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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TIP 8

Ask for a quick yes

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

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Include the request.

TIP 9

Be ready to wait a few minutes

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

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Set your waiting rule.

TIP 10

Follow up kindly after a no-show

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

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Draft a kind message.

TIP 11

Track attendance patterns

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

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Record attendance weekly.

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.”

“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

More lessons in “Make the First Contact Count”

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

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