1. Updating your Phone Messages

2. Don’t start with your name first Every phone message starts the same way: “Hi, this is Sharon from Original Works”. When I get a message that starts out like this I am already hitting delete or next. Never listening to the message because I’m thinking, yes I know what she wants. So what to do?

3. and then state a short piece that focuses on getting their attention. The goal is to get them to pay attention and NOT delete your message. End the message with “please call me at xxx-xxx- xxxx, this is Sharon with Original Works. Hard to get use to but this works. Start your voicemail with “Hi Chris, the reason for my call today is….”

4. Keep it under 30 seconds Anything over 30 seconds sounds like you are trying to sell them something you can’t sell in 30 seconds. Write out your phone messages then call yourself and leave a message. How does it sound? Need more practice? Sounds confident? Remember to use the new opening and end with your number, name and company.

5. DON’T SELL Remember you can’t sell in 30 seconds. All you want to do is grab their attention and get them to call you back. You want to aim for getting a response such as “I have to call back and get my school signed” or “gee, I wonder what the new products are”.

6. Don’t reference failed attempts You don’t want to call someone and say “Hi, this Sharon from Original Works, AGAIN………. Or “Hi, this is Sharon from Original Works, I seem to keep missing you…….” or better yet, “I’ve left you several messages”. My first thought is, well if I didn’t call you back all those other times why would I start now? ALWAYS have a different reason for your call.

7. Be Different Almost every voicemail starts out the same “Hi Chris, this is Sharon from XYS company. We’re the leading provider of blah blah and I would like to set up a time to discuss your needs blah, blah,blah. No wonder these calls get deleted. Be Different

8. Be yourself. Don’t start messages with your name and company. Get tongue tied when starting your message? Joke about it. Is it snowing or raining or something in your area that everyone is commenting about? Say it. Be enthusiastic and positive. Reference something new that might appeal to them. Examples on the next 2 pages:

9. Examples Hi Chris, we have several new products in our line this year that the parents at XYZ school are going to enjoy. Can’t wait to tell you about them. Call me to set an appointment at xxx-xxx-xxxx. This is Sharon at Original Works. OR Hi Chris, did you see the email I sent last week with all our new or updated products? I have samples to show you. Would Wed or Thurs next week work for you? Please call me at ……………….., this is Sharon with Original Works.

10. 2 More Examples Hi Chris, it’s hard to believe but now is the time to sign up for next Falls fundraising program. We have new products and new programs for our schools. May I drop by next Wed during your planning period to review all the new things? I’ll bring the iced tea. This is Sharon with Original works. The number is: xxx-xxx- xxxx. Hi Chris, I know last year you said it was getting harder to find volunteers. We have a new program that I would like to tell you about that will make life easier for you. Please call me at xxx-xxx- xxxx. This is Sharon at Original Works. Hope to talk soon.

11.  Thank you.   Let us know how you make out with this new format.   Did you find it helpful? 