Call Me Back!

Editor’s note: Gary Stauble’s “2-Minute Coaching” gives you quick, easy-to-implement ideas on various subjects.

Question: What voicemail message can I leave that will yield a high number of returned calls?

My answer:

If the intent of your voice mail message is to get a call back, then you are going to want to do these four things:

1. Be concise
2. Break your listener’s normal preoccupation
3. Capture their interest/create mystery
4. Move them to action

Here are some of my favorite messages to leave:

(The Mysterious Message)

Hi Bob, this is Gary Stauble. My phone number is 408-847-1129. It’s about nine o’ clock on Tuesday. Please give me a call when you have a moment, I have a quick question for you. Again, my number is 408-847-1129. Thanks.

Or:

Hi Bob, this is Gary Stauble. My phone number is 408-847-1129. It’s about nine o’ clock on Tuesday. I’m an executive recruiter and I was given your name by someone who recommended that we speak. I’ll be available until 3:00 p.m. today, if you could give me a call before then I’d appreciate it. Again, my phone number is 408-847-1129. Thank you.