I also have been leaving voice mails for many years and it can get stale at times. It is a good thing to remember to be clear and not talk fast and be creative. oh yes and add the humor- I did that this evening when leaving voice mails and I got a quick call back!! These techniques work!!
That's great awareness Elaine. Many times we leave creative messages but then forget the call to action! Trying different approaches until you find the one that works for that person can help. Thank you for your post!
I don't give a call to action, I certainly can interject some humor and give reason for student to call me back
Coordinating with your co-workers sounds like a win-win-win for you, your co-workers, and the people you're calling. Thank you for your post Josh.
I plan to work on speaking slower, particularly when leaving messages. I also want to work to improve the auditory quality of my call. sometimes background noise can be an issue so I plan to speak to my coworkers about scheduling a time when only I am on the phone.
All great ideas Chantal, a little variety may be good. Let us know how your new tools work for you.
When I'm leaving voicemails, I need to add a sense of urgency. Unless we are close to an event or another start, I don't leave dates. I would also like to add some humor to my messages. I feel like I'm leaving the same kind of message for each prospective student, unless I've met with them and gotten to know them.
Ginessa, I can certainly understand how you feel. In an environment with higher scrutiny, we do have to be careful with how we sound on the phone. However, creating a sense of urgency in regards to deadlines can be an effective tool, if done right. Keep us posted with your results.
Dr. Jean Norris
What I believe is missing in my voicemail messages is a sense of urgency. I'm often afraid of leaving a message simply stating what I want th caller to do, because I worry it will come across as too pushy. The other thing I want to work on is remembering to create a sense of urgency. Using the next school start is a great suggestion.
I could add a bit of humor into my voicemail to initiate a positive response. I think this could be beneficial in creating a stronger connection with the student and generate more interest in speaking with me.
I think after taking this lesson, I need to work on shortening the amount of information given, and providing an urgancy for the prospective student to call me back, and keeping in mind what is in it for the student.
I feel that my voicemails lack urgency and I think I am more of a suggestive person, giving them too much option to decide to call me back "If you would like, you can call me back at......."
What I feel is missing from my vm is creativity: I liked asking "I'm calling to see how I can help you find your future"
and when leaving my number, also leaving my email address
This section was very helpful and gave me ideas to put into practice right away!
Missing that piece that makes my voicemail unique for the other 15 voicemails from colleges that this prospective student is more than likely receiving...I am going to start asking questions on my voicemail, as well as creating more urgency. (ie classes are starting on x date, & we still have a few more spots left in the program, so call me back immediately!)
Taneisha, interesting. All too often, we get comfortable with our message and so it's nice to switch it up every so often. Let us know how that works for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
I done administrative work for five years and like Jim, I feel like I would benefit from adding a little more of my own personality to my messages.
After going through this module, it is humor that is missing from my voice mail messages. I do joke with them when talking with a prospective student or student already enrolled however, I have never thought to use humor in a message. I will give this a try and see how it goes. I know for me when someone seems a bit more approachable, I am more inclined to listen to what they have to say.
Erica,
These are great ideas. By adding creativity it helps you break out of the clutter of other messages the prospective student may receive. Keep us posted on how it's working for you!
Dr. Jean Norris
I feel as if I am missing one keep element in leaving messages and that simply is to have personality and to be creative. I find my self leaving the same messages and that can definitely get boring. I must add personality and also mention what is in it for them to make it more effective
Sarah, great point. Being able to personalize those messages will also let the students know that you care about them. Keep up that enthusiasm.
Dr. Jean Norris
