Don't Say Another Word!
People are busy. Even with the wide variety of technical products developed to keep us in touch, it's sometimes hard to get a hold of people. In those instances, we find ourselves transported back to the tried-and-true technology of the 1980s—that is, leaving a message after the beep.
Same Old, Same Old
The following tips can help you be more effective and get better results with voice messages:
Don't Talk So Much - don't leave rambling messages. You have a limited window to make your point. That means you can't provide a lot of background information or cover multiple topics.
Before you call, make sure you have a singular focus to mention if you get the person's voicemail. Then, highlight that important point, and leave the rest of your points for the actual follow-up discussion.
Focus on a Problem. To put it bluntly: People don't want to hear about you; they want to hear about themselves. Say a simple, focused message that hits on ONE major problem or issue that the listener has.
Once you've focused on a single overriding problem, resist the temptation to go into your sales pitch about solving it. For one thing, the listener probably doesn't have time (or want) to listen to your pitch. For another, if you give your pitch, what reason do they have to call you back?
Instead, only allude to the idea that a solution does exist…but don't go into detail. Leave some mystery.
Stating a number the person can reach you at and say you'd like to tell/give them some information by chatting for a couple of minutes is essential.
Have Energy and Enthusiasm. Nobody wants to listen to a person who's boring or sounds bored.
The same is true with voice messages. After all, if you don't have energy when talking about something, why should the listener have the energy to call you back?
So before you call, take a second to raise your energy level. Some experts recommend standing up when making a call or smiling while talking on the phone, as a way to subtly convey a pleasant, energetic tone.
Remember: If you don't want to listen to yourself or don't feel compelled to call back, then why would anyone else?
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us
People are busy. Even with the wide variety of technical products developed to keep us in touch, it's sometimes hard to get a hold of people. In those instances, we find ourselves transported back to the tried-and-true technology of the 1980s—that is, leaving a message after the beep.
Same Old, Same Old
The following tips can help you be more effective and get better results with voice messages:
Don't Talk So Much - don't leave rambling messages. You have a limited window to make your point. That means you can't provide a lot of background information or cover multiple topics.
Before you call, make sure you have a singular focus to mention if you get the person's voicemail. Then, highlight that important point, and leave the rest of your points for the actual follow-up discussion.
Focus on a Problem. To put it bluntly: People don't want to hear about you; they want to hear about themselves. Say a simple, focused message that hits on ONE major problem or issue that the listener has.
Once you've focused on a single overriding problem, resist the temptation to go into your sales pitch about solving it. For one thing, the listener probably doesn't have time (or want) to listen to your pitch. For another, if you give your pitch, what reason do they have to call you back?
Instead, only allude to the idea that a solution does exist…but don't go into detail. Leave some mystery.
Stating a number the person can reach you at and say you'd like to tell/give them some information by chatting for a couple of minutes is essential.
Have Energy and Enthusiasm. Nobody wants to listen to a person who's boring or sounds bored.
The same is true with voice messages. After all, if you don't have energy when talking about something, why should the listener have the energy to call you back?
So before you call, take a second to raise your energy level. Some experts recommend standing up when making a call or smiling while talking on the phone, as a way to subtly convey a pleasant, energetic tone.
Remember: If you don't want to listen to yourself or don't feel compelled to call back, then why would anyone else?
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us
