How to Leave Effective Voice Mails

Voice mail is a vital communication link in the modern business world. It is also a hidden opportunity. Most decision makers let unrecognized callers roll into voice mail. This puts a tool in your hands to leave an effective voice mail message tailored just for them. A personalized message with a dynamic benefit will win you appreciation and a call-back.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Make sure that you are taken seriously from the moment your voice is heard. You can establish credibility with named referrals, focused research remarks and knowledge of current trigger events.
2. Develop a 30-second voice mail pitch. Lead with your strength and focus
   on a big benefit to the listener. Select one benefit your prospect can use to improve quality of life immediately. Practice your message until you can deliver it naturally and confidently.
3. Include your name and phone number twice, once at the beginning of the voice mail and again at the end. Speak at a rapid pace while leaving the main voice mail message, but slow down and speak clearly when providing the contact information.
4. Always fax or email information relating to your call subject, after the voice mail. This puts a contact point and more benefits right into your prospect’s hands. When you follow up about the fax/email by phone,
   use this material as a conversation lever: “I am following up on my email about (then mention a great big benefit of your product).” This approach recharges the prospect’s memory and provides the opening for you to make another pitch.
5. Close with confidence. Winning voice mail messages will end on a truly enthusiastic note. Leave the customer feeling that meeting with you is a valuable proposition. Set up an appointment to meet in person, or to hold an in-depth phone conversation. The strategic goal is to advance the sales process to the next logical step.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave more than one message per day. Follow up every 2 to 3 days.