Just finished reading another great article by Scott about effective voice mail. Since I've been making a lot of calls recently, Scott's advice directly relates to enhancing my chances of getting a return call.

Looking for comments on what works for your business.

Does anyone here make outbound calls, and if confronted with voicemail, do you leave a message? I know some reps do not, but I figure if I've devoted the time to dialing the number, I'm leaving a message. I know most of them are probably like, "Just another telemarketer - and delete me," but I really love it when I get return calls from voicemail (even more than call-ins).

I do make some calls and when I am confronted with a voicemail I leave a message. As you said steve, if I am dialing the number I am gunna leave a message lol

Same thing here guys. I usually leave a message as my reason for calling is important enough to justify me picking up a phone moreso than typing an email. Emails I type all day, but phone is not my common form of communication

Of course, if anyone calls MY cell phone, it tells them not to leave a message as I'm usulaly too busy or lazy to get it. If it's important enough, call me back, or send me an SMS so I get the note For the past 3 years, my friends and collegues do just that now - no more pesky voicemail I need to check in on

I make a ton of calls trying to promote my web hosting brand. I am very happy to get call backs. I think most who receive my calls are happier to get them then emails. It's personal.

While you leave a voice message for a number you dialed for anything, the receiver also get a kind of genuine impression about your call against most marketing calls he/ she receive in a day.

Still Email Marketing has its own benefits.

The problem with contacting newly registered businesses is that three fourths of them don't have phone numbers yet and 99 per cent of them don't have emails published. For those that have phone numbers, voicemail is sometimes your only option (outside of door to door or direct mail campaigns).

I don't make outbound calls, but I receive plenty. I would actually prefer a voicemail from a number I don't recognize simply because it allows me to listen to it when I have time (which means better mood too) and to simply delete if I'm not interested.

I make outbound calls, when I leave a msg it would be in reply to a voice mail or email, I hate playing phone tag, so I usually ask them to email me, which is the best way for me to respond.

I leave message every time I get a voice mail. This way I still managed to convey what is my purpose.

Its very important to be clear on your intention.