Voicemail is a fact of life today. Whether you like it or not is irrelevant. And believe me, getting through to decision makers is only going to get worse. So if your livelihood depends on getting in to see these people, you better learn how to use it to your advantage.

First, let's take a look at basic formula most sellers use in their voicemail messages:

•Hello, Mr/Ms __. This is __ calling. •I'm an account executive with __ company. •We make/do __. •Our product/service is leading edge, high quality and __. •I'd like to get together to learn more about how you do __. •And tell you about how our __ can help your business. •Please call me at __ to set up a time.

What's wrong with it? It's boring, boring, boring. No one in their right mind would ever waste one precious moment of their time to meet with a seller who said this.

Let me repeat myself. This approach does NOT work. I don't care if that's how you were trained. The world has changed. Even your own mother wouldn't call you back today - and that's pretty darn bad!

Most buyers from big companies are bombarded with more than 50 calls like this each and every day. Your message is "bleeped" before second sentence is out of your mouth.

HOW TO BE ENTICING Being enticing is about saying or asking something in a manner that truly piques a prospective decision maker's interest or curiosity.

You have to put on your thinking cap too. There's no way around it. Enticing voicemails don't just flow out of your mouth when its time to leave a message. In fact, lack of planning is guaranteed to make you sound trite and cheesy - exactly like kind of salesperson everyone detests.

Here are five strategies you can use to increase your enticement quotient:

1. Reference your Research Do you know how few sellers actually invest time studying their clients before placing a call? Very few. You'll immediately set yourself apart if you mention it in your voicemail.

You might say:

•"In researching your firm prior to calling you today, I noticed that ..."

•"In reviewing your company's website and marketing collateral, it became apparent to me that a critical issue you're facing is ..."

•"In reviewing your organization's strategic direction and comparing it to others in your market segment ..."

If you're not doing this pre-call research prior to contacting a big company, you're making a huge mistake. Dig in. Do it. What you learn can help make your voicemail even more enticing.

2. State a Strong Value Proposition Powerful value propositions focus on business outcomes companies get from using your products or services. Framed in business terminology, they highlight specific measurable results.

Examples of enticing value propositions include:

•"In working with another firm like yours, we reduced space requirements by 10%, saving them over $500k on lease payments and capital equipment reductions of over $300,000."

•"We help shrink time-to-revenue on new product introductions - a big issue facing companies today. In fact, research into failed product launches shows that 70% of executives blame weak value propositions as a major factor in their poor sales results."

•"After working with our firm, our average retail clients see sales conversions increases of between 39-57% and their average order size increase by 13-18%."

1. Clarify your value proposition Strong value propositions are essential for getting in to see corporate buyer. Make sure you can clearly articulate business outcomes customers get as a result of using your product or service.

Be precise - numbers, percentages and time frames make your value proposition even stronger.

2. Target a specific market segment Don't chase every available opportunity. Focus. Focus. Focus. Increase your knowledge and expertise in a particular market segment.

Learn as much as you can about their business needs, terminology, issues and marketplace trends. This significantly increases your client desirability.

3. Prepare Ad Infinitum Today's customers suffer no fools. Unprepared sellers are quickly escorted out door. Before you meet with any new prospect, research their business.

Read their annual report, check out their website, interview their clients, review analyst's reports. Find out what's important to them, their challenges, goals, and strategic imperatives.

4. Create Seductive Ideas Use your brain and think for your prospective and existing customers. They’re so busy putting out fires, they lack time for problem-solving, strategic thinking, creative alternatives or even reflection.

A seller who consistently brings business ideas to relationship becomes indispensable - winning contracts with minimal competition and at full dollar value.

5. Slow Down, Lean Back Don't try to rush sales - even if you’re desperate. Customers feel your push and immediately erect a wall of resistance. On first sales calls do NOT lean forward.

To maintain a consultative approach you must LEAN BACK. The minute you lean forward, you're "selling" - trying to get your customer to buy. Lean back. Slow down. And you'll get business sooner.