Follow Up When They Do Not Reply
Eighteen easy tips to follow up when they do not reply, so you stay kind and keep the door open.
Silence is not a no. Try once more.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman), Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why people do not reply
Most people are busy, not unkind. Silence is common and rarely personal.
Stay calm.
Wait about a week
A short wait respects their time. A reminder after a week is polite.
Wait a week.
Send a gentle nudge
Say, just a gentle reminder in case it got buried. A kind tone helps.
Send a nudge.
Add something useful
Share a short link or tip. Value gives them a reason to reply.
Add value.
Keep it very short
Two lines are enough. Short messages are easy to answer.
Keep short.
Try another channel
If email fails, try LinkedIn or a short text if you have their number. Different places suit different people.
Try another way.
Stop after two or three tries
Beyond that it feels pushy. Let it go with kindness.
Know when to stop.
Stay friendly in public
Like their posts or comment kindly. Warm presence keeps you in mind.
Stay warm.
Script: gentle nudge
Hi Maya, just a gentle reminder in case my last message got buried. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: adding value
Here is a short article I thought you might enjoy. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: letting go
No worries if now is not the time, I wish you all the best. Say it gently.
Use it.
Mistake: messaging every day
Too many messages feel pushy, so wait.
Wait.
Mistake: taking silence personally
It rarely is about you, so stay calm.
Stay calm.
Troubleshoot: when they said they would reply
Send a friendly reminder and offer another time. Be understanding.
Remind kindly.
Troubleshoot: when you feel hurt
Talk to a friend and remember that many replies come late. Be gentle with yourself.
Be kind to you.
Drill: write a nudge message
Write two short nudge messages and save them.
Write two.
Drill: set a reminder to follow up
Set a reminder for one week after your next message.
Set it.
Try a new angle
Instead of repeating, add a new useful thing. A fresh angle gets replies.
Add something new.
Use a clear subject line
Quick follow-up on our chat. Short and clear.
Write a subject.
Keep a friendly tone
Do not sound upset. Assume they are busy.
Stay kind.
Offer an easy way out
No pressure to reply at all. People respond more when they feel free.
Add a line.
Example: the second try
Hi Priya, I am following up with a link I mentioned. No need to reply.
Write one.
Example: the short ping
Just a quick hello and a thank you again.
Write one.
Troubleshoot: when you feel ignored
Remember they may be in a busy season. Wait and try again later.
Be patient.
Change the channel after two tries
If email gets no answer, try a short message on a professional network, because people use different tools.
Try another channel.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Let me wait a week.”
“Just a gentle reminder.”
“No pressure at all.”
“Here is a helpful link.”
“Happy to chat anytime.”
“I will leave it here.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Wait a week
Send a gentle nudge
Add value
Try another channel
Wait longer
Let go kindly
Stay friendly
Further reading
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- The Fine Art of the Follow-Up (Steve Gillman)
- Networking Like a Pro (Ivan Misner)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Following Up After Events”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Connect on LinkedIn the Right WayNext: Keep a Simple Tracking List →
- Follow Up Within Two Days
- Write Notes Before You Forget
- Sort Your New Contacts
- Write a Short, Warm Message
- Remind Them Where You Met
- Offer Something Useful
- Suggest a Coffee or a Call
- Connect on LinkedIn the Right Way
- Follow Up When They Do Not Reply
- Keep a Simple Tracking List
- Make Follow-Up a Weekly Habit
- Turn Contacts Into Allies
