Just like every good superhero needs that secret superpower, a follow-up email can provide that extra edge in accomplishing your mission, whether that’s to save the world or just getting a colleague to take action.
According to Forge, if you can nail the follow-up email, you can increase your impact exponentially. There can be downsides, however, such as using the follow-up too often or send SO many action items that that the recipient is overwhelmed and doesn’t respond.
Try one of these super power-up’s for your next follow-up email:
Beat the cold shoulder. If you have previously corresponded with someone and they have gone quiet, reach out in a one to two-week window after the initial request. If the person is in-demand more than one follow-up can be sent, but it should be used sparingly.
Keep it short. The follow-up should be one or two lines maximum, in the same thread as the original note, and not pressure the person. Think of it as a gentle ping versus a loud knock at the door.
Be specific. The best follow-up notes include something such as “Just following up on my note below once for good measure. Thanks for your consideration” Letting the person know that this is their cue to respond if they intended to (but maybe life happened) or that if they choose not to, they won’t keep getting requests, is important and shows you are a respectful colleague.
Never pick someone’s brain. Lay out your request clearly and make a reasonable ask. Will this take too much of this person’s time? Are you helping in any way in this exchange? In general, if you aren’t getting responses from people, perhaps you need to reconsider if you are asking too much in an email.
The follow-up email should provide clarity and show that you are on top of your email communication. If you still don’t get a response to your request after two unanswered emails, it likely means this is the wrong person or the wrong request. Go find someone else who can appreciate your superpower.