Make More Phone Calls

A good friend recently advised me to make more phone calls. I asked why he suggested this and he said, "Jim, you are really good as a speaker on the stage and you are also very good on the phone. I just know that by making more phone calls to your former clients, colleagues and friends, you will generate even more business." He was absolutely right. Though my business is doing fine and I send scores of emails every day, I could always use more business. So I decided to do as he suggested.
In my breakfast brainstorming that morning I listed the types of phone calls that I could make. I did this as a way of focusing my energies on the calls and identifying a number of purposes for the calls.
I hope this list serves as a stimulus for you as well.
Call with Praise for people. Call with Observations to share. Call with Insights & Ideas for others. Call with Questions. Call with Suggestions & Referrals. Call with Offers of Assistance or Resources. Call with Requests for Assistance. Call to Confirm details & agreements. Call to Gather a Quote to use. Call to Explore Possibilities. Call to Seek Guidance or Direction. Call for Recommendations.
Add your own "reasons to call" and carry this new list around with you for awhile. As you look at it daily, note the names of people you intend to call. Write down their phone number and when you get a flexible moment, give them a call.
It is a lot like the advice my son once gave me. When he was in college he worked at a MailBoxes, Etc. and he said, "If you ever want to receive more mail, then send more mail! I've noticed that is how it works for all our customers. Those who send the most always receive the most."
Now go call someone.