Leave a Perfect Voicemail Message: Use These 9 Rules
Voicemail, voicemail. Is everyone in the world using an automated answering system instead of personally answering the telephone when it rings? Sometimes it seems that way. It is actually somewhat of a shock when a real person answers a call!
Marketing and selling by phone can be the most successful and cost-effective way to connect with customers. But ending up in voice mail is one roadblock that can discourage even the most optimistic telephone professional. It can be very frustrating, making call after call only to end up in voicemail.
Recent marketing research has found that up to 40% of outbound calls made by salespeople end up in voice mail. My own research tells me the percentage is up to 50% of calls that end up in voice mail. And . . . most voice mail messages left by salespeople are not returned. But you CAN get your call returned by leaving memorable and attention-getting voice mail messages.
Use these nine rules and you will get more calls returned
1.) BEFORE you place the call, know exactly WHY you are placing the call and what you want to accomplish. Write down what action you want the listener to take as a result of your call.
2.) If you don’t feel positive or enthusiastic about the product or service you are calling about, DO NOT place the call. Wait until you have a more positive attitude. No one will be interested in listening to someone who sounds bored and unenthusiastic. The average business executive listens to her voice mail messages with her finger poised over the delete button. And as soon as she decides a phone call is not one that she needs to save or return, or not a call that she will benefit from returning, she hits “delete” . . . and never gives it another thought.
3.) Immediately identify yourself: First name, last name and company name. Sales reps who do not use their last name diminish their credibility (unless there is already a business relationship – then it is okay to use just the first name.) Using first AND last name is more professional than using just the first name.
4.) Leave your telephone number next. Even if you know the other person has your number, they may not have it handy.
5.) Quickly get to the point of the message. “The reason for my call is…”
6.) Speak clearly. Especially when stating your name, phone number and other important information.
7.) Speak slowly. Pronounce your first and last names clearly, spelling your name if people may not recognize the name. The person you are calling could become annoyed if they have to spend time replaying the message because they could not understand.
8.) Organize your message so that you state the most important and attention- getting information first, since you may be cut off at any time.
9.) State your telephone number twice : once at the beginning of your message—after your name and company name—and again at the end of the message. This makes it easier for the prospect to return your call. It provides another opportunity for the listener to write down your number without having to listen to the entire message again.
A little preparation can lead to being heard and getting results. You dramatically increase the likelihood that your calls will get returned when you leave a concise message with a bright and energetic voice. Think about the point you want to make and write a few key words. Limit the points to one or two per message. Whenever making a phone call, be prepared to deal with voice mail.
Show that you’ve put some advance thought and research into your call. That alone will make you stand out from 98 percent of all callers.
Most busy executives will listen only to the first two sentences before they erase you.
An Irresistible Voice Mail Message
This is one of the best voice mail messages I have ever received. (The name of the caller and the company has been changed.)
“Hi Ann. Brian Kelly with XYZ Consulting Service at (his telephone number). I noticed you’ve been making some changes to your web site SellingSupplies.com and I have some ideas about how to add a few elements to your site that would greatly increase traffic. We’ve done this for (person and firm in my industry who I might know) and they’ve achieved (positive results). Let’s talk. My number is … (he repeated his phone number). I’ll try getting back to you as well.”
WOW. Why was this message such an attention-getter – and almost guaranteed to motivate me to call him back? It was not about his company. It was about my business and my desired results. That message definitely prompted a call back. The “what’s in it for me” part of the message included not only a great benefit for me, the listener, but the use of the name of a real person and company was very powerful.
Voice Mail Tips and Scripts
You will see more examples of attention-getting scripts, as well as step-by-step worksheets in my e-book Voice Mail Tips and Scripts, the book your clients will want you to read.
What is the most successful voice mail message you have left or received? Share your experiences, views and opinions in the Comment section below.
About The Author
Ann Barr is a telesales marketing success coach with a passion for teaching. She loves helping people who are starting out in new telesales careers and working with experienced sales reps who are looking for new ideas and tips. In addition to presenting monthly e-classes, she writes and edits direct-mail marketing letters and emails for clients. Sign up today for Ann’s free Weekly Sales Tips and get marketing tips and ideas to increase your sales!
12 Responses to “Leave a Perfect Voicemail Message: Use These 9 Rules”
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Ann Barr
757.463.0924
3419 Virginia Beach Blvd #201
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Books By Ann Barr
Great post I bookmared it on Delicious and submitted on Digg. Hopefully it sends more visitors your way :)
Daniel, thank you!
I must say this is the fourth time I have come across your website and I am lovin it! I added your website to my rss reader. Cant wait to see more posts!
Thank you, Kori, for visiting. I appreciate your comments!
I would like to thank your Blog, so happy great wordpress blog. I will set a bookmark from my website.
Williams, thank you for visiting. I appreciate your comment!
Great post I bookmared it on Delicious and submitted on Digg. Hopefully it sends more visitors your way :)
Thank you Bruce, I appreciate it!
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
I am happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.
Leave a Perfect Voicemail Message: Use These 9 Rules : Ann Barr : Teaching You How To Outsell Your Competition : Sales Coach
http://www.piratearpspgo.com
Your blog is so informative … keep up the good work!!!!
Thank you. I’m glad you are finding the blog helpful.