The SmallBizLady Buzz - Issue 251

How to Get People to Return Your Sales Calls

Getting people to return your calls when you’re offering services can be a challenge. Decision-makers and small business owners especially, are inundated with calls, emails, and messages. If you’re not getting callbacks, it’s not necessarily because they’re uninterested—it’s often about how you approach them. Here’s how you can improve your callback rate and turn cold calls into warm conversations.

1. Make Your Voicemail Stand Out

Most people don’t return calls from unknown numbers unless there’s a compelling reason. Keep your voicemail short, engaging, and benefit-driven. Instead of saying, “Hi, this is John. Call me back,” try:

“Hi [First Name], I have a quick idea that could help [specific benefit to their business]. I’d love to share it with you in just two minutes. Call me at [your number] or I’ll follow up tomorrow.”

By teasing value and giving them a reason to call back, you increase your chances of getting a response.

2. Leverage Multiple Touchpoints

A single phone call isn’t enough. Follow up with an email, LinkedIn message, or even a text. People have different communication preferences, and a well-timed follow-up can move them to respond.

3. Be Specific About Why You’re Calling

People avoid calls that sound vague or salesy. Instead of saying, “I’d love to talk about your business,” be direct: “I have an idea on how you can [increase revenue, save time, streamline operations]. Let’s connect for a quick chat.”

4. Create a Sense of Urgency

Mention limited time offers, exclusive opportunities, or upcoming changes that make it beneficial for them to talk now rather than later.

5. End with a Clear Call to Action

Give them options: “Does Wednesday at 2 PM work, or would Thursday morning be better?” Providing choices makes it easier for them to respond.

With these strategies, you’ll not only get more callbacks but also build relationships that turn into long-term business. Happy dialing!

Check out this week’s featured post: How to Qualify Leads: Create a System to Stop Wasting Your Time with Unqualified Prospects

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How to Qualify Leads: Create a System to Stop Wasting Your Time with Unqualified Prospects

Business owners let’s get real. You’re putting in the work to create amazing lead magnets like eBooks, webinars, and checklists, but what happens next? Are you turning those downloads into real opportunities, or are you wasting time on people who’ll never buy? The key to success is having a system to qualify your leads effectively, so you’re focusing on the ones who are ready to invest in your business. Continue reading....

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The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Be a Boss Chick for Over 40 Years with Sandra James

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Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s?#1?Small Business Expert. She?is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, marketing and social selling. Melinda is also the president of the Quintessence Group, an award-winning marketing consulting firm based in Philadelphia, PA, serving Fortune 500 brands who target small business market. LinkedIn named her a Top Voice for 2019 in Small Business and Entrepreneurship.?In addition to being a former NY Times columnist, she is frequently quoted by media organizations including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News. She is the host of #Smallbizchat LIVE and The SmallBizChat Podcast. A prolific writer, Melinda has published more than 5000 articles on her blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Her small business advice is widely read reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded and Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.