In the high-stakes world of Broadway musical auditions, producers can be merciless. Picture this: an eager aspiring star, having diligently rehearsed their audition song for weeks, steps onto the stage with anticipation. They open their mouth to sing, and after just a few notes, the heartless producer bluntly shouts, “Thank you. NEEEXXXT!” In a mere ten seconds, dreams of stardom are unceremoniously shattered.
Remarkably, in the realm of business, a professional’s dreams can meet a similarly swift demise within the first ten seconds of their “audition.” This audition, of course, is the message they leave on someone else’s answering machine.
Competent businesspeople wouldn’t dream of sending a sloppy handwritten business letter on cheap, yellow-stained paper to a VIP and expect a favorable response. They understand that such an approach would likely result in their missive finding its way into the nearest trash bin. However, paradoxically, some of these same individuals will casually leave lackluster messages on a VIP’s voicemail and somehow expect a callback. What they may not realize is that successful individuals scrutinize voicemail messages with the same discerning eye as a Broadway producer. If you sound good, you might stand a chance, but if you don’t, you’ll find yourself swiftly fast-forwarded out of their consideration.
Salespeople, suitors, job candidates, and competitors who leave crisp, intelligent, upbeat messages on voicemail tend to get called back. In contrast, those with lackluster tones and unpolished messages seldom receive a return call from Mr. or Ms. Make It Happen. To ensure your voicemail message stands out and encourages callbacks, make sure it reflects the three Cs: Confidence, Clarity, and Credibility. Moreover, aim to entice, entertain, or genuinely interest the listener. A flat and uninspiring “This is Joe, please call me back” rarely impresses big winners.
Crafting an Engaging Voicemail Message
Imagine your voicemail message as a ten-second audition that can make or break your chances of getting a callback. Here are some strategies to help you craft an engaging and attention-grabbing voicemail message:
1. Stay Tuned For a Cliff-Hanger
Radio DJs have a knack for keeping their listeners tuned in, and top-notch salespeople employ similar techniques to entice prospects to call them back. One such technique is the cliff-hanger. Just as radio broadcasters use a mini-mystery to keep listeners engaged, you can do the same with your voicemail message. For example:
- “Hi, Harry, this is Andrew. I have the answer to that question you asked me last week.”
- “Hi Diane, this is Betsy. I have some big news about that project we were discussing.”
By leaving a cliff-hanger, you provide Harry and Diane with a compelling reason to return your call. Their curiosity is piqued, and they’ll want to know more.
2. Inject Personality and Charisma
While recording your voicemail message, envision the people who will be listening to it. Say something that sparks their curiosity or brings a smile to their face. Your voicemail message is your ten-second audition, so make it memorable and engaging.
In essence, when you reach someone’s voicemail, treat it as Your Ten-Second Audition to prove your worthiness of a swift callback. Clear your throat, and as the answering machine picks up, pretend that the beep is akin to a Broadway producer announcing, “Nexxxt.” You’re on, and you have only ten seconds to make an impression that counts.
A word of advice: If you find yourself unprepared and someone’s voicemail unexpectedly answers, it’s best to hang up quickly (before the beep) to avoid leaving a hang-up message. Take a moment to compose yourself and craft an entertaining, enticing, or interesting message. Rehearse it once, infusing it with confidence, clarity, and charisma. Then redial to leave your great message.
One interesting phenomenon you might encounter is that if your party answers the call this time, you may feel a twinge of disappointment. This highlights the transformative power of a well-crafted voicemail message in making a memorable first impression.
In the world of business, just as in Broadway auditions, the first ten seconds can make all the difference. By mastering the art of the ten-second audition through engaging voicemail messages, you can significantly increase your chances of getting the callback you desire.