Here’s the short of it: if YOU want something from ME, be on top of it.
I got an introduction the other day from a colleague introducing me to someone who thinks I’d be a good fit for their networking group. And 24 hours later I still hadn’t heard from the person who “wants me” evidently. I was polite and replied because of the colleague who took the time to make the intro, but it amazes me: if you ask someone for a referral, they give you that referral and you let it drop, why would I trust you with my business?
If you get slammed at work with a big project and know it’ll be a couple of days until you truly can get back to me, that’s OK, just say so. I”ve gotten emails before that say “happy to connect- have a crazy client project for the next 48 hours, will send you info by the end of the week.”
Whatever it is, don’t leave me hanging bro.
As soon as I was done reading this I went back to my email. Lo and behold I had a perfect example of the right way to do this, as you mentioned! I wrote to a gentleman yesterday afternoon requesting a meeting. He wrote back this morning saying he was looking forward to the opportunity, but could we touch base after the holiday weekend to schedule. He is the owner of a small, B to C, retail business, so I am sure Friday going into a holiday weekend is busy and I have no problem waiting until next week to schedule. However, his simply taking a quick moment to give a response has built the respect I have for him and the way he does business!
Good advice Elizabeth!