It feels much safer exchanging business cards and emails than picking up the phone, for some reason. I was on a discussion board on another site and many freelancers agree--for some reason there is something intimidating about picking up the phone to cold-call an editor, a source, a new networked-colleague. Maybe because it makes total sense?

Anyway, you do gotta do it if you want prompt attention. Janet Ryan at WorldWit has some tips on making sure the voicemails you leave get your call returned, and don't just hang out in limbo while you go home and cry and drink slushy margaritas and eat ice cream.