1st Ad Response!

I got my first ad response today! While I was waiting for the yellow spray paint to dry on my Dollar Store makeshift bandit signs yesterday, I decided to place three online ghost ads. I listed on craigslist, backpage, and pennysaver. I was nervous to post them at first, but after they were posted, I forgot about it. Then, after getting home this evening I got my first response! It was a voicemail about the craigslist ad. Immediately, I caught myself trying to rationalize why it would be alright for me to procrastinate and call him back tomorrow. Instead of beating myself up about being afraid to talk to someone on the phone for the first time, I sat myself down and listed out why I was "afraid", and then one by one rationally dispelled those fears. I practiced my 30 second commercial, got a pen and paper ready, and called this dude back before I talked myself out of it again! The conversation went well, although he said that he wasn't interested. Afterwards, I realized that I should have spent more time asking about what exactly he was looking for. My ad was for "fixer-uppers" offered at a cash discount, and I got the feeling he was just looking for a really good deal on something he could fix up himself (not wanting to spend ANY extra money). Of course I should have confirmed this by asking him (live and learn, right?!). I also noticed that when I get nervous while talking to somebody, I jump to fill uncomfortable silences, often offering up more information than is necessary. I got tripped up in this conversation when he asked me what I charge for my service! I was semi-unprepared, and fumbled a response of "it depends on the deal". Then I proceeded to come clean on being new to the business and that I wasn't looking to gauge anybody for my services because I am trying to create long term relationships. It was all a long winded explanation of what I charge, for which there is no short answer (because I don't know yet)!

What does everyone else say to that question?

Now that I got my first call out of the way, I am ready for more! I have learned that I need to do less talking and let the person on the other end answer my questions, instead of qualifying myself to them. Until the next update!