How do you answer the phone?

Far back in my retail management days, I remember pulling teeth to get my employees to answer "Happy Holidays from ____, this is Sue, how can I help you?"  And that's a fairly natural phrase!  I think there is a balance between a simple name and something more catchy, and it does make a difference whether you're reaching a reception desk or have requested a particular person.

Erica, i always answer with Hello this is Frank. I like it simple and quick.

I think quick  shows that you aren't going to waste their time or yours and feels honest.

Those long introductions to answering the phone; become quite tiresome for the one answering and the poor sole calling.  Say you’re a client or agent and you are making consistent calls to that number, it’s like having to bear through a long voicemail message that you have heard several times, just to leave a message.  I feel answering with where you’re calling and who’s speaking is the most important aspect of answering.  A friendly goodbye is important as well.  Just my opinion everyone is different. 

This is Norma.  Identifying myself to the caller is important.  My phone message also quickly identifies me and that the caller has reached my voicemail. 

Short and sweet is how I like it.  Identify in a pleasant voice tho!  I just called one of the major players in my board, checking on a listing.  She just answered: hello.  That made me stumble and have to ask if she was Axxxx, the one I was calling for.  Now that's not professional.

We are told to smile through the telephone

I would have to say my biggest pet peeve would be to those agents whom don't have their phone on.  I was working as the buyers agent and the listing agent would always have her phone off and wouldn't return calls until the next day sometimes.  This was during negotiations.  Her voicemail was a detailed message to her hours, yet her phone her phone was never on during her supposed work hours.  How do agents that keep their phones off survive in the business?  

Company name and then this is Linda.  Short and sweet.

I answer with my name only, my voicemail however offers an appology for not answering and ends with "have a beautiful day!"  Even though my voicemail message is short, I get a lot of great responses and keep clients/customers calling back because of the ending.  Never hurts to be nice.

P.S. - if you don't return calls within an hour to 11/2 hours, you face the distinct possibility of losing your potential clients as most like to hear back immediately!