Self Help

One of the biggest complaints about voice mail is that people get too many messages, and it takes too long to listen to them. Here are some tips that can help you deal with this problem:

1. Increase the playback speed of your calls. When you listen to your messages, speed them up so that you can get through them quicker. (This feature may not be available on all voice mail systems or home answering machines.)

2. Limit the length of time for each message. If you’ve got long-winded people, limit the length of time that a person can leave a message to 60, 90, or 120 seconds at most. (When you record your message, tell callers that they have only 60 seconds to leave their messages.)

3. Limit the number of calls your voice mail box can hold. I know this advice may sound like it’s defeating the purpose of the voice mail system, but if you’re getting too many calls, try limiting the number of calls that your voice mail box can hold. When your box is full, the caller will be told something like: “This voice mail box is full.” Now the caller will have to call someone else, call back later, or send a letter or e-mail message.