Is this a good time?

Or...

Do you have a few minutes?

Please use one of these questions whenever you call someone who may be on a cell phone, home phone or busy at work.

Keep in mind that frequently when you receive a call it may not be a good time because you may be engaged in something else more pressing than talking to the person on the other end of the line. Which begs the question why did you answer the phone? However, many of us just answer our phones out of habit despite what may be going on at the time.

People will appreciate and respect these questions and you will know when they say "yes" that you have their undivided attention!