How to: Follow up without being a nuisance

Often as professionals we undergo a variety of networking activities. Some with more success than others, but generally we have the usual scenario – of thinking that we are doing well and getting a lot of engagement. Then silence. At this stage it is often hard to know how to follow up again without becoming a nuisance or an annoyance.

Silence can mean a variety of things. They are very busy, have taken a long holiday or leave of absence. If you have been waiting to hear back regarding a specific piece of work perhaps they have chosen to work with someone else and have not told you yet or alternatively no decision has been made yet – because they have not been able to get internal sign off, or the work has slipped down the priority list – or that they simply cannot give you an answer yet.

The main thing is to keep the conversation going. Silence is bad. Even if the news is bad news – it is better to know than to keep wondering. However, working out how to follow up again might be more tricky.

The simple answer is to drop them a line – why not just drop them a quick email to ask if there is anything you can do to help them make a decision or if there is any update. Alternatively, give them a quick call.

If you are not having much luck with the direct approach – ease back and add them to your “keeping in touch” network or “Engage List”.