The Voicemail Problem

When this new blog idea came to me it was inspired from an aspect from my coaching life. That being said, it is directed at recruits but I think anyone trying to sound a bit more professional should take note of. Fake it 'til you make it.

Anyways, last week I made a call to a high school kid that was in our recruiting database in order to introduce myself and our program. Just a routine check in with a kid to express our interest in him possibly coming to play with us. The phone rang a few times then gave way to his voice-mail greeting where he pretends to answer the phone. After repeated "hellos?" I realized I had been deeked by the kid. I am sure he thinks its the funniest thing in the world but in actuality it pissed me off. It made me think of the times I recorded those greetings that had a song playing in the background or featured my buddies idiotic remarks. Sure it was funny at the time, when I was 15. The minute I knew I would be getting calls from someone of importance be it a coach, scout or employer I changed the greeting.

No executive wants to sit around to listen to a joke of a voice-mail just to be able to leave you a message. Short and simple. Give the necessary information, sound positive and keep it neat. Your credibility gets questioned if one doesn't pay attention to these seemingly little things. Believe me, I have seen it. Coaches and employers have plenty of options so realistically they are looking at ways to discard you. They need to trim the crop in order to find the cream of it, don't give them the chance to count you out before meeting you.

This also counts for e-mails too - I haven't and don't see myself contacting "bigpimpinballa@aol.com" or anything like there of. A fat black line from a Sharpie will forever replace where your name once was. Simple moral of the story: stay professional and precise - it will pay off!

RD