“B” stands for Be Brief or Be Precise.
Most of us would immediately say “yes” to having more time; our days are filled to capacity. This is why a loooooong voice mail message is unappreciated, often unanswered and sometimes deleted without ever being heard.
The three main components of a phone message are: 1) Our name and company name; 2)The reason we are calling, and 3) When we are available to receive a return call.
When we limit our messages to this essential information only, we increase our opportunities to connect.
For example:
“Hi David, it’s Mary Jane Copps of The Phone Lady calling to address your questions or comments about the proposal I sent last week. I’m at my desk throughout the afternoon today at 404-3290. That’s 404-3290.”
Of course, we can choose to include the statement that avoids phone tag:
“Hi David, it’s Mary Jane Copps of The Phone Lady calling to address your questions or comments about the proposal I sent last week. I’m at my desk throughout the afternoon today at 404-3290. That’s 404-3290. If we don’t connect today, know that I’ll call back again on Friday.”
Longer messages do have their place. They can provide the necessary information without requiring any additional communication. For example:
“Hi David, it’s Mary Jane Copps of The Phone Lady calling to confirm our workshop on Friday morning. I’m bringing my own technology and handouts for 14 participants. I’ll arrive around 8:30 am. Certainly call if you have any questions or comments 404-3290, 404-3290. Otherwise, I’ll see you on Friday.”
When we are cold calling or prospecting, it is even more vital that our message be brief. Too much information and our contact will make a decision about our product or service before we even have a chance to speak with them!
Here’s one of my favourite cold calling messages:
“Hi David, it’s Mary Jane Copps calling from The Phone Lady and I have two quick questions for you. I expect to be at or near my desk throughout the day today at 404-3290. That’s 404-3290. If we don’t connect today, know that I’ll call again later this week.”
The word “quick” in a message helps people prioritize. They may choose to return the call because they have five minutes between meetings so … don’t use this word unless you mean it!
What about you? Do you have a favourite message that helps you connect with your clients and prospects?
Finally, the “C” stands for continue calling. Persistence is, indeed, an important element of success. Read the post here: https://thephonelady.com/the-aabcs-of-leaving-message-part-iv/
Brilliant.
Thanks, Steve. Glad to know these are helpful!
Loving these, Mary Jane!
Thanks, Deb. So pleased to hear from you and to know that these “bits” are helpful!
I was looking at your list of speaking engagements and was wondering if any are open to the general public. I would love the chance to soak of some more of your wisdom.
Hi Michelle, Thanks for checking in. The workshop at CEED on April 1st can actually be attended by anyone. You can check at the website to see the cost. At the moment, that’s the only public workshop I have scheduled at the moment, but thanks for asking. I’ll keep you informed.