You’ve had a great meeting or phone call. And then, radio silence. Here’s how to write a follow-up email that will jog your recipient’s memory and get a response.
You’ve had a great meeting or phone call. And then, radio silence. Here’s how to write a follow-up email that will jog your recipient’s memory and get a response.
“Happy Monday/Tuesday”, “How has your week been travelling?”, “I was going through my notes, and just wanted to touch base”.
It’s so easy to begin emails or phone calls, especially those that have been ignored, with filler. While we aren’t disputing you may actually be wishing them the happiest of days, broad well wishes—especially to prospects you don’t have a close relationship— don’t always read as genuine.
Think about what’s unique to your relationship and lead with this. If this is a business leader, have you seen a new policy, project or initiative that might affect their business? If you’re a job seeker, think about whether they spoke about unique projects they wanted to invest in. Perhaps you have some expertise or ideas on how they could jumpstart this. And if you’re a job seeker who is following up on an application, head here: ‘How to follow up a job application‘.
In our line of work, it’s not uncommon to check in with candidates or clients based on broad estimates. It could be when an employer expects a new budget may be allocated, or when a temp worker is finishing a contract. But just because they said six months ago, that they would be interested, doesn’t assure their attention or business.
When you initiate a follow-up conversation, remember to clarify the problem they have and how you can help. The goal is always to clearly frame your value – partly in identifying and understanding their issues and secondly in solving them.
Close your email with clear action, such as a call or meeting with an outcome or agenda for that touchpoint in mind.
Sometimes you can say all the right things, but the timing is just off. Here’s where you should take advantage of technology. Read receipts and notifications when an old email is reopened are great signals that your contact is warm.
Set up read receipts in Gmail and Outlook or install any number of free Google Chrome extensions to access these features.
Hi Sonja,
I recently saw the NSW Government has dedicated funds to create a purpose-built education precinct in Meadowbank by 2022. We discussed your business’ focus over the next five years when we last spoke. Do you think this is of interest?
I worked on a similar project last year and have quite a few connections in the area. Does it make sense to discuss a potential partnership? How does your calendar look?
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