Most people hate leaving voice mail messages. It is even more frustrating when the person you are calling does not call you back. So how do you get your prospects to call you back?

One thing not to do is to sound like you want their time to try to sell them something. Most people are overwhelmed especially when they are listening to a long line of voice mail messages. The boring message from someone who wants to sell you something is just not likely to be returned.

Try calling your prospects and just leaving your name and phone number. This prevents being screened out because they have already made a decision about whether they need your services before they have even spoken with you. Curiosity or the sense that perhaps they should know who you are will help to get them to call you back.

Speak with enthusiasm and confidence. Speak as though you know they will call you back. If you speak with doubt and frustration in your voice you almost assure they won't call you back.

Speak slowly and clearly. Give your phone number twice to be sure they get it right, and don't race through it so they aren't able to take it down without listening to the message several times.