Persistence done properly.
WHY FOLLOW-UP IS NECESSARY
Messages are missed, buried and forgotten routinely.
WHAT NOT TO ASSUME
That silence means refusal or rudeness.
WHEN TO FOLLOW UP
After a reasonable interval, which depends on urgency.
WHAT REASONABLE USUALLY IS
Several working days for ordinary matters.
WHAT TO SEND
A short message restating the request.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
The original message beneath The deadline, if any
WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE
Reproach Comment on their responsiveness
WHY
It makes replying uncomfortable, which delays it further.
WHAT TONE TO USE
Assuming oversight.
WHAT THAT SOUNDS LIKE
Bringing this back to the top of your inbox in case it was missed.
HOW MANY TIMES TO FOLLOW UP
Two or three, at increasing intervals.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THAT
Change approach: call, or ask someone else.
WHY
Continuing the same approach produces the same result.
WHAT TO SAY IN A FINAL MESSAGE
What you will do in the absence of a reply.
WHAT THAT SOUNDS LIKE
If I do not hear by Friday I will proceed on the basis discussed.
WHY IT WORKS
It removes the cost of not replying.
WHAT TO KEEP
A record of attempts, for anything commercial.
