Follow up on unanswered emails.

 

Follow-up is important for business and for getting things done.

I write here about integrating your follow-up routine with your daily tasks: 3 Simple Paths to a Powerful Follow-Up Routine.

But what if you’re feeling shy about following up on an initial email that got no response?

You’re wondering why that person didn’t respond to you. Are you bugging that person if you follow up?

Lack of follow-up on your part can cause you to lose touch, resulting in a neglected relationship and perhaps loss of business. But it’s hard to be persistent if you’re an introvert – much easier to let it go.

Remember that lack of an email response does not necessarily imply lack of interest in you or in your business.

There are many reasons for not getting a response. Email overwhelm affects many people and they may not be good themselves with follow-up. There may also be generational differences. Many younger people do not bother much with email.

So send that email again and word it a little differently. Keep it light and friendly. Assume that your first email wasn’t seen, so don’t complain or nag. Offer to meet in person for coffee.

Set a reminder to follow up again if you still get no response.

Some experts recommend sending five emails before giving up, but I would suggest another approach. After two emails with no response, try another contact method. Give that person a phone call, if you feel comfortable. Leave a short voicemail asking if she/he/they received your email and that you’re looking forward to a response or to getting together. Or send a text message.

Phone calls and text messages are more intrusive than email, so use them used for short reminders.

If the silence continues, then try to connect on social media, such as LinkedIn for a business contact, so that you’re at least on that person’s radar. Perhaps the timing wasn’t right, but she/he/they may want to respond sometime in the future. And if it’s someone that you do care about and want to stay connected with, send a nice handwritten card.

 

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