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Messages -- Do YOU Leave Them?

by Jon Martin
10 replies
To be completely honest, in the past I wasn't too keen on leaving messages, whether it be on an answering machine or with a gatekeeper who was too burdening to get past. A couple of weeks ago, I decided that for that particular cold calling session, I would leave messages whenever plausible. I'm glad I decided to do that.

From leaving messages with about 25 different answering machines & gatekeepers, I've received two call backs from businesses of whom have received the message and wanted to discuss it further with me. One of them has turned into a nice sale with residual SEO income, and I'm giving the other one a call back in a couple of days; as requested.

My question is: Do you leave messages when you cold call? If so, what do you typically say in the message? I'm kind of curious about this.

I've found that it's all about how you word the message - especially if it's an answering machine. Makes sense with a gatekeeper too. The way you word your message can be what makes or breaks an interested prospect - you need to be able to grab their attention in a way that makes sense to them and causes for them to garner more interest. How do you guys work to achieve that?

-- Jon Martin
#leave #messages
  • Profile picture of the author Baldpilot
    In the beginning, some of my cold call messages were simply: "Hi, Im ____, and I was referred to you by a friend who thinks I can help you get more clients using the internet. Give me a call back at at your convenience. 555-1212."

    It was surprisingly effective. Split tested that with a couple different versions, and before long had a version that outperformed the others.

    As with most things in this business, it's all about testing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    "Hi, this is Jon Martin...I have a question about your business. It's 00:00 EST here...I'll be in my office until 00:00. My number is ###-###-####. Thanks."

    2/3 call back out of curiosity, and then you give them your 30-second commercial in response to "So what's this about?" Now you can have a real conversation.
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    • Profile picture of the author sodomojo
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      "Hi, this is Jon Martin...I have a question about your business. It's 00:00 EST here...I'll be in my office until 00:00. My number is ###-###-####. Thanks."

      2/3 call back out of curiosity, and then you give them your 30-second commercial in response to "So what's this about?" Now you can have a real conversation.
      I Suppose that may work. However why "trick" them? Be straight forward on why you are calling and qualify them out or in.

      Think of it this way, would you wan somebody to leave you a message like that? I've gotten them before and they are annoying to say the least.
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      • Profile picture of the author RRG
        Originally Posted by Tydowns View Post

        I Suppose that may work. However why "trick" them? Be straight forward on why you are calling and qualify them out or in.

        Think of it this way, would you wan somebody to leave you a message like that? I've gotten them before and they are annoying to say the least.
        It's not tricking them.

        Though 67% callback rate seems high.

        A lot of people will by rule not return calls from people they don't know.
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        • Profile picture of the author sodomojo
          Originally Posted by RRG View Post

          It's not tricking them.

          Though 67% callback rate seems high.

          A lot of people will by rule not return calls from people they don't know.
          What would you consider it? You can use the method and if it works for you great. Just not my style to get somebody to call me back cuz they are wondering why I called a opposed to calling back because they want and need my service.

          If you are going to give a 30 second elevator pitch do it on the voicemail so you don't get unqualified people with no budget, no vision, no desire to improve their business calling you back wasting your time. Instead you get people that are interested and see the value in online marketing calling you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Having a real conversation with someone is far more powerful than letting them screen you out in a voicemail message. In the VM there's no real-time reaction...you never hear feedback...you don't know what happened.
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    • Profile picture of the author sodomojo
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      Having a real conversation with someone is far more powerful than letting them screen you out in a voicemail message. In the VM there's no real-time reaction...you never hear feedback...you don't know what happened.
      Yea I agree 100%, in person is always better or at least a conversation. However I know some ppl will feel tricked and won't buy from you because they felt you were dishonest in your message. You duped them into calling.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
    I can see both sides of the argument here. Not providing any information about it being a pitch will increase call back rate, yet at the same time it'll cause for a bit of time to be spent speaking with clients of which aren't interested, don't have the budget, etc. At the same time though, Jason has a point there. Real time conversations have power - even if there is no resulting sale. I'm kind of conflicted; looking forward to others weighing in.

    Interesting conversation, guys!
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    "Be the hero of your own movie."
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    • Profile picture of the author sodomojo
      Originally Posted by Jon Martin View Post

      I can see both sides of the argument here. Not providing any information about it being a pitch will increase call back rate, yet at the same time it'll cause for a bit of time to be spent speaking with clients of which aren't interested, don't have the budget, etc. At the same time though, Jason has a point there. Real time conversations have power - even if there is no resulting sale. I'm kind of conflicted; looking forward to others weighing in.

      Interesting conversation, guys!
      Don't take my word for it or Jason's word for it. Test it yourself and see what works better for you.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
        Originally Posted by Tydowns View Post

        Don't take my word for it or Jason's word for it. Test it yourself and see what works better for you.
        Good advice. I've been mainly semi-expressing what the pitch is all about via voicemail and so I have only received calls back from interested prospects.. however I think I'll try what Jason suggested during my next session just to see how it goes. Could be profitable and worth the time!
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