A sales conversation is an important opportunity to build rapport, establish trust, and learn about a potential customer’s needs. So why do so many salespeople botch the chance by leaving terrible voicemails?
Here are ten of the biggest mistakes salespeople make when leaving voicemails, along with advice on how to avoid them:
1. Not Customizing the Message to the Recipient
A recipient is more likely to listen to and respond to a message tailored specifically to them. Not using the recipient’s first name or not knowing anything about them is a surefire way to make your voicemail feel impersonal and unimportant.
Example
“Hi, this is Karen from XYZ Company. I’m calling to talk to you about our new line of products.”
This message sounds like it could be for anyone. It would be more effective to say something like,
“Hi John, this is Karen from XYZ Company. I saw on LinkedIn that you’re interested in learning more about XYZ Company’s products. I wanted to reach out and see if you’re free for a quick call on Tuesday to chat more.”
Your sales process should always start with research, including learning about your prospect before picking up the phone.
2. Discounting the Product
When you leave a voicemail, the goal is to pique the recipient’s interest, not turn them off with a hard sell. Discounting the product or service shows a lack of confidence and can make you seem desperate.
Example
“Our new product is 50% off for the next week only!”
A better approach would be to focus on the benefits of the product.
“Our new product is designed to help you save time and be more productive. I think it could be a great fit for you.”
3. Making the Message too Long
Your voicemail should be short, sweet, and to the point. The recipient is likely to get impatient if your message rambles on, and they may not even listen to the whole thing. The rule of the thumb is to keep the message under 30 seconds.
4. Sounding Like a Robot
Your voicemail should sound natural, not scripted. If you sound like you’re reading from a business voicemail script, the recipient will be able to tell, and they’ll be less likely to listen to the whole message. This is where customizing the message on your voicemail drop service platform for the recipient comes in – if you sound like you’re genuinely interested in talking to them, they’ll be more likely to listen.
5. Not Having a Specific Call to Action
Your voicemail drop should have a clear purpose, which should be conveyed in the call to action.
Example
“I’ll call you back next week.”
A more compelling call to action would be something like,
“I’ll call you back next week to schedule a time for a demo.”
6. Leaving a Message on a Monday Morning
Monday mornings are hectic for most people, so this is usually not the best time to leave a voicemail. You’re more likely to get a call back if you leave the message later in the day or early in the week.
7. Leaving a Message on Friday Afternoon
Like Monday mornings, Friday afternoons are usually not the best time to leave a voicemail. People are wrapping up their work week and may not be in the mindset to return calls. If you must leave a message on Friday, try to do it early in the day.
8. Only Leaving one Message
If you don’t hear back after leaving one message, don’t give up! It’s common for sales agents to give up after one try, but it’s important to remember that not everyone checks their voicemail every day.
Try 7-10 messages spaced out over a week or two. The key is to be persistent without being annoying – if you start leaving multiple messages daily, you’re likely to turn the recipient off.
9. Speeding Through Your Phone Number
You know your phone number by heart, but your prospect doesn’t.
The right impression to leave your prospect with is that you called them. And not leave a feeling that you called while you were also calling hundreds of others (even if that’s true).
Say your number twice during the message and spell it out if you can. That way, they can jot it down the first time you say it and not have to scramble for a pen when you say it again.
10. Sounding Unnatural or Desperate
When you’re leaving a voicemail script, it can be easy to sound unnatural or desperate.
Part of this is because you want to leave all the relevant information in case they don’t call back. But if you sound too rehearsed, it might come across as insincere.
Example
“I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that I recently helped a company in your industry increase their sales by 20%.
I think I could do the same for you, and I’d love to chat with you about it.
Could you give me a call back at 555-555-5555?
I promise it’ll be worth your time.”
This message sounds desperate because the salesperson is trying to fit too much information into a short period of time.
It would be better to focus on one central point, such as:
“I recently helped a company in your industry increase their sales by 20%.
I think I could do the same for you, and I’d love to chat with you about it.
Could you give me a call back at 555-555-5555?”
The key is to sound like you’re having a conversation with a friend. If you can do that, you’ll be more likely to leave a positive impression and get a call back.
Bonus Tip: Overusing “I”
When leaving a voicemail, it can be easy to make it all about you. But if you do that, you will likely turn the prospect off.
For example, a message that starts with “I” and includes a lot of “I” throughout is likely to sound self-centered.
Instead, focus on the prospect and what you can do for them.
Kixie is the fastest, easiest way to personalize voice messages and turn prospects into sales appointments. Our voicemail drop software is professional, efficient, and works great for sales teams of all sizes. Schedule a 1-on-1 demo to see how we can help you close more business.
