I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
The Waiting Game
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Ugh, I'm knee-deep in prepping for two new business growth classes to kick off on Monday and I am S-T-R-E-S-S-E-D! I'm reliant on others to set up key aspects of the course, including several guest expert sessions. On the one hand, that's really helpful. But, on the other, it means I'm not in control of my schedule and don't know what speaker slots are available for the experts I'm reaching out to. So, it's kind of like being an airplane pilot forced to circle above the tarmac until a gate opens up. The other thing that's been going on is that several experts I reached out to last week didn't get back to me. When I followed up with them this week, it turns out they'd missed my original outreach. Which brings me to an age-old question I'm frequently asked: When/How do you follow-up without coming off as pushy, aggressive, or like a nudge? I'll be honest with you. I've agonized over this myself more times than I care to admit, but here are some things that have helped me get over myself and hit that 'send' button anyway:
The truth is, many people are grateful you're staying on top of things and willing to follow up, even where proposals and potential work is involved. We're all busy and more distracted than ever. Most people don't mean to drop the ball or ghost others. And while I'd love to say that I've never been a perpetrator of this kind of behavior, I'd be lying. Sometimes, our best intentions aren't enough and things do slip through those cracks. So, if you're wondering whether you should remind someone you're still out here waiting on their reply, the answer is a resounding absolute YES. You really have nothing to lose. Until next time, Your success is our strategy!No longer want to receive my newsletter but don't want to miss my special offers and announcements? Click here. |
Easily Said & Done
I help entrepreneurs leapfrog over the typical potholes that derail most small businesses with inspiration, motivation, education, and support across a wide range of business topics drawn from over a decade of running my own business, teaching entrepreneurship for the City of New York, and coaching and consulting privately with dozens of women and minority small business owners. Honestly, why go it alone when help is an email away?
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