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Permalink Reply by Sandra McCartt on April 4, 2011 at 12:13pm

I leave voice mail. Most people have caller ID. I would rather leave voice mail than have them see that I have called 4 times and did not leave a message as to the purpose of my call. If somebody calls me multiple times and does not leave a vm it somewhat irritates me so I don't want someone else to be irritated by feeling stalked. If they don't call me back I assume they have no interest in speaking with me. I may try them again in a week but if no return the second time to a vm I move on.

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Permalink Reply by Tracey Cress on April 4, 2011 at 3:28pm

I leave a voicemail to introduce myself and also add that an email has been sent to them as well. 

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Permalink Reply by JP Liddle on April 4, 2011 at 5:15pm

I'm with Sandra. I leave a voice mail, it bothers me when I get the same number calling and not leaving messages, so I try and save them that hassle. I am not trying to trick them, I am trying to build a long term relationship. They might not see the value in that proposition right now but if I keep in contact with them and continue to treat them with respect, I am sure that over time they will come to see the value in a relationship.

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Permalink Reply by Brian Christopher on April 4, 2011 at 5:39pm

leave voice mail

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Permalink Reply by Slouch on April 4, 2011 at 5:51pm

If you don't leave a message, how will they know to call you back?

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Permalink Reply by Valentino Martinez on April 4, 2011 at 11:28pm

Always leave a voice mail message if you want a call back.  And it should be one that is understandable, friendly and is not too long, or too short...but is just right.  Name, subject and call back info works best.

I've had messages that are rushed and end with a garbled name and/or a garbled call back phone number.  Or it's a message that sounds aggressive, bordering on unfriendly--from complete strangers.

There have been times where I've had colleagues try to decipher what I cannot understand in a voice message...and it's not in a foreign language.

 

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Permalink Reply by Tim Keene on April 5, 2011 at 9:08am

Leaving a voicemail is key in any sales type of situation.  Just because someone doesn't call you back, doesn't mean its not a good idea.  You want them to remember your name next time you call, and I also think it shows a little stick-to-it-iveness if you've left multiple messages with someone and you finally get through.  If you work that hard to get them on the phone, they can be confident you'll do the same when trying to place them!  I'm in sales, and i can't tell you how many times I've left 4 or 5 messages and when I finally get through to someone they say "thanks for sticking with me" and are willing to hear me out.  As others have mentioned, just make sure its short, clear and to the point.  Don't forget to leave your name and number at the beginning and end of the message.

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Permalink Reply by bill josephson on April 5, 2011 at 10:51am

Joel,

 

I'll try to reach a person I'm sure has the right skills for my opportunity at least a few days over the phone without a v/m.  If by the 3rd-4th day I'll leave a brief message with my private line ensuring the call gets directly to me without the switchboard.

 

I've found caller ID does work against me as I have a blocked/private line, so they often won't pick up not knowing who it is using v/m as a screening device.  If I call enough times without leaving a message often curiosity gets the better of them.  Nothing beats repetitive phone calls as the message to the person is if you're trying that hard to reach them, start leaving a v/m every day to call you back, then eventually your hard work pays off and you'll connect.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Smith on April 5, 2011 at 10:58am

I agree with all the responses here, especially Tim's

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Permalink Reply by Scott Godbey on April 5, 2011 at 11:07am

Joel, I also debated whether or not to leave voicemails.  Messages left on a landline are the least likely message to be returned.  That said, I've found that leaving voicemails is effective. It helps prospects recognize your name and provides a little bit of warmth to your cold call.

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Permalink Reply by Ronald Peterson on April 5, 2011 at 11:22am

When you get a person on a first call, especially if they answer themselves, chances are that they're in the middle of something and otherwise distracted. Leaving a voice mail message means having them hear your proposition when they want to (or don't want to, cutting off the call), but meaning their attention can be focused on your words. It doesn't hurt to send an e-mail later or the next day with roughly the identical proposition and better contact information.

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Permalink Reply by Juli Van Der Meulen on April 5, 2011 at 11:27am

I have been leaving voice mail for 20 years now.  If they are interested they will call back.

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