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Sales Skills / Make the First Contact Count / Lesson 32
LESSON 32 · MAKE THE FIRST CONTACT COUNT

Confirm Meetings So They Show Up

Practical ways to confirm meetings so they actually happen, with clear, friendly reminders that people appreciate.

A confirmed meeting is a kept meeting. Clarity prevents no-shows.

12 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan
Start with tip 1
Jump to the 7-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.

Photo for the tip: No-shows waste everyone's time
TIP 1

No-shows waste everyone's time

A little planning and a few reminders can protect your calendar and your energy.

TRY THIS
Count your last month’s no-shows.
Photo for the tip: Send a confirmation straight away
TIP 2

Send a confirmation straight away

Immediately after booking, email the date, time, place or link and purpose.

TRY THIS
Create a confirmation template.
Photo for the tip: Send a reminder the day before
TIP 3

Send a reminder the day before

A brief friendly note a day ahead keeps the meeting in their mind.

TRY THIS
Schedule reminders automatically.
Photo for the tip: Send a short message on the day
TIP 4

Send a short message on the day

A morning note saying looking forward to speaking at three can prevent forgetfulness.

TRY THIS
Write a two-line message.
Photo for the tip: Include clear details
TIP 5

Include clear details

Add the link, phone number or address so there is nothing to look up.

TRY THIS
Double-check every detail.
Photo for the tip: Offer an easy way to reschedule
TIP 6

Offer an easy way to reschedule

People are more likely to tell you in advance if changing the time is simple and judgement-free.

TRY THIS
Add a reschedule line.
Photo for the tip: Explain the value of the meeting
TIP 7

Explain the value of the meeting

Remind them of what they will gain so the meeting feels worth keeping.

TRY THIS
Add one benefit.
Photo for the tip: Ask for a quick yes
TIP 8

Ask for a quick yes

Request a simple reply such as please confirm and see this works for you.

TRY THIS
Include the request.
Photo for the tip: Be ready to wait a few minutes
TIP 9

Be ready to wait a few minutes

If they are late, stay calm and polite before following up.

TRY THIS
Set your waiting rule.
Photo for the tip: Follow up kindly after a no-show
TIP 10

Follow up kindly after a no-show

A warm message offering a new time shows grace and often results in a rebooking.

TRY THIS
Draft a kind message.
Photo for the tip: Track attendance patterns
TIP 11

Track attendance patterns

Notice which kinds of leads or days have more no-shows and adjust your approach.

TRY THIS
Record attendance weekly.
Photo for the tip: Use a calendar invitation
TIP 12

Use a calendar invitation

An invitation that appears in their calendar is harder to forget than an email.

TRY THIS
Always send one.

Easy things to say

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

CONFIRM

“Just confirming Thursday at two by video.”

DETAILS

“Here is the link and a short agenda.”

REMIND

“A quick reminder for tomorrow.”

FLEX

“If anything changes, just tell me.”

THANKS

“Looking forward to talking.”

CLOSE

“See you then.”

Your first week

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

DAY 1
Send a confirmation after booking
DAY 2
Add the link and agenda
DAY 3
Send a reminder one day before
DAY 4
Send a short note that morning
DAY 5
Offer an easy reschedule
DAY 6
Track your show rate
DAY 7
Improve one step

Further reading

  • Fanatical Prospecting (Jeb Blount)
  • Cold Calling Techniques (Stephan Schiffman)
  • The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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Next lesson: Reduce No-Shows Politely →

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.

More lessons in “Make the First Contact Count”

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

← Previous: Propose Two Time OptionsNext: Reduce No-Shows Politely →

  1. Why Calls Still Beat Everything
  2. Your 20-Second Opening
  3. The Friendly Interrupt
  4. Open With a Reason, Not a Pitch
  5. Get Past the Gatekeeper Kindly
  6. Leave a Voicemail People Return
  7. What to Do When They Say "Not Interested"
  8. Subject Lines People Open
  9. The Three-Sentence Email
  10. Personalise in One Line
  11. Make One Clear Ask
  12. Follow-Up Emails That Do Not Annoy
  13. The Friendly Breakup Email
  14. Fix the Mistakes That Land You in Spam
  15. A LinkedIn Profile That Attracts Buyers
  16. Connect With a Note, Not a Pitch
  17. Comment Your Way Into a Conversation
  18. Share Posts That Show Expertise
  19. Slide Into Messages Politely
  20. Turn a Like Into a Call
  21. Social Selling in 15 Minutes a Day
  22. Walk Into a Business With Confidence
  23. Your 10-Second First Impression
  24. Handshakes, Smiles and Eye Contact
  25. Start a Chat at an Event
  26. Hand Out Cards the Natural Way
  27. Read the Room Before You Speak
  28. Leave Something Memorable Behind
  29. Ask for a Meeting Without Begging
  30. The 15-Minute Offer
  31. Propose Two Time Options
  32. Confirm Meetings So They Show Up
  33. Reduce No-Shows Politely
  34. Rescue a Stalled Conversation
  35. I Am Busy: What to Say
  36. Just Send Me Information
  37. We Already Have a Supplier
  38. Send Me an Email
  39. Call Me Next Quarter
  40. Stay Friendly and Stay in Touch
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