Do you request to "hold?"

[Kevin]

I do if I know they're bad about returning calls and they're on the other line.

I am with kevin on that one. If there bad at returning their calls i will ask to be put on hold....it beats 1. not getting a return call or 2. phone tag

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by cutiepatootie

it beats . . . 2. phone tag

For me, it also depends on whether "leaving a message" means the receptionist writing down "Please Call MysticCat" or whether I can leave voice-mail. If I can leave voice-mail and explain why I'm calling, what info I need, etc., then that's great. If it's going to be a written message, then I might want to hold.

Originally Posted by MysticCat

For me, it also depends on whether "leaving a message" means the receptionist writing down "Please Call MysticCat" or whether I can leave voice-mail. If I can leave voice-mail and explain why I'm calling, what info I need, etc., then that's great. If it's going to be a written message, then I might want to hold.

I hear that! i have a better chance at voice mail then with a receptionist taking the msg because lets get real we all have worked in offices and for supervisors your msg is low priority the majority of the time

[VandalSquirrel]

In my office it is policy to always transfer the call to whomever it is for (and our direct line numbers are not secret so it is rare one comes on the main line), and to never say if someone is in the office, on the phone, or is not in the office. Most of my assistants understand this, but they have a hard time pushing the buttons in the right order.

I always prefer to be sent directly to voicemail if possible. When another person takes a message it has the potential to be fouled up.

[DeltAlum]

If I ask to hold, I always say, "This is DeltAlum, calling about, can I hold for a couple of minutes?"

The problem with voice mail is that a lot of busy people only check it a couple of times a day -- often during the half hour prior to lunch, and the final half hour of the day. If the message is urgent, that may be too late.

[KSigkid]

Depends - if it's important, and/or the other person is expecting my call, I tell them who I am and that I just need a minute or two (even if that's not the truth). If it's just a general matter, without a time frame, I'll leave a message. I hate being on hold.