Utilizing Voice Mail to its Full Potential

Written by businessideas.info

Not many salespeople realize just how powerful voicemail is.  In fact, many just brush it off as useless, thinking that clients will never return their calls and taking the time to leave a message is a waste of time.  While it is true that, more often than not, your call will not be returned, there is still a point to leaving a message.  At the very least, your prospect will have you in their mind for a short period of time, and in the business world, that mindshare is invaluable.

To fully utilize voicemail, and not sound like an idiot, you must have a script to follow when leaving messages.  When you say things off the top of your head, there is often a lack of fluidness, and you may even stumble a few or many times, which hurts your image.  That is why having a script is so important.  It allows you to speak perfectly and with purpose, although you have to be careful to not sound like you are reading a script. 

Avoid selling your product at all costs.  Voicemail is not the place to do this.  If you are contacting a prospect for the first time, also refrain from leaving a simple introductory message.  To elicit a response, you need to offer something of value to the prospect, or make them feel important.  Say you need their input on a project, or you want to talk to them so you can learn more about their company.  By acting sincere and not pitching your product, you have a much greater chance of the prospect calling you back.

While you may be compelled to leave a long message, so that your prospect can know as much about you as possible, refrain from doing this.  Look at it from the prospect's perspective; would you like to hear a lengthy, boring message from someone you don't or hardly even know?  Keep messages brief, less than thirty seconds if possible.  As long as you are efficient, that should be more than enough time to convey your message.

Of course, to get called back, you need to leave your name and number.  Speak clearly, and consider repeating your phone number twice.  A message is useless if the prospect does not know how to call you back.  In addition to your number, leave a passive communication mechanism, such as your email address.