I hate hearing that "it's a great day" line.... just say Hi this is Michael....

Hi this is John 

I just say hello.

I usually answer with my firm name and then my name.  That is unless it is someone I know... Never do I answer regardless with just "Hello".  

Hi, this is Chris

For myself I like to just use my name and a quick hello/good morning etc. The only time I like affirmations is if your calling say the receptionest or main office line, I think that makes the company stand out a little more as a good place to work at or work with.

Please, no affirmations! Hello, this is Kathleen.

Hi, this is Alexandra, I have a smile on my face when I answer the phone!  A

I was told once to answer the phone with a smile on your face.  It add some warmth to you voice.

Mt standard answer is 'Bob Force how may I help you!.  That is unless I know the name that appears on my cellphone.

I keep it short.  i don't care for long hello's when I call either.

Typically, I answer with my name...sometimes adding hello or good morning.  

For direct calls, I just say hello.

"Century 21 Flagstaff Realty, this is Dusty  - I CAN help you!"

Good (whatever time of day it is) Ray speaking how may I assist you.

Good morning/afternoon/evening, this is Susan.  

LOL that's what they say at Keller Williams.  It's friendly.

We say, "Thanks for calling Floor Coverings International.  This is Debbie.  How may I help you?"

Different strokes for different circumstances. In the office, the caller has already been greeted with "company name and how may I direct your call". Then, my pickup is "name and may I help you". Cell phones are perceived to be the ultimate in personal contact whether you have herd that or not, so I keep it informal, based on the caller ID. Syrupy affirmations often sound so insincere and contrived.... not for me.

ID the business and my name and ask how I may help.

keep it brief.

This is Michael, may I help you?

Michael Thornton I acknowledge who I am and ask how I can help.

I answer with a, "Good morning, this is Bill."

Hello this is Richard.

Honestly speaking when agents just answer "hello" it throws me off.

I answer with hello, my name and brokerage.

I answer: Dan McGinnis or this is Dan but my voice mail says:

I will return your call normally within 3 to 59 minutes

Hello, this is Joe Pryor.

I say "good morning (or etc.), this is Gene" ... positive ... friendly ... and identifies who they are talking to.

Gene

Whispering Pines Realty, this IS Bill.

I hate hearing the long into.  I already know who i am calling.

Name and "how can I help you?"  Concise and to the point.  Do not have time for small talk or plugs.  I think people appreciate the basics and to the point..

Door #2

Tony Lewis, may I help you?

"Hi this is Michele " ... thats how I answer .

I answer "Buyers Agent Portland" and if I'm in a pleasant mood I might begin with "Good morning/afternoon"  I've stopped saying "This is Carla" and if the caller is an idiot, a spammer, a "I can get your ranked on Google" bafoon, I pretend I'm the answering service happy to take their name and number and have "Carla call you back."  LOL

I guess I better quit using the 2 that I use. "Cash or Dash Pal I haven't got all day". Or "Cash talks and Bullsh_t walks". LOL

Personally, I think the long, "positive affirmations" as you called them are a little hoaky and sometimes too long. A simple, "Hi, this is Michael" would do for me after the company greeting, if you must.

Hello this is Frank