On a index call of the appropriate size (3x5, 4x6, 6x8) write the name of the person you will be calling in the top left hand corner. Beside the name write the person's work and home phone numbers.

Below the name, list the items you want to discuss with that person (a brief description, a word or two will due).

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each person you will be calling. If you are going to discuss the same items with several people, you might want to make a separate index card listing the agenda and only place the item number on each person's card.

Sort the cards into a prioritized order.

Using your index card, call the person. If you leave a message, put a dot over the number (work or home) and a month/day.

If you contact the person, discuss each item on the list, checking it off as you go. Information the person gives you and/or items you need to follow up on can be listed on the right side of the index card and on the back of the card. If the call is finished (no further contact needed) place a big check on the card and set it to the side.

Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each card/person as time allows.

When you receive a return phone call, quickly pull out that person's card from your pending stack and discuss each item on the list, checking it off as you go. Information the person gives you and/or items you need to follow up on can be listed on the right side of the index card and on the back of the card. If the call is finished (no further contact needed) place a big check on the card and set it to the side.

Sometime during your day, enter all the information from the completed calls into the appropriate folder/file/day planner. You may keep the cards as a back up reference or you may trash them.

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