Some voice mail messages are unbelievable.

You may have received one or two of these unbelievable messages.

Like the person who is eating while leaving the message.

Or someone who is chewing gum.  Not sure which is worse.

Then, the worst:

A sales rep making a cold call who actually yawned while reading (yes, reading) his voice mail message. True.

This voice mail was so shocking, I played it over and over again to make sure he really was yawning.   He was.

Two more voice mail mistakes:

1.)    Leaving only a name and number for a call back.

Some may think that not leaving a company name is an attention getter. But if the prospect returns the call and realizes it is a salesperson trying to sell something, this tactic will leave a negative impression.

There goes that first impression

When leaving a message on voice mail, be sure it offers a hint of a benefit/result that sparks curiosity, but does not talk about your products or services.

2.) Saying “I’ve left 3 other voice mail messages for you and haven’t heard back from you.”  

(Otherwise known as “how to annoy a client.“)

There is a MUCH better way to get your point across and motivate the listener to return your call.

This is an example of a third or fourth voice-mail message you can leave (tactfully) for the client who did NOT return your calls:

Script

“Hello [customer’s name]. This is [your name] at [your telephone

number] calling from [your company]. I’m sorry we’ve

been unable to connect, but I want to let you know that [time sensitive

benefit, i.e., “sale ends on the 30th of this month”] and I

would hate to see you miss out on this opportunity. Please call

me at [your telephone number.]”

You can get more voice mail scripts in my e-book Voice Mail Tips and Scripts on this page .

Better yet:

Join me for a private one-to-one coaching and training e-course designed specifically for you and your situation.  Contact me  and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. I would love to hear from you!

- Ann

p.s.  Learn why clients don’t return calls on this page
at http://jmgroup.net/blog/ann-barr/