Sales call notes that don't suck
Good notes are short, specific, and capture what the rep heard — not what they want to have heard.
Most sales call notes are useless because they're written in corporate register for an audience that doesn't exist. A good note captures what actually happened so future-you (or your manager) knows what to do next.
The template
Three lines, in this order:
1. What they said. Literal words if you can remember them. Specifics, not summaries.
2. What they're worried about. Every buyer has a fear. If you didn't learn what theirs is, the meeting was shallow.
3. What happens next, with a date. Not "follow up." A date and a specific action.
Anti-patterns to avoid
Do not write: "Had a great conversation, they're interested, will follow up." That's not a note, that's a feeling.
Do not write summaries of the meeting. Summaries hide details. Details are where the next move lives.
Do not wait until end of day. Capture within fifteen minutes or the texture is gone.
Voice capture wins
The fastest way to hit the three-line template is to say it out loud into your phone on the walk back to the truck. "They said the warehouse is at 70% capacity and they're worried about next year's expansion. They want to revisit pricing in late October, specifically October 24 after their board meets."
That's a perfect note. It took twelve seconds to record. And AI will turn it into structured fields — products mentioned, sentiment, next step, close date — without you lifting a finger.