Sales Skills / Make the First Contact Count / Lesson 12

LESSON 12 · MAKE THE FIRST CONTACT COUNT

Follow-Up Emails That Do Not Annoy

Forty ways to follow up by email without annoying anyone, so persistence feels helpful.

Following up is service, not nagging. Add value each time.

12 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

12 tips that really help

These ideas come from Fanatical Prospecting (Jeb Blount), Cold Calling Techniques (Stephan Schiffman), The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

TIP 1

Follow up because you add value

Each follow-up should bring something new, such as an idea, a link or a helpful question, not just a nudge.

TRY THIS
Write the new value before each email.

TIP 2

Space your follow-ups sensibly

Waiting three to five working days between emails respects their time and still keeps you visible.

TRY THIS
Schedule your next three dates.

TIP 3

Keep each email shorter than the last

Brief messages feel light and are easier to answer when someone is busy.

TRY THIS
Cut your draft in half.

TIP 4

Replace just checking in

That phrase says nothing; state a reason such as sharing a useful article or asking a simple question.

TRY THIS
Rewrite one checking-in email.

TIP 5

Refer to your earlier message

A short reminder of your last note helps them recall the context without searching.

TRY THIS
Add one line of context.

TIP 6

Offer an easy way to say no

Giving permission to decline lowers pressure and often leads to an honest, helpful reply.

TRY THIS
Add a no-problem line.

TIP 7

Share a short success story

A brief story of a similar customer shows relevance without a heavy pitch.

TRY THIS
Write a two-line story.

TIP 8

Change the channel gently

If email gets no answer, a short phone call or a professional message may reach them better.

TRY THIS
Try one new channel.

TIP 9

Stop after a clear sequence

Four to six follow-ups spread over weeks is polite; beyond that it can feel like pressure.

TRY THIS
Set your own stopping rule.

TIP 10

Be warm in tone

A friendly, patient voice makes your follow-up welcome rather than annoying.

TRY THIS
Read your email for warmth.

TIP 11

Use a clear question every time

A single, specific question makes replying quick and easy.

TRY THIS
End each email with one question.

TIP 12

Log every follow-up

A simple record keeps you consistent and prevents embarrassing repeats.

TRY THIS
Create a basic tracking sheet.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

VALUE

“I found an article that fits what you mentioned.”

GENTLE

“Floating this back to the top in case it got buried.”

ASK

“Is this still on your radar?”

EASY

“A one-word reply is fine.”

“If not, I will close the loop.”

THANKS

“Thanks for your time.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Plan five follow-ups

DAY 2
Write each with a new reason

DAY 3
Send the first

DAY 4
Track the replies

DAY 5
Stop after five

DAY 6
Send a closing note

DAY 7
Review the results

More lessons in “Make the First Contact Count”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

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