It is important to have a pad of paper and a writing instrument next to every telephone in a home or office. Don’t rely on your memory alone to take an accurate message. You also don’t want to make a caller wait while you search for something to write on or with.
Once you have taken the message, have a system set up in both a home or office to ensure everyone receives their messages in a timely manner. In an office setting, this system could be placing the note in a mailbox. At home, designate a counter top area, desk, or bulletin board for messages.