On Friday I was out of my office most of the day and returned at about 4:45.

One of the voice mail messages I received was understandable . . . except for the person’s name. A very important part of a voice mail message.  This is what the message sounded like:  “Hello, this is JoAnn . . . ”
The problem?  It was a man’s voice. Since I have never heard of a man named JoAnn, I replayed the message three times and even had a friend listen to the message. She also thought the man said his name was JoAnn.

As it turned out, when I returned the call, I learned the man’s name was actually Julian.

Do people not realize how their voice mail messages sound?

Some sales reps think that leaving a voice mail message is a waste of time. Well, it is, if your message is not understandable.

Three Ways to Make Sure Your Voicemail Message is Not Deleted Immediately

from Voice Mail Tips and Scripts

1.) Speak clearly and use both your first and last name.

2.) Leave your telephone number and extension number immediately after stating your name.  At the end of your voicemail message repeat your name and telephone number.

3.) Make sure your message lasts no longer than 30 seconds. Most of us have a very short attention span.  A message lasting longer than 30 seconds often gets deleted before the end of the message.

When making a telephone 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 delete you.

Find out how to avoid the 6 worst voice mail mistakes.

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!

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.
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’m calling to introduce myself.”

They don’t care and don’t have time to be introduced to every Mary, Kevin and Harry who calls.

3.) Making the call all about YOUR products and services.
Self-serving voice mail messages do not work.  Prospects want to hear how they may benefit by calling you back.

4.) Leaving a message lasting longer than 30 seconds.
Most busy executives will listen only to the first two sentences before they erase you.
They have their finger hovering over the delete key as they listen to voice mail messages.

5.) Using filler words like “um” and “uh.”

In addition to sounding unprofessional, filler words detract from your message.

6.) Making a call without a written plan for what you will say if you reach voice mail. 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, rehearsed 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.

Don’t Get Deleted

The best way to actually get a call back (and not annoy the person you are calling) is to clearly state your telephone number right after your name and company name at the beginning of your message. Then leave a brief message and at the end of your message, state your telephone number and extension number again – clearly.

Most busy executives will listen only to the first two sentences before they delete you.

Did you know there are four compelling ways to motivate prospects to return your calls?

You will learn how in my newest e-book Voice Mail Tips and Scripts.

What is the worst voice mail message you have received?  Post a comment below.  I would love to hear from you!

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!