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Cold Callers - Do you leave messages or not?

by rbecklund
14 replies
Something I've been pondering while making calls this morning. Should I leave messages or not? I almost always leave a short message when I get an answering machine. I have gotten a few call backs that have turned into paying clients - that's why I keep doing it.

What I'm wondering is it better to not leave calls and just keep plowing through until you actually get a live person on the phone.

Just wondering what everyone else does and why?

Thanks!
#callers #cold #leave #messages
  • Profile picture of the author TimD
    Originally Posted by rbecklund View Post

    Something I've been pondering while making calls this morning. Should I leave messages or not? I almost always leave a short message when I get an answering machine. I have gotten a few call backs that have turned into paying clients - that's why I keep doing it.

    What I'm wondering is it better to not leave calls and just keep plowing through until you actually get a live person on the phone.

    Just wondering what everyone else does and why?

    Thanks!
    I've done both. I remember getting a good series by Ari Galper on Unlocking Cold Calling or something like that. He advocated leaving messages. I don't see how it hurts you. The only reason not to is that it slows you down.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Leave a quick message. Do not get into why you called or what you do. They'll just screen you out.

    "Hi Matt, this is Jason Kanigan. I have a quick question for you...it's 2:30 out here on the east coast, and I'll be in my office until 5:30...and then back at 8:30 tomorrow. My number is #######. Thanks!"

    The callback comes from curiosity.

    And then you'd better be ready for "So, what's this about?"
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    • Profile picture of the author sethczerepak
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      Leave a quick message. Do not get into why you called or what you do. They'll just screen you out.

      "Hi Matt, this is Jason Kanigan. I have a quick question for you...it's 2:30 out here on the east coast, and I'll be in my office until 5:30...and then back at 8:30 tomorrow. My number is #######. Thanks!"

      The callback comes from curiosity.

      And then you'd better be ready for "So, what's this about?"
      This actually does work, the key is to not tell them too much or they might make up their mind based on lack of information. You said you were getting clients, so heck, keep leaving messages.
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  • Profile picture of the author coldcallking
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author econnors
      Originally Posted by coldcallking View Post

      I never leave messages, they are very seldomly returned and they introduce you to the person so they get to decide if you are worth answering to the next time you call, most of the time they create some reason as to why they should not take your call and you lose that potential opportunity
      I think it's more of wasted time if you don't leave a message and continuously follow up. If they don't call you back, they don't call you back. If they're screening, they're screening. Leave a message and entice them to your offer. If they are interested, they will call you back. Less hassle than repeated follow up.

      Plus - repeated follow up is annoying. I had a sales rep call me three times in a 48 hour period. She also emailed twice. Sorry - that will automatically get you ruled out as "annoying" in my book...
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  • Profile picture of the author rbecklund
    Jason - I like the idea of leaving them wondering to get calls returned. But it just seems more productive to plow through the numbers until I get someone I can engage in conversation.
    People do call back on missed calls, but those never pan out.

    I think experimenting with the no message system will be the way to go for awhile.
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  • Profile picture of the author rbecklund
    These aren't warm leads, these are straight cold calls from a least - there would be no following up. Maybe down the road retry them again.
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  • Profile picture of the author econnors
    I'm reading Gitomer's Sales Bible, and in it he talks about leaving messages that seem cut off half sentence. For example, you leave a message and say "Hi, Bob, my name is Elise. My phone number is 123-456-7890, and I wanted to discuss your..."

    When they call back curious, you lead in discussing their business and how your services can help (not the other way around, of course).
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  • Profile picture of the author ohhugo
    In your message you should give yourself permission to call back.
    Something like:

    "Hi, this is Tom and I wanted to talk to you about an idea I had that could help you ... ...If you could call me back at 345-555-2322 it would be great. If we can't touch base before Thursday, I will call you back then. I'm looking forward to talking to you.
    Again, my number is 345-555-2322."
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  • Profile picture of the author RRG
    Some prospects you will NEVER get on the line.

    If you don't leave a message for them, you have zero chance to ever engage.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Clough
    Always leave a message.....been doing this for years! Also, if your are writing it down of who you've left messages for, then the next time you call it will be more of a "warm call".
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  • Profile picture of the author rbecklund
    Good answers, much appreciated. I'll do some experimenting over the next few weeks.
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    • Profile picture of the author Deidra Renee
      Originally Posted by rbecklund View Post

      Good answers, much appreciated. I'll do some experimenting over the next few weeks.
      I pretty much always leave a message. It doesn't slow you down that much,you're not leaving a short story lol. What if they're not in the office and they listen to your message and are interested and you end up closing the deal..that won't happen if you never leave the message. It actually take less time than talking to someone about your offer.
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  • Profile picture of the author livwalsh
    Some good answers, I never left messages but think I might try a few of these
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    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      If you ask 100 sales people that question, 50% will say they leave a message
      and 50% will say its a waste of time.

      I even see it on our room. we don't force any one to leave a msg.
      Some do and swear by it, some don't.

      I personally don't. However if you do decide to leave a msg,
      make sure its scripted, and it sounds natural.

      @Deidra,

      Good to see you again... Hows bizz? Are you still averaging a sale a day,
      or have you increased it?
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