How to Reach Your Prospect When You Can’t Reach Your Prospect

In this over-connected, cell phone to the ear, Web 2.0 world, it would seem inconceivable that you’d be unable to reach someone.  But it happens.  You’re more likely to reach voice mail than a live person.

So, what do you do when you encounter someone’s voice mail?  So many business owners and sales people have told me that there’s no point in leaving a message because they’ll never get a call back. What they really mean is, “I can’t sell them anything via voice mail”.

Well, they probably wouldn’t have been able to sell them anything even if they did reach them.  Without an objective and a plan, you’re just one more person vying for attention.  And since you haven’t developed a relationship, you’re very easy to ignore.

Here are some tips on how to leave an effective voice mail message:

1. Define the objective of your call.  Is it a follow up to a networking event? Or are you returning the prospect’s call or email requesting information on your product or service?  Is it a “keep in touch” call where the purpose is to keep the relationship moving forward?
2. Prepare a script.  You want to make sure that you make it clear why you’re calling, how you can be reached, and let them know when you’ll be following up if you don’t hear from them. This will help prevent stuttering or losing your train of thought.  There’s nothing worse than those rambling messages that you wish you could erase! 
3. Make sure that you’re easy to reach.  Leave them your office number and cell phone number.  And make sure to check your voice mail messages (it could be embarrassing if you don’t!)
4. Repeat your key information. Introduce yourself at the beginning and the end of your message and include your phone numbers.  Speak clearly and slowly enough for someone to be able to take down your information without having to replay your message several times.
5. Don’t give up!  It may take several tries and a few rounds of telephone tag to finally reach your client or prospect.  So don’t be discouraged.  By the same token, learn when you’re being avoided and allow the other person to “bow out gracefully”.  Leave them a message or send them an email that asks for a response if they’re no longer interested in hearing from you.  Inject a little humor and make it clear that there are no hard feelings.  It’ll go a long way to demonstrate that you are both persistent and considerate.

Remember, every contact you have with someone is a potential to create or further a relationship. Don’t miss an opportunity to get your message across in an effective and powerful way.

About the Author
Merlyn Sanchez, Business Coach and Marketing Consultant, teaches small business owners, consultants, and other solo professionals how to attract more clients, make more sales and have more time to enjoy their lives. For a free report outlining the “”8 SMART Strategies that Successful Business Owners Use to Attract More Clients™ and more tips on how to create a successful business, visit http://www.smartbusinessowners.com.

Like this post? Publish It On Your Own Blog

Technorati Tags: effective phone messages, effective phone scripts, how to reach clients by phone, reaching your prospects, using voice mail effectively, telephone tag