We get a lot of calls on our sales voicemail. The calls are usually returned quickly with a “thanks for calling” and a follow up call later. We use a handful of voicemail scripts to give our prospects a quick answer to our calls and to give us the opportunity to offer more information.
The below voicemail scripts are examples of what you can say to a prospect to help him or her decide to buy your product or service. These voicemail scripts can be used in the professional and personal environment. 1) “If you’ll just give me a few minutes of your time, I’ll be able to tell you why I’m calling and what I have in mind.” 2) “I hope I’m not bothering you. I just wanted to let you know that I’m a first time customer and I’m interested in your product/service.” 3) “I’m sorry. I’ve been out of town for a while and I just wanted to let you know that I’m interested in your product/service.”
We’ve all got sales reps, but what’s that they say? “You can’t polish a turd.” Sometimes the same message lands in a voicemail greeting, but if you’re a B2B sales manager and you follow these tips, you’ll stand out from the rest.
At Bottomline Technologies, my buddy Tom was in charge of a sales team that made hundreds of phone calls each week, honing the art of the sales voicemail.
Despite their best efforts, his sales representatives were only able to contact with prospects 3 percent of the time since they had no option but to leave a voicemail 97% of the time.
Those voicemails may result in just one returned call each day in a normal week. They, on the other hand, were ecstatic when they received callbacks! Those were their most promising leads.
As a result, Tom posed a question to himself. What if he could assist his sales staff in leaving effective voicemails that resulted in a higher number of callbacks? What if he could make that 97 percent of his time and effort work for him instead of against him?
Tom and his team worked with me, and after two focus days, they had 27 calls returned. That’s an extra 13 chats each day on average. That week, two people converted. Boom!
It’s like wearing peg-leg jeans and sending snail mail. Voicemails are making a comeback in the sales world!
Contents Table of Contents
Why Are Sales Voicemail Scripts Still Relevant?
Increased Chances of a Callback
Leaving a compelling voicemail message script improves the likelihood of a callback.
Establishing a connection with a prospect is the next step toward conversion after recognizing one. Each each connection you establish adds to the process of having a meaningful discussion.
On average, 11% of the calls you make are answered on the first try. Similarly, 22% get responses on the second try. Clearly, the more efforts you make to connect with your prospect, the more likely you are to succeed.
It’s Standard Practice to Leave Sales Voicemail Scripts.
Surprisingly, the majority of salespeople believe that leaving voicemail message scripts for prospects is the absolute minimum.
Make five to six phone calls to your prospect before you cease contacting them. As a result, it’s critical to understand the finest methods for leaving a message. You’ll be able to start the process of creating a connection this way.
Better still, getting this done with a well-structured sales voicemail will take very little additional work. This way, you’ll have a better chance of getting a callback.
Four Reasons Why Salespeople Must Leave Excellent Voicemails:
Because it’s your job, for starters.
It astounds me that 80% of vendors do not leave a message when given the opportunity.
You’ll probably phone the prospect five times before giving up (the true average is a lot more depressing two times). So at the very least, leave a note and record the contact. It takes very little additional work, particularly if you have a good sales voicemail script.
On the plus side, if you do get a callback, it could be the most pleasant phone call you’ve received all day. Bonus!
2. It demonstrates that you are concerned.
You convey the impression that you aren’t significant if you don’t leave a voicemail on your initial call. You convey the impression that the prospect isn’t significant if you don’t leave voicemails on any calls.
We spent a lot of time and effort perfecting our cold-calling technique. But, for some reason, we seem to only prepare for the occasions when we really receive a call from a prospect! That isn’t prudent prospecting.
Leaving a few good voicemail messages sends out a far more positive message. It demonstrates that you are significant, that your prospect is worthy of your time, and that you are certain that a transaction between the two of you would be a match made in heaven.
3. It’s a Different Kind of Touch
We’ve all heard that it takes at least eight touches to get a prospect to agree to a meeting. A fantastic voicemail is a nice touch! They may also assist with name recognition, urgency, and professionalism if done correctly.
You could even inject some useful guilt into the final sales call. All of them are effective sales strategies.
4. Voicemails Eventually Lead to Callbacks
According to some studies, every time you leave a message, your odds of getting a callback increase by 10%! This is how it works:
- Callback rate for the first voicemail is 11%.
- Callback rate for the second voicemail is 22%.
- 3rd voicemail = callback rate of 33%
The average callback rate after one call is just 4.8 percent, according to Zoominfo. Nonetheless, you may be certain that additional efforts will yield more triumphs!
The 11 Most Common Sales Voicemail Mistakes
There are many ways to make errors during a sales discussion, but since voicemail is one-sided, the dangers in leaving a message are distinct. In all of my training experience, I’ve seen eleven particular sales voicemail errors.
1. Making a sale over the phone.
The most frequent error is trying to sell your goods or service over the phone (even if we term it a “sales voicemail”). It’s understandable in a way! After all, selling is our profession, and we spend the majority of our time listening to voicemails throughout the day.
However, if you attempt to sell in a voicemail, you’ll be fortunate to receive 1% callbacks.
Here’s an example of what a voicemail script could look like if it has a pitch:
“Hello, Max. Factor 8 is calling LB. I’m calling because we’re really pleased to share with you our fresh new community service. We’ve worked with inside sales teams of 50 or more representatives for years, and now we’re thrilled to welcome businesses of all sizes and sectors. The Sales Bar is the name of our new platform, and it all began with….”
Honey as a response. We’ve all stopped listening to you when it comes to “our fresh new product.” Before you can sell, you must first sell a meeting. Get their attention by talking about what they want to talk about, not what you want to sell.
2. Staying on the phone for more than 20 seconds.
This one is straightforward. It’s much better if you stick to a 10-second time restriction.
This sample audio of a sales voicemail is what it sounds like when you do the exact opposite. (This is a genuine audio of a vendor phoning an old customer with whom I used to work.)
Woof! It’s been much too long.
3. Avoiding the use of names.
You should not only mention the recipient’s initial name, but you should also repeat your own name twice, carefully.
Light use of your prospect’s name, like many other terms and phrases used by successful salespeople, is linked to improved results. It may sound apparent, but I’ve received voicemails without names! Keep in mind.
4. Ignoring the importance of the situation.
Before, I actually left a voicemail that said, “nothing urgent.” Call me anytime you want.”
Yup. I’m still waiting for that phone call.
You won’t make the prospect’s to-do list if you leave a note that basically says “you can do this anytime.” After all, they’ve got a lot more pressing matters to deal with!
Your aim should be to create enough genuine urgency in the prospect that they can’t wait to call back. Authenticity is crucial in this case. Don’t make it seem like a life-or-death situation by exaggerating the urgency.
5. Leaving unrelated data (rambling).
A rambling voicemail is usually the consequence of not having a strategy before dialing. The prospect will regret listening to the message if you don’t keep to a few key themes.
Here’s another actual example of a sales voicemail we recorded, in which the representative doesn’t appear to be making any sense:
Isn’t it terrible? Why not limit yourself to one point? Even if the prospect isn’t interested in the offer, if your communication is short and to-the-point, you’ll avoid irritating them.
6. Only one voicemail is left.
We’ve all heard it and read it, yet some individuals still only give it two tries before quitting up.
For this to work, you’ll need to try many times. Before you give up on a prospect, send 7-10 messages to them. If you can link your voicemail messages such that they create a cohesive narrative and stimulate the prospect’s interest even more, you’ll get bonus points!
7. Quickly dialing your phone number.
It doesn’t imply it’s simple to remember just because you have it memorized! If your prospect is really interested, they will pay careful attention. Don’t make them listen twice before writing down the number. Say that again, slowly and deliberately.
A high-speed voicemail may also make you seem like you work at a contact center where you “smile and dial.” You want to give them the idea that you phoned them. Even if that’s true, it’s not because you phoned them while calling hundreds of others.
8. Not being aware of one’s vocal tone.
It’s easy to slip into monotone mode while making a lot of dials, which makes you seem bored. Take a break if you find yourself in a rut. Take a step forward. Squats are a good exercise to do. Get back to calling once you’ve felt lively and joyful.
Pretend the person on the other end of the telephone is your cool Aunt sending you money. Keep a smile on your face while you record it!
9. You come off as desperate.
This is linked to the blunder of “selling over voicemail.” I’ve seen salespeople go so far as to think their prospect has no interest and then attempt to compensate with large offers or exaggerated promises.
They wind up sounding totally desperate just because they were overconfident in the first place!
Consider the following example of a poor script:
“Max! Factor 8, Sales Training Designed by Sales Leaders, is here with LB. Next week, we’ll have a consultant in your region, and I’d love to have the opportunity to come in and show you what we’re all about. Right now, we’re running a deal, and…”
Isn’t this just an advertisement? Remember, the goal of sales discussions is to pique people’s curiosity. In a voicemail, there’s no way to conduct a genuine discussion, so don’t presume your opponent has any particular views. Delete immediately.
Making it all about you is number ten.
In a sales voicemail, I’m sorry, but no one cares. If you tell us everything about yourself and your objectives, you can count on not getting a call back.
Another example of a bad voicemail script, this time with the emphasis on the caller:
“Hello, Max!” I’m LB, and I’m here with Factor 8. We deal with businesses like Allergan, Microsoft, Infor, and others as the nation’s top sales training firm for phone salespeople.
Feedback: This screams sales pitch, and no one loves being sold, particularly when they can remove it guilt-free.
11. Ignoring the voicemail’s purpose.
Voicemails work similarly to resumes. You got the interview because of your résumé. The interview is your opportunity to market yourself. If you include everything on your resume, it will be ten pages lengthy, and no one will want to meet with you. Right? Voicemails should pique your interest. Entice.
Ugly voicemails are ugly because they have lost sight of the message’s purpose:
- Get them to return your call.
- Make a good first impression so they’ll consider about calling you again the next time you call.
What did we overlook? Let us know in the comments section.
10 Callback-Guaranteed Sales Voicemail Scripts
The Lever (Voicemail Script #1)
A lever is a piece of information that demonstrates that you know what you’re talking about and how to leave a message that persuades them that this isn’t a cold call. People that work at the business you’re phoning into are the greatest levers, but a common history or other pertinent information about the prospect or their company may also help.
Basically, you’re attempting to avoid sounding like a cold caller.
Script Example:
“Hello, Max. Lauren has Factor 8. I’ve been working with you and the Outreach team for the last three years and have a quick question for you. Please contact me by phone at [phone number]. Lauren with Factor 8 may be reached at [phone number]. Thanks!”
Another example of a lever script in which the lever is a previous discussion rather than a person:
“Hello, David. Cindy from [business] here. On [date], we discussed a quotation for [product/service]. I wanted to check whether you received our price and if we could assist you with your purchase. So, if you could call me at [phone number], that would be great. Cindy at [business] – [phone number] once more.”
The Mystery (Voicemail Script #2)
A mystery voicemail keeps the listener guessing as to what the call is about, playing on our fear of missing out and FOMO. What if there’s a problem with my account? What if this is a lead for a business? What if I’m the only jerk who hasn’t returned my call?
Script Example:
“Hello, Max. Lauren may be reached at [phone number]. I’m at [phone number] once more.”
These are useful, but consider how many pleasant, brief voicemails you might leave in one hour!
The Value of Voicemail Script #3
Only your mother will call you back if you want anything. Everyone else is curious about the value of their time. We like the phrase SWIIFTSM at Factor 8. So, what do they get out of it?
In a voicemail message, adding value may include making an offer to save them time or money, making things simpler for them, or answering a concern that has been bothering them for a long time.
Because the value script has the potential to be pitchy, I like to reserve it for established customers and connections.
Script example:
“This is Evan Fleming phoning from [phone number].” I thought of you since I work with an active footwear company that has experienced a 20% boost in reorders, and I believe I could assist your brand in doing the same, but I’m not sure. So, if you could call me back at [phone number], that would be great. I’m Evan once again. Thanks!”
The value script requires execution as well, so here’s an example recording to listen to:
Feedback: I could tell it was a sales call, but it didn’t attempt to pitch or advertise the whole offer. The goal was to demonstrate to the listener that Evan had helped others in their situation and could help them as well. There’s nothing about Evan’s business in there, just the prospects’ issues and Evan’s answers!
The Urgency (Voicemail Script #4)
When we add a timeframe (and even a little mystery) to the message, we dramatically boost the chances of someone calling us right away after receiving it.
Here’s an example of a voicemail script that makes you feel rushed:
“Hello, Bob,” I said. Factor 8 is calling Lauren. I’m frantically attempting to contact you by the end of the day. Please contact me by phone at [phone number]. Lauren is attempting to entice you before the expiry date. Please contact me as soon as possible at [phone number].”
You may use your imagination to create some urgency here. However, the sense of urgency you create must eventually become genuine. If a prospect’s account isn’t about to expire, don’t inform them. That is very inconvenient.
The Urgency + Mystery Combo (Voicemail Script #5)
You may mix samples to become even more imaginative after you’ve mastered the fundamentals of the final four scripts. This screenplay, for example, mixes a feeling of mystery with a sense of urgency.
“Bob? Lauren has Factor 8. We need to discuss your account today. Please contact [phone number] as soon as possible to return my call. [Phone number] is the number. “We’ll talk soon.”?
Continue on! Also, keep note of which scripts you employ and which ones are the most effective in getting prospects to contact you back.
Here’s another sample script that mixes mystery and urgency (my personal favorite combination):
“Sharon, this is Lauren from Factor 8,” she says. I just came across a report that I need to discuss with you right now. Is it possible for you to call me back at [phone number]? Lauren at [phone number] once more.”
Make a plan ahead of time! To have a productive discussion when they phone back to inquire about the report, you need to know what report you’re talking about.
The Referral (Voicemail Script #6)
When a customer is recommended to you by a third party, you may use a referral sales voicemail. If you’re calling a prospect you haven’t talked with previously, indicate that you were recommended before explicitly expressing the purpose of your voicemail message.
This will help you establish a pleasant atmosphere and establish a connection with the prospect.
Here’s an example of a sales voicemail message that you might leave as a recommendation:
“Hello, Joe,” I said. Lauren from Factor 8 is on the line. X [name] recommended me to you. I’m working on a new clothing line that I know you’ll like. Please contact me at [phone number] for further information. Lauren here once again. Thanks!”
The Friendly Script (Voicemail Script #7)
You must be passionate and seem interesting if you want a callback that will brighten your day. The prospect may be enticed to listen to your voicemail all the way through.
Here’s an example of a friendly-toned sales voicemail script:
“Hey, Don,” I said. This is [name] with [name of business]. I’ve devised a workout program that will fit into your hectic schedule. Let’s get in shape together! For additional information, please contact me at [phone number]. I’ll also send you an email with more information. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. “Have a wonderful day.”
The Professional Script (Voicemail Script #8)
Some prospects want you to present yourself as a professional. They just seek a simple answer to their problems.
In such situations, your voicemail should be structured in a precise and clear manner.
An example of a professional voicemail script is as follows:
“Hello, my name is [name] and I work at [company name].” I’m calling to let you know about some of our new and better kitchen appliances. [phone number] is my contact information. I’ll also send you an email the next day. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Goodbye!”
The Skill Demonstrator (Voicemail Script #9)
You may opt to showcase your abilities by leaving a voicemail message for your prospects.
If you’re selling your talents and knowledge to consumers, this works well.
A salesman, for example, might create a cold call voicemail script that goes like this:
“Hi, Dan. This is [name] calling from [company name]. I am calling because you downloaded our guide to building successful marketing campaigns, and I can help you decide on the best strategy for your business. Call me back through [phone number], and let’s get started with the marketing strategy that will see your profits double in the next two months. I’ll show you how. I look forward to hearing what you think. Talk soon?”
Uncovering Competitor Information (Voicemail Script #10)
Even the tiniest elements of a message may have a big effect on response rates when it comes to sales voicemail scripts.
To elicit a reaction, you may depend on the particular information available about the prospect’s rivals.
For businesses in a competitive market, this voicemail message works wonders.
Sample Script;
“Hey Jowie, [name] from [business name] is here. I was looking at [competitor’s] website and saw that they had T-Mobile. If you’d want to test T-Mobile as well, I’ll send you an email with a portion of a business chart in which I’ll reveal the person in charge of big data at that firm, along with a direct phone number, email address, and information on the technology they use. Please contact me at [phone number], and I will provide more information. I’m [name] with [business name], and I’m hoping to hear from you.”
In 6 Easy Steps, Create the Perfect Sales Voicemail Plan
To make your process data-driven and scalable, follow these steps and tips:
1. Determine which voicemail approach is best for your list and offer, then create an amazing message for each kind of message using your own words, beliefs, and so on. Then give it a catchy name like “VM1” or “VM Value.”
2. Repeat for a total of three distinct and typical messages. At least two methods should be tried. Just because you don’t like for the mystery screenplay doesn’t imply it won’t appeal to your audience.
3. Pick one voicemail type and leave that message every time you don’t connect for the rest of the day. Every single time. Keep track of your callback rate and try a new approach next time by logging the message in your CRM and noting your fancy name above.
Note: Find a method for your messages to not only be true, but also connect to one another, so you may leave several kinds of messages for each contact in the future. Obviously, if your first urgent message emphasizes an impending expiry, it would be difficult for you to call back later and provide anything of value. Do you see what I mean?
4. Make sure your callback statement is ready. Your phone is about to ring. Yes, you will be taken aback. So, if someone phones you back and says they received a message from you and you need to talk with them right immediately, be ready to get straight into the discussion.
Prepare a beginning that may be used for any message! It might be as easy as you being really eager to speak with them about your prospective match, noting some recent events at their business, or want to speak with them before to XYZ event.
5. Do this for four days and keep track of which approach worked best for you (and contact me with the number of callbacks you received!)
6. Make several variations of your most effective approach and never miss another voicemail!
Now go get some warm calls by leaving a great voicemail message!
It isn’t difficult to set up voicemail. However, taking the proper approach and exercising some care may make a significant difference in the number of sales interactions you have. Consider how much fatter your pipeline might be if all of your voicemails resulted in a 10% response rate… or a 30% callback rate!
Consistency and practice are essential. You should train on the ideas and methods in this post if you want voicemail to be a successful component of your sales process. Establish regular workshops, regularly discuss successful instances, and keep track of which representatives get the most callbacks. That manner, you may show your appreciation for their efforts.
You’ll outperform 80% of your rivals just by avoiding the major errors, mastering execution, and trying a range of voicemail techniques!
Also available on Medium.
I know I’m not the only one who gets back to tons of voicemails throughout the day. And I know that if you’re a sales rep, you’ve probably gotten a call from a prospect only to be left on hold for at least 30 seconds before hanging up.. Read more about voicemail greeting do not leave a message and let us know what you think.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do you say in a voicemail to get a call back?
Hi, this is ____. Im calling to follow up on our conversation about my resume. If you have any questions or want to schedule a time for me to come in and talk more about it, please give me a call back at 555-555-5555.
How do I get a prospect to return my call example?
You should try calling them back and asking for a return call.
What is the most professional voicemail message?
Hi, this is ____. Im not available right now, but please leave a message at the tone.
Related Tags
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