I get the impression that many of you are very new to running a business, as what's being discussed, is very much at the start up, stage, where I was 20 years ago.
There will always be conflicting advice, given, as we all have different views and experiences, but, what really matters, is how good, or otherwise, you are, at presenting yourself and the services you offer.
Red, at the moment, comes across, as a grafter, who will, impress, by his work rate and keenness to impress, but, he says he's rubbish on the phone and rather than try to convince him, to try all sorts of ploys, I would suggest, he would benefit from having the phone calls handled for him. At the moment !
Some of you, write in " shorthand "and that concerns me, a bit and before you get your knickers in a twist, let me elaborate.
It's been my experience, that anyone who looks for the shortest method of carrying out a task, is likely to have a mindset, which extends into everything they do.
Some will say, this is utter rubbish, crap, etc, but, in my LONG experience, in many disciplines and at general manager level in National companies, as well as my own businesses, it's what I've noticed.
I'm not seeking to criticise, here, just warning that, we are not always seen by others, in the way we imagine ourselves to be.
It's sensible that this discussion is taking place, but no single answer will apply to all and you will have to decide, how important you feel it is, to be in first line contact, with prospects, or how prepared you are, to trust someone else, with your future.
I know...........long winded..............opinionated, as usual
best wishes to all of you in the future
robbie