I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
Miss Manners Would Mind!
"Good morning...this is Billie Sucher and I am returning Jane Doe's phone call." (approximately 8:00 A.M. CST today).
"Yeah, so?" (groggy-sounding male voice).
Me: "Yes, she left a message, so I am returning her call."
Male: "Well, when did she call? And what d'ya want?"
Me: "The message came in at 7:56...may I speak with her?"
Male: "Well, she is asleep. And anyway, she didn't call you at 7:56 this morning 'cause she was sleepin' then."
Me: "Oh, uh...."
Male: "It was 7:56 last night."
Me: "Would it be better if I call back at another time?"
Male: "No!"
Me: "Well then please give her the message that I returned her call..."
Male: "Sure, whatever." (Click!)
The moral of this post...please consider answering your telephone during traditional business hours (or any hour, for that matter) with some degree of professionalism, enthusiasm, and courtesy. Otherwise, don't bother taking the call and let it roll through to your voice mail. How you, and the "extensions" of you, conduct yourself on the telephone says something about you. Make a positive first impression and make Miss Manners proud!
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