Before you make a business call, what should you do?

Preparing a brief summary of the purpose for calling is essential because it allows you to communicate your objectives clearly and efficiently. This preparation helps organize your thoughts and ensures that you cover all important points during the conversation. A well-defined purpose not only improves the effectiveness of the call but also elevates professionalism, as the person you are calling can grasp the main idea quickly. This approach sets a constructive tone for the discussion and helps in establishing a productive dialogue.

While planning to include your contact information and considering times for a return call are also important elements of planning for a business call, they are secondary to establishing the primary reason for the call itself. Without a clear purpose, the other aspects become less relevant, as the call may lack direction and effectiveness. Thus, having a concise summary of the purpose is the most critical first step.