Voicemail can feel a bit cold. You’re leaving a message, hoping it doesn’t get deleted, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a call back. But here’s the truth: voicemail doesn’t have to be robotic or one-sided. In fact, when approached with a more personal, thoughtful touch, it can become a powerful way to build connection, show your authenticity, and stand out from every other sales message in your prospect’s inbox.
Sound Like a Real Person (Because You Are)
A lot of salespeople fall into the trap of sounding rehearsed or overly formal when they leave voicemails. In our minds, we’re thinking, “Be professional, make an impression.” But here’s the thing: when you sound scripted, it’s easy for your message to come across as cold or insincere. People want to know they’re hearing from a real person who genuinely wants to help, not just another salesperson running through a list of calls.
Start with a warm tone, and keep your greeting simple and direct. Instead of an overdone “Good day, this is [your name] from [your company] calling about…” think of how you’d talk if you were leaving a voicemail for someone you know, like a friend or colleague. A friendly “Hey, this is [your name] with [company]—just wanted to reach out and chat about…” sounds more natural. And the more natural you sound, the more likely they are to tune in.
Make It About Them, Not Just Your Agenda
When someone presses play on your voicemail, their immediate thought is, “What’s in it for me?” So instead of diving straight into your pitch, think about how you can genuinely connect to their needs or industry challenges. This is where a little prep goes a long way. Mention something specific about their business, or talk about a relevant trend you’ve noticed in their field. The goal is to show them that you’re not just another voice on the phone but someone who’s actually interested in helping them solve their unique problems.
For example: “Hey, this is [your name] with [company]. I noticed your team is doing some incredible work with [mention a specific project, product, or trend related to their industry]. I’d love to chat about a couple of ideas that might help amplify your efforts…”
It’s all about signaling to them that you’ve done your homework and aren’t just going through the motions.
Keep It Short, but Memorable
We’ve all been there—listening to a voicemail that just doesn’t end. Long-winded messages can make your prospect lose interest before you’ve even made your main point. The trick? Get to the heart of your message quickly, ideally in 20-30 seconds, and give them a reason to care.
Here’s a formula I often use: a quick intro, a line or two about why I’m calling and why it matters to them, and a friendly wrap-up with an easy call-to-action. For example:
“Hey, [prospect’s name], it’s [your name] from [company]. I’ve got a couple of ideas on how we could help streamline your process for [mention a relevant pain point]. If that’s something you’d like to explore, just give me a shout back. I’m at [phone number]. Look forward to connecting!”
You’re offering a compelling reason to call back without overloading them. It’s short, respectful of their time, and memorable enough to stand out.
Use Humor or Empathy to Break Down Barriers
Voicemail can feel stiff, so a touch of humor or empathy can help make you more relatable. A lighthearted comment or a quick acknowledgment that they’re likely busy can make you sound approachable and easy to talk to. It could be as simple as, “I know your inbox is probably flooded, so I’ll keep this quick…” or even, “I’ll do my best to avoid sounding like a sales robot, but bear with me!”
These little touches can break the ice and make them feel like they’re listening to a message from a real person, not a pushy sales script.
Offer a Soft Call-to-Action
There’s a big difference between an assertive, “Call me back as soon as possible!” and a softer, “If this sounds like something you’d want to explore, I’d be happy to chat.” Giving your prospects some room to decide without pressure can make them more likely to respond. This approach is especially effective if you’ve already built in a compelling reason for them to call back earlier in the voicemail.
Consider an invitation to connect rather than a hard demand. “Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning more,” or “I’d love to share a quick idea with you whenever you’re available.” This way, you’re keeping the door open while making it easy for them to engage at their own pace.
Leave Them Wanting More
Your voicemail should be like a trailer for a movie—it should intrigue them enough to want to know more, but not give everything away. When you provide just enough information to pique their curiosity, they’re more likely to follow up with a return call.
For example: “I have an idea that could help with [specific need or pain point]. I’ll save the details for when we chat, but it’s something that’s worked well for others in [similar industry or position]. Give me a quick call if you’re interested.”
This approach creates a sense of anticipation and leaves them wanting to know what that idea is.
Send a Follow-Up Email to Reinforce Your Message
If you haven’t heard back, don’t give up after one attempt. Sending a quick follow-up email is a great way to stay top-of-mind without being pushy. In your email, you can briefly recap what you mentioned in your voicemail and include any additional context you think might grab their attention.
Example email:
“Hi [Prospect’s Name], I left you a quick voicemail earlier about [mention topic briefly]. I just wanted to follow up with a couple of details in case it’s something that aligns with what you’re working on. Would love to chat if you’re open to it—no pressure, of course! Thanks, [Your Name].”
The email and voicemail combo helps reinforce your message and provides another touchpoint, showing them you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
The “Double-Check” Wrap-Up: Why It’s Worth Another Look
When you put time into crafting thoughtful, personal voicemails, you’re not just checking a box—you’re actively setting yourself apart. Think of it as a small investment in human connection. It’s easy to ignore a generic sales pitch, but when someone hears a message that sounds like it was meant for them, it can create a moment that stands out in their day.
At the end of the day, voicemail is just another form of communication, but it can be a powerful one. It’s a moment to remind your prospect that you’re not just another sales rep—you’re a real person who’s there to help. And in a world of endless calls, emails, and noise, that human touch can make all the difference.
