Increase the odds of getting a call back by mentally composing your message before each call. And remember, people hate it when callers state their name and phone number too quickly in voice mail messages – no one wants to listen to a message ten times to comprehend simple information. Begin by saying your name and company (if applicable). Then assume the person you’re calling doesn't have your number, so say your phone number twice. If your name is at all unusual, spell it the first time you say your phone number. Talk slowly like you were writing it down yourself. The second time you say your phone number, you can say it at your normal rate of speech. A gracious phone message is no longer than 30 – 45 seconds. Be pleasant, but also get right to the point. Keep your voice mail message to two points maximum. If you need to share more information, then say you will send an e-mail message with the rest of the details. Leave a specific message. There’s nothing more frustrating than a voice mail that says, “Hi, it’s me. Call when you can!” Even if you’re just calling to say “Hi”, tell them that in your message. End on a high note! You don’t necessarily need to say “Goodbye” at the end of a voice mail, because you didn’t really talk to anyone. Instead, try something like, “Look forward to talking* with you!”
Don’t give up when you don’t receive a call from lead you’ve reached out to. You will need to make at least a handful of calls, plus emails and texts, over the next couple of weeks to maximize your chances of speaking to the lead. You may find that leads don’t want to speak directly to you but will communicate through text or email. No matter the avenue of conversation, consider it a win when they start conversing with you through any form of communication. Be persistent. If you don’t hear from them after weeks of effort, nurture them through a drip email campaign. All of the effort you put forth to reach out to the lead may not result in an immediate response but, they may call you in six months and that is a win.
