But the questions you ask in a voicemail should be so specific that they could never be intended for another listener. For example, if I was selling financial management technology, I might ask the voicemail recipient which financial software they use today, or if all of the company's financial analysts work out of the central office.
Visit the prospect’s website and social media and find a piece of connective tissue, such as an alma mater, a favorite sports team, or a common pet (I’m a dog lover, personally). This opens the conversation, and shows that you’ve done your research.

Wondering why this is? We can thank the serial position effect. This psychological phenomenon says when you show people a list, they'll remember the first and last items the best. That means when you're trying to grab a prospect's attention, you want to be one of the first or last things they hear.
Timing is everything. The moment you receive the lead alert is the best time to make the follow-up call. If you call them days later, your chances of getting them on the phone are greatly diminished. By calling them right away, you’ll talk to more leads which will inevitably boosts sales. Role-play your voicemail scripts so you sound like you’re making your 20th call, not your 1st. Ask your friends and colleagues for honest feedback on your voicemail scripts. Continually review what’s working and what isn’t -- there’s always room for improvement. If you have the lead’s email address, follow up with an email, and let them know in the voicemail you’re going to do so. If you don’t have an email, let them know you’ll follow up with a text.