How fast should I call back?
Within the hour: the first to call back gets the job.
- For
- See what the calls nobody rings back cost you in a year.
- When
- Every time a call goes unanswered
Try it
5 calls a week not rung back, winning 40% at 400 a job: 41,600 a year lost.
Lost a year = calls not rung back × share you’d win × a job × 52.
Ring back every missed call the same hour.
Worked out
| Calls a week not rung back | Jobs lost a week | Lost a year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.4 | 8,320 |
| 3 | 1.2 | 24,960 |
| 5 | 2 | 41,600 |
| 10 | 4 | 83,200 |
Easy to get wrong
- Calling back tomorrow, after they’ve booked.
- A voicemail that never says when you’ll ring.
- Not writing down who called and why.
- No text back while you’re on a job.
The tool for it
Questions
What if I’m on a job?
Text back in a minute: say you’re on a job and when you’ll call.
Should I text or call?
Text first if you can’t talk, then call when you can.
What do I say in the text?
Their name if you have it, that you saw the call, and when you’ll ring.
Do I call back numbers that left no message?
Yes. Most people who need help don’t leave one.
What about calls after hours?
Ring back first thing, before other businesses open.
Is an answering service worth it?
Put its price beside this sum, which shows what a missed call costs you.
How do I keep track of them all?
Write each call down as it comes: who, what, and when to ring.
What share of calls do I win?
Count a month of calls and the jobs they became. Use your own number.