The Top 5 Voice Mail Messages From Hell

Written by Jim Domanski

Voicemail Hell Here’s the bad news: The overwhelming majority of voice mails are not returned simply because they are lousy. Period. Worse, every tele-sales rep is leaving the same tired and worn message over and over again. It is little wonder that less than 1% of all voice mails are returned and that your prospect erases your voice mail in less than 20 seconds.

Before you can leave the perfect voice mail message it is important to know what prospects despise, detest and hate about the prospecting messages they receive. By knowing what to avoid, it is easier to craft a more compelling and intriguing message.

Here are five voice mail messages from hell to illustrate the point. They followed by tips and techniques on crafting a perfect ( and heavenly?) voice mail message that gets a return call.

# 1 The Vomit

The vomit message is one where the sales rep “throws up” virtually everything about his company, services, results, unique selling propositions, success stories- you name it – in the hope that something will ‘stick.’ Your busy prospect has neither the time nor the inclination to listen to your speech. Don’t waste your time or theirs. Stop the vomit,

#2 The Bland

The bland message is one that a rep has left for the last 23 prospects. And it sounds like it: tired, fatigued and ‘read.’ It screams, “I hate doing this and what’s the point?” With over 85% of your voice mail message delivered by the tone of you voice, this message will never inspire a return call.

# 3 The Race

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the ‘race’ message where the telephone rep zips through his script. Rushed and irritated because leaving messages has not produced a single return call, this sales rep is simply going through the motions and getting the task over with. Meanwhile, the prospect picks up every single annoying nuance and just as quickly deletes the message.

#4 The Cheesy

Cheesy messages use hype and exaggeration hoping to entice a return call, “Hi Amybeth, this is Jim Day calling from ABC Recruiters. Amybeth, if I could reduce your turnover by 20% or more a year, would you take a moment to call me back?” Gag me! While ‘benefit oriented’ cheesy messages NEVER get returned because the prospect knows perfectly well that results like that will never happen even if Jupiter is aligned with Mars. What they hear is “slick” and untrustworthy.

#5 The Incompetent

Sadly, the majority of messages are delivered incompetently due to a lack of preparation and practice. These message are filled with ‘ums…” and “ahss…”; repeated phrases; stuttering; throat clearing; disjointed thoughts; poor grammar. You get the picture.

How to Create the Perfect Voice Mail Message

A ‘perfect’ voice mail message that not only gets heard and also gets a return call from your prospect has a few key features.

First and foremost, a perfect voice mail message is as intriguing as a John Grishom thriller. An intriguing message teases and tempts the listener but never reveals the specific reason for the call. For instance, “John, the reason for my call is that I have an idea that might significantly impact the productivity of your sales team.”

This message gets the listener curious: “What idea? What could impact the productivity of my reps? My reps certainly could improve their productivity…Hmmm…what idea? Maybe I should call back. ” You get the point.

Perfect voice mail messages also contain or imply a benefit. The ‘idea’ creates intrigues but it is the benefit that makes it worth the time and effort to return the call.

Perfect voice mail messages are delivered with conviction and sincerity. They are believable and convincing. They are also delivered at moderate speed so that they are understood. The return phone number is slowly spoken so that it is easy to remember or transcribe. It is repeated twice to make it easier for the listener.

A perfect voice mail message is practiced by the rep. It is mastered. It is delivered flawless.

Summary

So…are you guilty of one of leaving one – or more- of these voice mail messages from hell? If so, give your head a shake. Prepare your voice mail message ahead of time, make it brief but intriguing, and practice it as if you are a Hollywood star, then sit back, and see what happens to your return call rate.

Jim Domanski -
	Jim Domanski is president of Teleconcepts Consulting and works with B to B companies and individuals who struggle to use the telephone more effectively to sell and market their products. The author of 4 books on tele-sales, Jim has been seen on various radis and television programs such as CBC’s Venture Magazine. Dubbed by the Financial Post as “Canada’s reigning tele-management guru…” For over 17 years he has worked with companies big and small throughout the US, Canada and parts of Europe. Read More >>
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