There is a fine line between persistence and desperation. And it gets very blurred when it comes to follow-ups!

I once had a jobseeker reach out to me over LinkedIn message asking for a call on Friday. He also sent me stinker on Monday for not responding.

According to him – “How can you write I help professionals land jobs Fast when you don’t reply to them”

Definitely an example of what a follow-up should not look like… Yet, I can tell you with 100% confidence that the right Follow-up is one of the easiest ways in which you can convert more opportunities.

And it is also something the majority of job seekers don’t do. So, let’s breakdown the specifics of following up when you reach out to people (works for both cold contacts and existing network)

WHEN

After a week to 10 days is an ideal time. If you get an out-of-office, then 3-5 days after they resume work.

Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons for work email outreach

HOW MANY TIMES

I have been fortunate enough to be in sales roles and have some amazing mentors who have shown me the importance of follow-ups because this is where it gets tricky. The doubt and ego come out.

Many people send 1 email/ message and never follow up!

But here is the truth.  My business works mainly through LinkedIn and referrals.. Yet, I miss replying to messages or get delayed because…. well, LIFE!! A quick follow-up always puts the person back up in my priority..

And I follow the rule of 3

I send 1 email and 2 follow ups if I don’t get a reply. Once the person replies positively, the count sets to ‘0’ and I can reach out thrice again.

HOW

The first email needs to be punchy otherwise nothing works. How to make it punchy?  Make it relevant for them. Start with:

1. Establishing common ground
2. Mentioning something happening in their organizational/ life
3. Drop names of any mutual connections

Follow-up 1:

“Hey XXXX,

I understand you may be busy and thought of dropping a follow-up to see how we can take things forward.

If this is not a good time, please let me know.

Kind regards,

Shub

PS. [OPTIONAL] Some relevant link or insights”

Final Follow-up:

“Hey XXXX,

I hope this email finds you well.

I am grateful for any time or advice that you may offer regarding the note below. I realize how valuable your time is.

If it’s too much to ask, I totally understand. Either way, have a great week ahead!

Kind regards,

Shub”

In both emails, we acknowledge that they are busy and are sparing their time for us.  In the final email, we use a very successful technique from Robert Cialdini’s revolutionary book – Influence which gives people an “out”.

When people have a choice without losing face, the chances of a positive response are way higher.

I hope this helps you get many more “Yes” in your outreach.