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Is leaving a message worthwhile?

by cjt1971
15 replies
A lot of the businesses I call I got the answering machine. I was wondering how many here think it is worthwhile to leave a message about your business? I've been doing it if the answering machine mentions their business name.
#leaving #message #worthwhile
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    The more details you leave the more likely they will screen you out and not call back.

    "Hi, this is ____ from _____. I have a quick question for you about your business. It's 2:00 here on the east coast, and I'll be in my office until 5:00. My number is ###-###-####. Thanks!"

    Generates 2/3 callbacks out of curiosity. And when they ask, "What's this about?" you launch into your 30-second commercial.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joel
      Leave message 1 time only

      Here's the message, This is xxxx (your 1st name only), I wonder if you could help me out, it will only take a couple of seconds, xxx-xxxx"

      Keep it short, casual & arouse curiosity ... don't let them know upfront it's a business call.

      Joel
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Well, we shouldn't shy away from the fact that this is a business/sales call.

    However, when we leave a dozen details about our web design business in a voicemail, it is easy for our prospect to say to themselves, "I'm not really in the market for a web designer right now," and screen you out. Yet if you could get into a real conversation with this prospect, you might discover they have concerns about their site that you could do something about.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joel
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      Well, we shouldn't shy away from the fact that this is a business/sales call.

      However, when we leave a dozen details about our web design business in a voicemail, it is easy for our prospect to say to themselves, "I'm not really in the market for a web designer right now," and screen you out. Yet if you could get into a real conversation with this prospect, you might discover they have concerns about their site that you could do something about.

      a. The first goal is to get to speak to the prospect
      b. Without getting to the prospect, you have no opportunity to create value
      c. I never suggest misleading or lying to a prospect, but rather creating curiosity
      d. I suggest that saying for example, This is XXXX with XXXX Web Design will give you less opportunity to speak with the prospect to create value

      I suggest testing each method & see which method brings the best results

      Joel
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  • Profile picture of the author hostwindsEvanM
    How do you guys handle outband vs inbound calls? If you are constantly calling, when do you pick up? Heh.
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    • Profile picture of the author Yetisam
      Originally Posted by hostwindsEvanM View Post

      How do you guys handle outband vs inbound calls? If you are constantly calling, when do you pick up? Heh.
      Its really useful to have a phone with call waiting ( get to here that you have a call coming in)

      Then just answer it.
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      • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
        Originally Posted by Yetisam View Post

        Its really useful to have a phone with call waiting ( get to here that you have a call coming in)

        Then just answer it.
        What?

        You are making telesales calls by the hundred, you finally get hold of someone who is listening to your pitch and you are going to put them on hold whilst you take an incoming call?

        You sure that's what you do?

        Dan
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        • Profile picture of the author Yetisam
          Originally Posted by jimbo13 View Post

          What?

          You are making telesales calls by the hundred, you finally get hold of someone who is listening to your pitch and you are going to put them on hold whilst you take an incoming call?

          You sure that's what you do?

          Dan
          Not if your currently pitching someone, but around 70% of your time will be dialling out so if I am dialling then I answer.
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          • Profile picture of the author jimbo13
            Originally Posted by Yetisam View Post

            Not if your currently pitching someone, but around 70% of your time will be dialling out so if I am dialling then I answer.
            Thought so.

            I would use a pay as you go answer service who will take the message professionally to my script and then text me the details immediately so I can call back asap.

            Due to the nature of your calling she could easily say you are just getting a drink and will be back at your desk in 2 minutes as that is a feasible time for you to make the call back.

            Dan
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            • Profile picture of the author Yetisam
              Yea those message services are really good from my experience and makes the whole operations seem more professional.
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  • Profile picture of the author Yetisam
    I would not leave a message unless I have previously spoken to the decision maker
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    • Profile picture of the author RRG
      Originally Posted by Yetisam View Post

      I would not leave a message unless I have previously spoken to the decision maker
      So are you the chicken or the egg?

      Voice mail is a fact of life in B2B phone work.

      If you never leave a message for a DM you've not previously spoken with, chances are you'll never speak with him.

      And how are you going to help solve his problems and make his life better if you never speak with him?
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  • Profile picture of the author ShayB
    Originally Posted by cjt1971 View Post

    A lot of the businesses I call I got the answering machine. I was wondering how many here think it is worthwhile to leave a message about your business? I've been doing it if the answering machine mentions their business name.
    I leave a message that is short and to the point and is designed to get calls back.

    I find it's worthwhile.
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  • Profile picture of the author BDE4Live
    I don't like to leave a msg. I think by leaving one it's harder to call back a sec or 3 time.
    After a few tries then I have nothing to lose. Leave one, the lead is cold any way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gotham
    Yes, you want to leave room for the caller to want to know something you're offering.

    If you spill the beans in your voice mail, they've no need to call you back.
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