I do this with my 'Out of Office' messages. I personalise them to the reason for my absence, and normally throw in something quirky - very much in line with my personal and business positioning. The responses I receive are amazing!
Here's my most recent example, to explain it better:
I am currently in Belgium on leave, and will return on Wednesday 9 May. I will respond to your email, if appropriate, next week - if your message is urgent, please contact ...
If the rest of your day was planned based on my response, then you now have some time on your hands. Here are three time-filling ideas, based on my trip:
1) Watch the film In Bruges, while I am actually in Bruges. We'll both have a great time - me, alas, without Ralph Fiennes
2) I will be in Antwerp, host of the 1920 Summer Olympics. It will be the 7th Olympic Host City I have visited - spend some time counting how many you have seen.
3) I will be visiting the European Parliament in Brussels. If you really need to fill some time, please solve the Eurozone crisis (and remember to write down your answer).
Here's my most recent example, to explain it better:
I am currently in Belgium on leave, and will return on Wednesday 9 May. I will respond to your email, if appropriate, next week - if your message is urgent, please contact ...
If the rest of your day was planned based on my response, then you now have some time on your hands. Here are three time-filling ideas, based on my trip:
1) Watch the film In Bruges, while I am actually in Bruges. We'll both have a great time - me, alas, without Ralph Fiennes
2) I will be in Antwerp, host of the 1920 Summer Olympics. It will be the 7th Olympic Host City I have visited - spend some time counting how many you have seen.
3) I will be visiting the European Parliament in Brussels. If you really need to fill some time, please solve the Eurozone crisis (and remember to write down your answer).
Until next week...