10 Phone Calls (or Emails) You Can Make Today to Change Your Business

(Even if you don’t feel ready, confident, or “big enough” yet)

OK, real talk here: most of us don’t need more ideas. We need movement.
The truth is, your next breakthrough probably won’t come from another late-night brainstorm or color-coded to-do list (cough SAM). It’ll come from taking action. One uncomfortable, imperfect, totally-doable step at a time.

So, if you’ve been circling the same tasks, waiting for motivation to strike… stop waiting!
Here are 10 calls (or emails) that can shift your business, and your mindset, right now.

1. Call a Past Customer - Just to Check In

No sales pitch. No agenda. Just a genuine, “Hey, how have you been?”
You’d be surprised how far real connection goes. People remember the businesses that care, not just the ones that sell.

I’ve done this from time to time for my gun shop and it turns out people are thinking of a new purchase, but they’ve put it on the back burner, can’t find the product they need or have a question. This makes it easy for them to buy again.

Reach out to a past client

2. Reach Out to a “Lost” Customer

You know that customer who used to come in all the time… and then vanished? Reach out.

“Hey Randy, I noticed it’s been a while since we worked together. I’d love to hear how things are going and if there’s anything new you’re working on.”

Sometimes they just got busy. Sometimes they thought you were too busy. Either way, this is how you reopen the door.

3. Connect with a Local Partner Business

Look for someone serving a similar audience but offering something different, like a coffee shop and a bookstore, or a gym and a smoothie bar.
Collaborate on a giveaway, a bundle, or even a shared social post. One quick conversation could lead to new customers for both of you.

4. Follow Up on an Old Quote or Proposal

That message you sent three weeks ago and never heard back on? Nudge it.
Sometimes people meant to reply and didn’t. You’re not bothering them, you’re helping them make a decision.

5. Call Someone Who Inspires You

A past boss, a peer you respect, or that one person who’s two steps ahead. Tell them you admire what they’ve built, and ask one genuine question.
It’s not about getting free advice, it’s about staying connected to people who make you want to level up.

Send a message to a big player in your industry

6. Reach Out to Someone in Your Industry Who’s Doing It Bigger

This is the bold one. Send the message. I recently did this with a huge brand name in our industry. I sent 4 messages on Linkedin, was ghosted by 3, but one responded and has helped me immensely!
Whether it’s the owner of a regional powerhouse or a mentor-type you’ve followed for years, just try to connect. You might think they’re too busy to notice, but you’d be shocked how many successful people love sharing what’s worked for them and want to help others do the same.
Don’t overthink it. Something as simple as:

“Hey Patrick, I really admire what you’ve built at [Company]. If you ever have 10 minutes to share how you’ve approached team culture / marketing / growth - I’d be so grateful.”
Hit send. Then smile. You just took a leadership-level action.

7. Contact a Local News Outlet, Chamber, or Community Page

Your story matters more than you think.
Email your Chamber, newspaper or a local Facebook page:

“We’ve been working on something new, and I’d love to share it with our community.”

Local media want to feature small businesses! They just can’t if they don’t know you exist.

8. Ask a Happy Customer for a Testimonial

A good testimonial is worth its weight in gold. Pick someone who loves your product or service and ask:

“Would you be willing to share a quick review or photo I can post?”
That’s it. Authentic words from real people convert better than any ad you’ll ever run.

9. Reach Out to a Business Coach or Mentor

You don’t have to go it alone.
Even one conversation can bring clarity, especially if you’ve been spinning in circles.
Check out SCORE.org for free mentoring, or look for a coach who offers short “brain dump” or strategy calls (like my Take Action by Tuesday sessions 😉). Sometimes all you need is a sounding board to help you get unstuck.

By the way, you can email or message me any time - no charge. I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

10. Clear the Air with Someone You’ve Been Avoiding

We all have that one lingering situation that’s been quietly draining us. A miscommunication, a bad review, a conversation that never happened.
It’s time. Pick up the phone, or send the email. You’ll feel ten pounds lighter, and the mental clarity you get back is worth its weight in gold.

The Takeaway

You don’t need to overhaul your business to change your momentum, you just need to start talking to people again.

Business moves at the speed of connection.
So pick one call, one email, one nudge ➡️ and do it today.
Because clarity doesn’t come from thinking… it comes from doing.

🥸 Maybe one day, I’ll write a post that isn’t just talking to myself... but today’s not the day.

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P.S. If you love this kind of real-world, no-fluff business talk, come hang out with us inside The Hub, North Community. It’s full of small business owners who are done overthinking and ready to take action.