The line that gets a real next step instead of a vague “sounds good”

Used to end calls with “great, I’ll follow up” and let the prospect just agree. Vague agreement, vague follow through.

Now I ask them to actually name the next step before I do. Something like “what would you want to see from me before we talk again.” Forces them to commit to something specific instead of me guessing what they need, and it surfaces hesitation immediately if there is any, instead of three weeks later.

Small shift but it’s turned a lot of “sounds good” calls into actual next steps with a real date attached.

What’s your version of locking down a real next step instead of a vague agreement?