As a small-business owner for the past 20 years, I have found one activity equally frustrating and fulfilling: following up with prospects and clients.
“Hey there … I’m just checking in.”
“I haven’t heard from you in a while … “
“Are we in a fight?”
It’s frustrating because sometimes I don’t hear back, leaving me confused about their interests and priorities. When I do hear back, the responses might be noncommittal or vague. Or I might be passed around to another gatekeeper, and another and another, without getting to a decision-maker. I’m also always mindful of striking a balance between being professionally persistent and being positively pushy. And that’s all on me to manage; it’s not the client’s responsibility to tend to my ego or make my priorities theirs.
