The most killer questions in sales: "Mr. Jones, when I say (insert your product, your company, or anything you want an opinion about here) what one word comes to mind?" This is the most powerful question because it not only gives you top of mind awareness (the customer "hot button"), it also tells you their attitude towards it.
If all it takes is an angry stranger to ruin your day, what are you going to do if something really serious happens? Why give someone else control of your life like that?
If you don't give trust to others, it's because you haven't earned it. If you don't have trust form others, it's because YOU haven't earned it.
If you are going to leave message, you have to be able to give enough value or reason to get your voice mail returned.
Bankrupsy stays on your record for 7-10yrs. That gives you an idea how long it takes to rebuild trust.