & Beth,  For me, I want to be certain I have the right number when someone answers a business line. "Hello!" does not make that happen for me.
Norman, Well said ... it does brand us as professional when it is done well.  Thank you!
Debbie, And that is why you will continue to be successful and grow your business.  Your focus in on your customers and their experience. You do what needs to be done in orde to ensure customers have a good experience and KNOW they are dealing with a professional.
Charita, I just went through that with a physical therapy group my doctor referred me to.  The recorded message was that infamous male voice "no one is available at this time" created on a out of box home answering device.  Really?  No thanks. I pay the same price for a professional service that has a professional front office.
Betsy, I'm glad you found this to be a good reminder and will check to see if your message is professional.

Patricia, Thank you so much.  I read your comment that you changed your voice message.  Thanks so much for including this in your Last Week's Favorites! 

Kim, Thanks for stopping by. That's how I feel. Our voice message sets the stage for a potential business relationship.

Cindy, I completely agree.  I see red flags all over the place when someone jumps right in and does not identify who they are.  I often ask, are you an agent?  It also sets the stage for how it would be to do business with them.

Donna, I know many agents who state in their voice message ... I return calls between 10-11, 2-3, and 5-6.  I agree. Does not matter to me ... I don't need to know their schedule or how busy they are ... just return my call. 

Katrina,  Thank you for stopping by. 

Lenn,  I use a land line 90% or better of the time.  I will only return calls on my cell if absolutely necessary.  I understand why people just hang up ... it's frustrating.

Peggy,  I recall a few agents who recorded a new message everyday with minute by minute details of their day.  Seriously, why do we care?  We don't!  I stopped doing business with a lender who did the same thing.  I've been told my voice greeting is professional and pleasant.  It's nice to get that feedback too!

Shawna,  I like your analogy to curb appeal.  It really is the same thing ... what is the caller left feeling with a voice message and how does a buyer feel when they drive up to a home for sale.