The Uncomfortable Truth
Most people lose opportunities not because they’re not talented…
but because they didn’t send the follow-up.
They had the call.
They had the good conversation.
They even heard: “This sounds great, let me think.”
Then… silence.
And instead of following up, they do what humans do best:
overthink and suffer quietly.
Why follow-ups feel awkward (and why that’s normal)
Your brain says:
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“I don’t want to bother them”
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“What if they say no?”
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“What if they forgot me?”
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“What if they think I’m desperate?”
But in real life, people are busy.
Your message isn’t annoying—your message is helpful.
Follow-up isn’t pressure.
Follow-up is professionalism.
The “3 Follow-Up Rule” (simple, respectful, effective)
Follow-up #1 (2 days after)
“Hey ___, just checking in—happy to answer any questions.”
Follow-up #2 (7 days after)
“Hey ___, sharing a quick note here. Would you like me to send a short summary of next steps?”
Follow-up #3 (14 days after)
“Hey ___, I’ll close this loop for now. If it makes sense later, happy to reconnect.”
That’s it.
No drama. No guilt. No begging.
Follow-up makes money because it increases conversions
Sales is not about convincing people.
Sales is about staying present at the right moment.
Your follow-up hits when:
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they’re ready
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they got approval
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they finished fires
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they remembered budget
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they had time to breathe
Timing wins deals more often than talent.
How to follow up without sounding needy
Use one of these angles:
1) Value-based
“Here’s a quick example / idea you may find useful.”
2) Clarity-based
“Do you want to proceed, pause, or close this?”
3) Ease-based
“Want me to send a 3-bullet summary so it’s easy to review?”
People love easy.
Make it easy.
Final thought
If you improve only one skill this year, improve follow-up.
Because follow-up is where:
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relationships grow
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deals close
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collaborations start
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doors open
And if it feels awkward? Good.
That’s the feeling of you becoming more effective.