Boost Your Response Rate with Better Sales Voicemails
When it comes to reaching the people we want to connect with, our options are limited. Email introductions can help, but more often than not, we’re picking up the phone—and landing in someone’s voicemail.
In sales, voicemails are a critical tool for judging a prospect’s level of interest and positioning ourselves as someone worth listening to. A few simple strategies can help you stand apart and increase the chances of a callback.
Brevity is Best in Sales Voicemails
If your voicemail drags on for 45 or 50 seconds, the reality is, they aren’t going to listen. Your sales voicemails need to be between 15–20 seconds—no longer. Getting your point across quickly and clearly takes practice, just like any other sales skill. Practice delivering a concise, compelling message before you pick up the phone.
Use a Clear Framework
When leaving sales voicemails, start your message with a simple framework:
“We work with [who] who are frustrated because [reason].”
“I’m calling you because [reason].”
If you can’t easily fill in either of these structures, don’t make the call. You only have about five or six seconds to capture their attention, and you must lead with a real business problem they might be facing. This shows business acumen and demonstrates that you see the world through their lens.
Avoid Sounding Like a Commercial
Your voicemail should not feel like an advertisement. Prospects aren’t interested in a sales pitch—they want to know if you can help them solve a business problem or achieve the growth they’re aiming for. Focus on connecting to their needs, not promoting yourself.
Remember the True Purpose of Voicemails
Voicemails and phone calls exist for one reason: to establish a relationship, not necessarily to book an appointment on the spot. Your goal is to open the door, not to close the deal.
End Differently
Most people end voicemails with something like, “When you get a second, give me a call back at [number].” But guess what? They’re probably not calling back. Try this instead:
“Hey Joe, I don’t expect you to call me back. That’s not your job. I’ll call you on Thursday between 1 and 2 to see if this is a conversation you’d like to have. And if you don’t want to, that’s fine too. On the outside chance you do want to call me, my number is 614-561-3812.”
Being different is memorable. I’ve had people call back simply because they’d never heard a message phrased that way before.
Author:
Jack Kasel, Sales Development Expert
Anthony Cole Training Group
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