In reading a forum conversation about how to leave phone messages for people when contacting them about business, I thought this was interesting.

One person said they follow a carefully crafted script, another said they don’t leave messages, another said they leave a message only with their testimonial. Yet another said they leave only their name and number and wait for the person to call them back.

These scenarios sound more like telemarketing calls than business relationship calls.

Here’s the thing and most entrepreneurs can relate.

People are busy. People are working, rushing kids to little league games, making sure they don’t miss a school play, going on vacation, mowing their lawns, socializing with their neighbors, grocery shopping, cleaning house, and a whole host of other things that make up their day.

People know when you’re leaving a scripted message on their answering machine trying to get them into “some deal.” When you get those on your own answering machine or voice mail, do you call them back?

I don’t.

People also know when you’re being genuinely sincere in calling just to see how they are doing.

If you’re calling someone with their best interest at heart first, they will eventually get back with you because people are busy.

If you’re calling only for the sake of your own agenda, don’t expect to hear the phone ring.