Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Another Successful Introduction Tips…

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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.

Are You Ready for the Intro?

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IMG_3486I met someone last week through an introduction of a mutual friend. It was a great meeting, this guy is getting his company started and looking for a couple of test cases to get started, which is great, my clients can occasionally be fantastic guinea pigs!
As we met, a few people came to mind for him to connect with. He had very prompt follow up (in my inbox by the next morning!) and when I replied I sent him links to the people I think would be good for him to meet. Instead of saying I’d do the intro automatically, I said “let me know when you’re ready for the intro,” and he asked to wait. Which is GREAT!
Right now there are 2 people in my CRM that I was introduced to by a mutual connection and said they wanted to connect, but we have yet to schedule a time.
It’s OK if you’re busy or aren’t ready to talk yet, just say so. When someone sends me an introduction I try to follow up with a quick thank you to them, and maybe more if it turns into a client. I always send a thank you email right after the intro email, but I appreciate the follow through of “that was a great connection thanks.” If you aren’t ready for the intro, it’s OK, just say so!

3 Things Getting on my Nerves This Week

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I’ll try not to make this a recurring blog series, but you never know. Here’s a couple of easy mistakes you may be making in your business that are unknowingly driving your clients or colleagues (or friends, family, etc.) crazy!

1. a lot– it’s 2 words. You know this. Your English teacher taught you this. Spell check may NOT be teaching you this, so pay attention.

2. Not Using BCC. When sending an email to a group of people more than 4 or 5, use the BCC line. If you’re sending out a document or piece of information to a group and it requires a direct response to you, use BCC. There’s nothing more annoying that having your inbox filled with responses you didn’t need to see because the sender isn’t sure how to use email. Here’s a great article from my friend Arden Clise at Clise Etiquette on Email Etiquette. Bookmark this post.

3. Texting– I am not a big fan. If you have a quick piece of information for me, an FYI, “call me when you have 5 minutes”, running late, sending me a Glympse, great. Asking me to review a website or asking me a question you need a lot of info and a thoughtful response on, pick up the phone and call me, or better yet, send me an email. If it’s not time sensitive, it shouldn’t be texted. Sure everyone else is on board with this, last week a friend said she called someone who’s voicemail said “texting is a better way to communicate with me.” That’s just fine, but it’s good to know HOW the people in your life like to be communicated with. I am not the fan of texting people seem to think I am.