Ivan Gomez is a Force Management Partner who specializes in training inside sales teams. He's also the President and Founder of NextStage, LLC, a consulting firm that helps companies accelerate go-to-market strategies with sales development and inside sales. This blog was originally published on NextStage's website.
“I followed your advice on how to leave voicemail messages that get more callbacks and since using it, my call backs have increased. But my question is, what do I do with the prospects that haven’t called back?”
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You’re leaving a voicemail message for someone, and you mess up. Or maybe you’ve just said, “Dude—Your behavior at lunch was appalling,” and you realize that a more tactful wording might be appropriate.
“Good afternoon. You have reached the office of [your name]. I will be out of the office beginning on [date] and will be returning on [date]. Please leave a brief message with your contact information, and I’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as I return on [date]. If this is an emergency or you need to speak with someone before I return, please contact [name of colleague/supervisor], [their job title], at [their phone number].”
Unfortunately, the default settings on most gadgets aren’t set up to keep everything hidden or password-protected. Anyone who accesses your devices can see everything.
Do me a favor when you get this message and please give me call a back at (your number). That number again is area code (your number). I look forward speaking with you.”
Any other thoughts? Write your voicemail for optimal message, and socialize the voice mail with your manager or your peers. Take the time to read it, time it and record it until you feel comfortable with your tone of voice, inflexion and energy. Write three or four voicemails with different scenarios and value statements; remember that you are trying to create an impression and recognition of your name and your solution.
25. "Hello! Thanks for reaching out to [company]. We're closed today for the holiday, and will reopen tomorrow. If you leave your name, number, and a brief message, we'll give you a call when we're back in the office. Thanks again, and have a great day."
Now opinions Modern etiquette: Does voicemail make you nervous? Aug. 1, 2014 06:00 am JST July 28, 2014 | 10:26 am JST
Ive been saving my grandmothers voicemails for almost 8 years now and when i went to upgrade my phone, i almost fainted when the rep told me they were going to be erased. Thanksfully he put us in touch with a company called http://www.voicemailsforever.com and they ended up much cheaper than the one you suggested above. i think your readers would benefit because they do it for so much less.
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In your email mention that you are following up with your voicemail; that level of synergy, communication and integrity is sure to wow any professional and leave them with the impression you do what you say you’re going to do and you are organized.
To change the number of times your phone rings before voicemail answers, please contact us and a representative will set your ring cycle.
Leaving an impression with your voicemail message is just one way to communicate to your caller when you are not there. Here are some great and creative voicemail message samples you can look at incorporating as your greeting. [Your name's] voicemail is broken. This is his refrigerator. Please speak very slowly, and I'll stick your message to myself with one of these magnets.
State upfront how you can help the prospect. Are you saving them time or money, or helping them get promoted?
Something along the lines of, "You have reached the answering service of . I am unfortunately unable to take your call at this time, however if you leave a message after the tone I will return your call as soon as I have an opportunity.". That's about a 12 second message if spoken in a slow and calm fashion. The message that this article advises is about 4 seconds.
Record a personalized greeting, up to 3 minutes long. A common template you can follow is: "You've reached [name]. We can't get to the phone right now, but if you leave a message, we'll call you back."