We were still ok and paying down debt, being very frugal (cut back on cable, cell phone to talk and text only, no going out to eat), and putting minimal amounts into savings still.

If you've posted your cell, and work a job where you can't answer your phone, either try to call them back on your break (not a good way) or have a business partner or trusted friend at least take the calls from your phone so you can get back to the people right away when you have time.Plenty of time to get a "system" in place when you've got a deal or two under your belt.

Do you distinguish between cell phone & voicemail on your material??

This is also assuming their number wouldn't be private or if they used a cell number and didn't have a home number tied to their physical address.

., the real estate market tanking, family deaths & serious illnesses, culminating in my own cancer diagnosis in 2010 (not playing the sympathy card, just explaining my circumstances).

I bought a cell connection for it and paid for the year contract to have it turned it.

So, I don't mind giving out my direct cell number.

My brother just had his third surgery and was cancer cure against colon cancer and we both discussed getting into something that is that we knew and was more flexible.  

People are starting leaving in social media, cell phone, failed startups.

How about scheduled conference reminders syncing with your cell or sending previews to clients via cell phone.