Three Reasons Why No One Returns Your Voice Messages

Of the many Sales Challenges my clients face, and subsequently complain about, I think “unreturned voice mail messages” is probably numero uno. Personally, I wish my mother were in charge of this issue. Mom didn’t have much tolerance for my sister and (now sales rep) brother and I showing any kind of disrespect when we were growing up. Not getting back to someone would definitely make her finger-shaking list. It’s OK, though, Mom. I’ve got this one.

Here are the top three reasons why no one is returning your voice mail messages:

1. They suck. Nuf said.

2. You are calling on...What? You need more of an explanation on that first one? OK, fine. Be that way. I’ll start again. I’ll even clean it up...

Here are the top three reasons why no one is returning your voice mail messages:

1. The quality of the message you are leaving holds no value to the recipient. Ttherefore, said person sees no reason and has no motivation to pick up the phone and return the call (i.e., your messages suck).

For example, “Hi, my name is Bill and I am interested in talking with you about how my print capabilities might help reduce the price you are paying for your printing. Please call me back at 781-934-7036.” Yeah, it’s a shocker that that call goes unreturned.

2. You are calling on the wrong person. Once upon a time when courtesy was a rule and not the exception, if you called the wrong person and left a message, you had a decent shot of getting a return phone call along the lines of, “The person you want to speak with is...” These days, not so much.

3. You are not calling enough. Believe it or not, I have heard tell of companies that do not return any phone call unless you have left a minimum of, say, five messages. Interesting concept, actually. Only the most diligent get through. Can you imagine?