Persistence in Follow-Ups

Caller One asks Jasbina Ahluwalia: Jasbina, thanks so much for your responses. Those were great questions.

You mentioned that it’s great to stay in touch with senior executives after your initial meeting. What if you don’t hear back?

Should you continue to stay in touch with them? If yes, how often should you be persistent?

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Jasbina Ahluwalia

Persistence in Follow-Ups: Nothing Personal

There is no hard rule for that. People are busy. Don’t take it personally if you don’t hear back.

Don’t assume that there is a lack of interest. Realize that they may not have gotten around to it.

 

Persistence in Follow-Ups: Balance

I would think that a senior executive would expect that, if they didn’t get back to you, you will attempt again.

I think that persistence is important in that sense.

In terms of the balance, you don’t want to be leaving incessant messages. I would say that the assistant could be very helpful in that regard.

 

Persistence in Follow-Ups: Assistant

If you develop a rapport with the assistant, you can get a sense of the situation.

He or she may let you know that the person is traveling. They will have an insider perspective.

Perhaps when they’re traveling, they don’t deal with anything happening at headquarters.

Be persistent and develop a relationship with the assistant. That could really help you in terms of fine tuning how you want to engage.

 

Caller One

Thank you. That’s really helpful.

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Tell Us:

Has an assistant been helpful in your persistence in follow-ups? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.

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The above is an excerpt from Aditi’s interview with Jasbina Ahluwalia.

The entire interview transcript is at: Jasbina Ahluwalia NetIP (Network of Indian Professionals) Interview – How to Network in Any Setting

Listen to the entire interview on: Intersections Match Talk Radio – Jasbina’s Lifestyle Show

Listen to the entire interview on Blog Talk Radio: NetIP Spotlight- Live Your Potential

[How to Network in Any Setting – Jasbina]

Listen to the entire interview on iTunes

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