Leave the Perfect Voicemail When Cold Calling
Simple Techniques For Effective Voice Messaging
© Joe Lam
Jun 26, 2008
Set a Specific Goal
Avoid leaving long-winded messages. You want to reach out and connect with someone, but if they're unavailable, it's best to be as specific as possible about what you want during your call. The main goal should be to give a reason for the person to call you back.
Use a Personal Connection
You can put people at ease by reminding them that you know them on a personal level. If you met them only once, then you need to remind them who you are besides just providing a name such as bringing up anything you discussed during the initial meeting.
If it's a cold call, you should do your homework by finding a common connection and mentioning the following such as:
- Referral
- Attended same School
- Shared Club/ Company/ Organization
- Same Clientele
- Similar Goals/ Values/ Mission
- Hometown
- Church
Keep it Short
The person you're calling may receive 100 to 100 calls per day so get to the point and then get out. Leave the details for the actual conversation when you call back.
Don't Linger
If you're unsure about what you plan to say or have a tendancy to ramble off topic, then write down your message in advance and simply read it. They won't know the difference and once you've written a template, eventually you'll no longer need it as it will become second nature.
End with Contact Info
Always leave your phone number at the end and say it twice. Why? Because in case the person missed it the first time, they'll hear it again without having to replay the entire message. The person on the receiving end will greatly appreciate it.
Here is a simple structure of how to leave a good message:
- Greet person by their name
- Say your own name
- Reveal shared personal connection (Referral, Company, School, etc.)
- State what you want in 1-2 sentences
- Request for a call back (mention how much time you need from them)
- Leave phone or email info and say it 2x
Example:
Hi Mr. Jones. My name is Joe Parsons from Greg & Brewster Associates. I'm a fellow graduate from Kent State University back in 2006 and found that you're in the same career that I'm working towards breaking into. I'm seeking some advice on a decision that will affect my career and ultimately the rest of my life. I'd really appreciate it if I could speak with you and it'd only take 5 minutes of your time. My number is (555) 555-5555 again that's (555) 555-5555. I thank you in advance.
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