Some days as many as 75 per cent of people you call will be unavailable. Some telemarketers don’t leave messages, but why waste a phone call? It’s better to leave a message, especially if it is a follow-up phone call.
When you leave a message, leave your name, business name, reason for the call and your phone number. Voice messages are more effective if they’re personal, so weave the prospect’s name into your message. Many people practise their scripts, but not their voice messages.
Practise different messages on yourself before you use them. Listen to yourself honestly and ask yourself whether you’d return the call. If not, keep practising until you’re satisfied. When you leave your voice message, remember not to rush through it.
Pause as you’re speaking, say your name and phone number slowly and repeat the number so they don’t have to replay the message to write it down.