You've just nailed a client meeting and walked away with promising referrals – it's time to ride that momentum! You fire up your phone, ready to dial those numbers, and... straight to voicemail. Bummer, right? Or not. If you're prepared and follow the right approach, voicemail can be just as powerful a tool as that initial in-person meeting.
The thing about sales is that it's a game of inches. Every interaction, even a brief voicemail, is an opportunity to make a positive impression and move a potential deal forward. But in today's fast-paced world, everyone's bombarded with information. Attention spans are short, and that applies to voicemail, too!
That's why word economy is crucial – you only have a few seconds to make an impact and entice them to call you back. Think of it like speed dating for your business; you have to make your pitch quick and compelling and leave them wanting more.
Crafting Concise and Compelling Voicemails
Voicemails are a crucial touchpoint in today's fast-paced business environment, where attention spans are short. Crafting concise yet compelling voicemails is critical to capture your recipient's interest and encourage them to return your call. Start with a brief introduction establishing rapport and credibility, then clearly articulate your value and why it matters to the recipient. Finally, invite them to take action, whether scheduling a call or reaching out directly, to move the conversation forward.
Leveraging Proof and Success Stories
Incorporating proof elements and success stories into your voicemails can significantly enhance their effectiveness. Share relevant statistics, case studies, or real-life success stories demonstrating your solution's tangible benefits. This builds credibility and creates a sense of possibility and excitement for the recipient. Combining proof elements with a compelling narrative increases the chances of eliciting a response and progressing toward a meaningful conversation.
Enhancing Delivery and Tone
The delivery and tone of your voicemail play a crucial role in how the recipient receives it. Practice delivering your voicemail script enthusiastically and confidently, avoiding monotone or rushed delivery. Enthusiasm is contagious, even over voicemail, and can leave a positive impression on the listener. Also, please pay attention to background noise and record your voicemail in a quiet environment to maintain professionalism and clarity.
Mastering Follow-Up Strategies
Effective follow-up strategies are essential for converting voicemail callbacks into meaningful conversations and ultimately closing deals. Have a plan for following up on voicemails, whether scheduling a specific callback time, sending a follow-up email, or using other communication channels. Be proactive and persistent, demonstrating your commitment to addressing the recipient's needs and advancing the sales process.
The Griffin Hill Approach to Voicemail Mastery
At Griffin Hill, we offer a comprehensive approach to mastery of voicemail beyond generic templates. Our personalized scripting helps you craft voicemails tailored to your strengths and market, while our practice sessions and feedback ensure you deliver with confidence and impact. We guide you through effective follow-up strategies, converting callbacks into meetings and closing deals. Schedule a free consultation with Griffin Hill to discover how we can elevate your voicemail game and transform your sales results.
Lessons from Referral Calls
Remember the 6 Steps to a Successful Sales Call you use with your clients? The same principles apply to voicemail: you'll need to connect, show value, and pique their curiosity quickly. That's where the Case Open Routine within the Griffin Hill system comes into play.
I love what Coleen Francis, a fellow sales expert, recently shared about voicemails. She nailed it when she emphasized these key points:
- Preparation is Key: Don't wing it! Have a clear, pre-crafted message ready to go.
- Confidence Matters: Speak clearly, with a touch of enthusiasm. There is a better time to sound like you just left bed.
- Time is of the Essence: Aim for 30-45 seconds max. People will quickly tune out if you ramble on.
Using the Case Open Routine (With Real-World Examples!)
How do we translate the Case Open to a voicemail format? Here's the breakdown, along with some examples to inspire you:
- Rapport – Who I Am: Briefly state your name and company. If you have a mutual connection, absolutely lead with that!
- "Hello, Mrs. Jones; this is Scott Baird with Griffin Hill. Helen Gamble, who I believe you know, suggested I call you."
- Positioning – What I Do: A concise, impactful statement of your value. Keep it relevant to the industries you generally work in.
- "We help businesses in [industry] improve their sales process and see significant growth."
- Benefit – Why Clients Like You Care: Tease one powerful benefit that's likely to catch their attention.
- "Many of our clients see a substantial boost in lead conversion rates using our strategies."
- Proof – Evidence/Proof of Why You Should Care: Stats, case studies, social proof – anything to build credibility fast.
- "In fact, just last year, we helped [a similar company] increase their revenue by 25%."
- Schedule The Next Event – Permission to Move Ahead: Don't be passive! Suggest a specific time for a follow-up call or invite them to reach out, showing initiative.
- "I'd love to chat more about how we might help you achieve similar results. I'll try calling again tomorrow at 9 AM, or feel free to reach me directly at [your number]."
Success Stories Speak Volumes
Let's face it: case studies and statistics are great, but sometimes, hearing a real-life success story truly excites people. Remember the power of storytelling, even in the most concise format!
Consider this alternative "proof" statement for your voicemail:
"We recently helped [similar company] overcome a sales plateau they'd been stuck at for months. I'd love to share more about how we might do the same for you."
This creates a sense of possibility, of "that could be me!" in the prospect's mind.
Tips for Voicemail Mastery
- Practice Makes Perfect: Write your script and rehearse it aloud until it flows naturally. You'll sound much more confident and less robotic.
- Mind Your Tone: Enthusiasm is contagious, even over voicemail! Avoid sounding monotone or rushed. Project a friendly, professional energy.
- Ditch the Filler Words: No "us," "likes," or rambling. Clear, concise language builds credibility and makes for a better listener experience.
- Background Matters: Find a quiet spot to record your voicemail. Nobody wants to hear kids screaming or dogs barking in the background.
The Griffin Hill Advantage
Mastering the art of persuasive voicemail is just one piece of the puzzle. At Griffin Hill, we understand that success in sales hinges on a whole range of communication skills, both in-person and remote. That's why our approach is comprehensive:
- Personalized Scripting: We won't just give you generic templates. We'll help you craft voicemail messages tailored to your strengths and the markets you serve.
- The Power of Practice: Think of it like a sport – you need reps to perform well under pressure. We'll provide role-playing and feedback to hone your delivery.
- Beyond the Voicemail: We'll be able to coach you on how to effectively follow up, convert that callback into a meeting, and ultimately, close the deal.
Ready to turn your voicemail into a lead-generating machine? Visit Griffin Hill or schedule a free consultation with John of Griffin Hill, and let's transform how you connect with potential clients. You might be surprised how a few little tweaks can significantly impact your results!
