When it comes to sales, voicemail can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark. You leave a message, cross your fingers, and hope for a callback. But what if I told you there are innovative voicemail techniques that can skyrocket your chances of closing deals? Buckle up as we explore these eight game-changing hacks to make your voicemails stand out and drive sales. 

1. Get Real with Your Expectations

Ever felt disappointed when prospects don't return your calls? It's time to set the record straight. Most decision-makers are drowning in work and flooded with sales calls. So, don't take it personally if they don't hit you back right away. It's not a reflection of your skills; it's just the reality of their busy lives.

2. Mix It Up: Silence Speaks Volumes

Here's the deal: don't drop a voicemail bomb every time you call. Instead, switch things up. If you're dialing a prospect repeatedly in a week, slide in a voicemail every fifth try. When your calls are spread out, leave a voicemail once every couple of weeks. This way, you won't come across as a relentless sales machine, and you'll have fresh voicemails in your arsenal.

3. Be the Informative Guru

The ultimate goal of any voicemail is to get that call back. But let's not bore your prospects with the same old sales spiel. Ditch the generic stuff like, "Hi, I'm [name] from [company], let's schedule a meeting." Instead, be the informative guru:

"Hey [prospect], it's [name] from [company]. We've noticed that many folks in your role struggle with:

• Common pain point #1
• Common pain point #2
• Common pain point #3 

I'll ping you again next week. If you want to chat in the meantime, ring me up at [phone number]. This is [name] from [company], looking forward to our chat."

4. Say No to Salesy Jargon

Guess what? Your prospects are drowning in a sea of sales jargon. Let's stand out by keeping it real:

• Steer clear of buzzwords and industry gibberish.
• Avoid clichés like, "Want to save X?"
• Forget about pushing for a meeting right away.

Instead, show genuine interest. Mention something unique about their company or goals. Be relatable. 

5. The Timing Matters Voicemail

Timing can be crucial in sales. Research shows that it takes an average of 8 to 12 touchpoints with a prospect before they engage or say yes. Incorporate this valuable statistic into your voicemail strategy. For example:

"Hello [Prospect's Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Company]. Did you know that, on average, it takes about 8 to 12 meaningful interactions before a prospect is ready to move forward?   I'd like to start that journey with you. Let's connect and discuss how we can achieve your goals together. Please give me a call back at [Your Phone Number]."

By acknowledging the importance of multiple touchpoints, you not only set realistic expectations but also emphasize your commitment to building a lasting relationship with the prospect. It's a subtle way to convey that you're in it for the long haul and not just a one-time sales pitch. 

5. Less Talk About You, More About Them

Your voicemail isn't a sales pitch platform. Save the product rants for later. Right now, you want to ignite curiosity, not shove your offerings down their throat. Focus on how you solve their problems, share success stories, and highlight the value you bring. 

6. Mix It Up with Every Message

Don't squeeze your entire pitch into one voicemail. Spread the magic across multiple messages:

• Message #1: Spotlight those pesky pain points.
• Message #2: Flex your problem-solving muscles.
• Message #3: Share a success tale.
• Message #4: Break down the ROI you typically deliver.
• Message #5: Show what sets you apart from the pack.

7. Double Down with Emails

After a voicemail, don't drop the ball. Send them an email pronto. It's visual proof of your existence, complete with a link to your website. Plus, it's easier for them to hit "reply" to an email than to dial a number.

8. Don't Wait for a Callback

Take charge of the situation. Don't ask them to call you back. Instead, keep the ball rolling:

"I'll catch up with you next week. If you need me before that, here's my number: [phone number]." 

These voicemail hacks are your ticket to boosting prospect engagement and sealing the deal. Mix patience and persistence with a dash of creativity, and your voicemails will become deal-closing machines. So, go out there, leave killer voicemails, and watch your sales soar!