| Leaving recorded messages on phone answering | | | | charged for undeliverable messages, and it's just |
| machines or voice mail can be easily done with | | | | pennies per message for those that are successfully |
| technology called phone broadcasting, or sometimes | | | | delivered. |
| referred to as voice broadcasting, call blast or voice | | | | For legal compliance, it is also important for you to |
| blast. This technology can send hundreds or thousands | | | | have your service bureau put in the correct Caller ID |
| of recorded messages per minute to large lists of | | | | number so recipients know which phone number they |
| phone numbers and is relatively inexpensive. Today's | | | | are receiving the message from. It's best to practice |
| technology can also detect the difference between | | | | your message several times and edit it for clarity and |
| someone answering the phone live versus an | | | | brevity. Your message should not last more than 45 |
| answering machine. | | | | seconds. |
| There are different categories of messages and | | | | Leaving prerecorded messages is quickly being |
| some are regulated by law. Informational messages | | | | adopted as a convenient and cost effective way to |
| such as school closings, or airline flight cancellations are | | | | communicate with customers or members. For |
| legal. However, it is not legal to leave commercial | | | | example, sending messages to remind customers |
| telemarketing messages to phone numbers that have | | | | about prescription refills, or to return a rented movie, |
| registered with national and state Do Not Call lists. | | | | are good examples of how this technology can help |
| Moreover, new federal regulations that will go into | | | | business and consumers. New applications are being |
| effect in 2009 will prohibit any solicitations or sales | | | | used everyday. Colleges are sending messages to |
| messages unless you have WRITTEN consent from | | | | alumni about events, or incoming students to alert them |
| those you are calling. | | | | about schedules and deadlines. Organizations can use |
| It is not necessary to purchase equipment or | | | | it to alert members about blood drives, meetings, |
| hardware to leave messages to a large number of | | | | special activities or programs. |
| answering machines. The vast majority of users | | | | About 70% of Americans are not home during the |
| simply hire a phone broadcast service bureau to | | | | day, which is why daytime calls have the best chance |
| deliver the messages. You can email your phone list | | | | of reaching an answering machine or voice mail. Many |
| into the phone broadcast service, and record your | | | | users believe that leaving a message is less intrusive |
| message over the phone. Then you can direct when | | | | than trying to reach a person who answers the phone |
| you want your message delivered. After the message | | | | live, and because the message can be retrieved at the |
| goes out you can receive a report on who received | | | | convenience of the recipient at a later time. |
| the message and who didn't. Generally, you are not | | | | |