After signing up to free online directories as a form of advertising,and getting hammered with marketers trying to help me improve my business, and normal calls/quotes, and general existing client enquiries, i've been looking at my phone as a pain in the asss when you're on the tools, i usually let them go through to message bank but find i miss out on some jobs with people not bothering to leave a message(they just go to the next number on the list).
So i've been using a virtual receptionist. I've used free trials with a few companies which has taken the heat off the tele-marketers, and i'm finding people will leave a message when they're speaking 1 to 1 with a real person. Also you can check their site and see what incoming calls you've had messages left etc. messages are sent via sms and via email.
As i've said, i've used a few, it can be a bit expensive for their normal plans but if you're starting an advertising campaign and want some help with calls for a few weeks, i suggest using these free trials, they're great. The sound very professional too. www.yourphonescovered.com.au are the ones i'm using at the moment, they seem to have plans a bit cheaper than the others if you decide to use a virtual receptionist after the trial periods