Should You Leave a Voicemail When Cold Calling?

Office phone displaying voicemail on desk

Hey there! If you’re diving into the world of cold calling, you’ve probably found yourself faced with the dreaded voicemail. Should you leave one or not? Well, let’s chat about that!

The Magic of Voicemails

First off, let me tell you—if you’re not leaving voicemails on your cold calls, you’re missing out on a chance to make a connection! Just because no one answers doesn’t mean they’re not interested. Think about it: every time you reach a voicemail box, you get an opportunity to showcase how you can help them.

Many people see salespeople as, well, a bit self-centered. So instead of pushing a hard sell, why not focus on how you can genuinely assist them? What’s happening in their industry? Are there any cool updates or news they might appreciate? Your voicemail can be the very first step to building trust and opening the door for future conversations.

Boosting Your Response Rates

Pairing your voicemail with an email or a social media shoutout can really boost how often people get back to you. If they see your name pop up in multiple places, they’re much more likely to remember you! Plus, not everyone likes chatting on the phone, so giving them options to respond in their own way can be a game-changer.

Stand Out and Build Your Brand

Most salespeople shy away from leaving voicemails, so if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll definitely stand out. Try to leave that great voicemail early on—this way, your prospects will not only hear your name, but they’ll also be intrigued enough to do a little research on you afterward.

Practice Makes Perfect

Leaving voicemails is also an excellent way to practice your pitch. Create a value statement that packs a punch and try it out! One trick? Call yourself and leave your message—would you call you back? Take note of what works and make adjustments based on what resonates with your audience.

Tips for Crafting Effective Voicemails

Want to nail your voicemails? Here are some quick tips:

  1. Be Brief & Specific
    • Everyone’s busy! Get to the point and make it relevant to them. Personalizing your outreach makes all the difference.
  2. Don’t Sell Too Hard
    • This isn’t your sales pitch—your goal is to spark interest, not to sell them right there. Keep it casual and focus on what action you’d like them to take next.
  3. Speak Clearly
    • Not all voicemails are listened to in real time; many are transcribed. So, speak clearly, avoid background noise, and practice your delivery.
  4. Leave Your Contact Info Last
    • Mention your number at the end of the message so they hear your main points first. And saying it twice can’t hurt!

At the end of the day, leaving a voicemail can either kick off a great relationship or set you up for future calls. The better your voicemails, the higher your chances of getting a call back!

FAQ

Q: How long should my voicemail be?
A: Try to keep it under 30 seconds. Be concise and to the point while still hitting on the main reasons for your call.

Q: What if I have trouble getting my message across?
A: Practice makes perfect! You might want to record your voicemail a few times until you feel comfortable or even practice on friends.

Q: Should I leave a voicemail every time?
A: It’s a good idea! It’s a simple way to reach out and can lead to future conversations, even if they don’t call you back right away.

Q: What should I include in my voicemail?
A: Your name, the reason you’re calling, a brief value statement, and your contact information at the very end!

Now get out there and start leaving those voicemails! You’ve got this!