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10 Tips On Making The Perfect Whatever

by Kim on January 18th, 2007

I have to say, that while it’s usually a fun little surprise to come across a Top 10 tips list, while getting a manicure — most of the time these lists bore me.

Blog after blog, magazine cover after magazine cover — there are lists that boast things such as:

“10 ways to get your husband to wash the dishes AND host the perfect party…” :).

I guess I’m ambivalent toward these lists because I truly believe any one of us could write one.

However, I’ll admit, I did come across one today which I think is interesting, only because at first blush it seemed so lame…AND then — yay — there are only 6 tips, not 10.

From Jim Citris, for Yahoo Finance — Here are six tips to keep in mind when leaving voice mail:

• Be clear about the goal of the message.
Don’t try to do it all — close a sale or get the job. The objective of the message should be to get your call returned.

• Be authoritative yet upbeat in your tone.
Your communication sends a clear signal about who you are and how important you are. You need to portray a sense of confidence, authority, and respect.
People also respond better to an energetic, positive-sounding person than to a bore. But at all costs, avoid being obsequious — there’s nothing more annoying.

• Find a bridge to the person you’re calling.
People feel comfortable if there’s a familiar connection from them to you. This can be someone who suggested you call, a mutual acquaintance, a shared affiliation with an organization (such as your alma mater), a hometown, or any number of things. Do your homework and be creative in finding a link.

• Be brief.
Everyone’s busy, so keep your message short. Your listener will resent it if the voicemail’s recorded announcement says, “New message received at 7:45 p.m.; five minutes.”

• Be specific in your request.
People are much more likely to get back to you when they know that the conversation will be confined to a clear topic.

Request an answer to a specific question with the promise of a well-defined timeframe, rather than introducing an open-ended issue that the caller may fear will turn into a black-hole conversation.

• Leave your contact information slowly and clearly.
This sounds painfully obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many people rush through their phone number and email address so fast that you have to replay the message three times before you can understand them.

Duh. Helloooooeew!