I live in sales, service, and relationships. Attention is the starting line. My stance is simple: lead with real interest and earn the callback. It’s fair play, it works, and it opens doors you didn’t know existed.
Here’s the method. I call and leave a short message that is true and direct:
“Hi, this is Dave Meltzer. I’m really interested in your blank. Please call me back.”
People call back. Almost every time. Not because I tricked them, but because I made it about them first. I’m willing to buy—at the right price. That’s honest. It also starts a real conversation.
The Callback Hack
My wife once said, “Dave, that is so shady. You’re calling them saying you want to buy their product.” She was half joking, half warning me. But I do want to buy at the right value. That’s not a gimmick. That’s business. When someone has something valuable, interest attracts interest.
“Luke, I noticed your black Rolex, man. Can you give me a call? I really want to buy it.”
He’ll call me back. I might open with a low offer—
“I got $2.”
He’ll laugh or tell me off. Either way, the line is open. Now we can talk about what matters: his goals, his timing, his needs—and yes, what I can help him with. That’s not bait-and-switch. It’s a door-opener rooted in curiosity, price, and respect.
Why It Works
Most outreach fails because it’s centered on the seller. “I do this, I help that, I, I, I.” People tune out. When you show interest in what they have, you flip the script. You give them a reason to respond. Money is a clear signal. It’s not vague. It’s not needy. It’s practical.
Attention is scarce. Relevance wins it. Interest in their asset is relevant. And when the number doesn’t line up, the talk shifts to solutions. That’s where opportunity lives.
Is It Ethical?
Short answer: yes—if you mean it. I’m transparent about price and intent. I’m ready to buy if the value is there. If not, we both learn something. There’s no false promise. There’s no trap. There’s a conversation.
A critic might say, “You’re just trying to get in the door.” Of course I am. Every business call is an ask for time. This one earns that time by leading with a benefit to the other person.
How To Use It Today
Keep it simple and direct. Don’t oversell. Don’t script your soul out of it. Be human, curious, and honest about price.
- Spot a real item or service they own or offer.
- Leave a short message showing specific interest.
- Make a clear, fair opening offer—or ask for their price.
- Listen first. Let them share context and timing.
- If the deal isn’t right, pivot to how you can help them win.
This isn’t about trickery. It’s about earning attention with value, then expanding the value. You’ll get more callbacks and better talks. You’ll also be surprised by how many deals exist once the door is open.
What I’ve Learned
People respect clarity. They respect someone who is willing to make an offer and take a “no” with grace. They respect curiosity about their world. That’s how trust starts. Not with a pitch deck. With a genuine ask.
Try it. Make five calls this week using the script. Keep it short. Keep it real. See how many people respond when you put their interests first. Then be ready with your next best question: “How can I help?”
Attention is earned. Relationships are built. Opportunity follows. That’s the game I play, and it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Isn’t this just a bait-and-switch tactic?
It isn’t if you’re honest. Lead with real interest, share your price, and be open to a no. If the deal doesn’t fit, shift to helping them in another way.
Q: What if they get upset by a low offer?
Stay calm. Smile. Explain your reasoning and ask for their number. The point is to start a respectful talk, not win on the first bid.
Q: How short should the voicemail be?
Keep it under 15 seconds. Say your name, show specific interest, and ask for a call back. Brevity gets results.
Q: Does this work outside sales?
Yes. Any time someone owns a decision or an asset, clear interest opens the door. It applies to hiring, partnerships, and even networking.
Q: What if they don’t call back?
Follow up once with the same clear message. If silence continues, move on. Scarcity of attention is real—focus on the doors that open.
