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GABE LOZANO
APRIL 01, 2015 Entrepeneur.com
8 Tips for Turning Email Introductions Into Actual Relationships
If you're a budding entrepreneur,
it's a lucky thing if an established, successful entrepreneur shows interest in
being your mentor. One of the most important things a seasoned
businessperson can do for you is to make introductions to fellow
entrepreneurs who might be able to help you, the business hopeful, on your
way.
A first-time introduction can
be a delicate dance that allows the introducer to size you up and see how
you handle the interaction. If you make him or her look good, you'll most
likely receive a stream of follow-on introductions -- a great start to
building your professional network. But if you blow it, you’re unlikely to get
a second chance.
Here, some tips for acting like
a pro from the get-go and, consequently, receiving further introductions:
1. Respond to an introduction within
minutes
World-class entrepreneurs
always seem to be dialed in. If you can't respond quickly when selling
yourself, one can only imagine how your communication habits are
lacking during other, equally critical situations. Don't try to play it cool by
waiting hours or days to respond.
2. When the introducer requests
information from you, respond promptly
I keep a running top 10 list
encompassing my entire professional and personal life, and my priorities change
daily. I’m not unique in that respect -- everyone’s priorities evolve, which
means you have a limited window before falling out of someone's top 10.
If you’ve been offered an
introduction, but they require more information from you before making it, it’s
in your best interest to act quickly.
3. In your first reply, put your
introducer in the bcc line
Nothing's worse than being cc’d in a
back-and-forth thread, particularly as other parties firm up a meeting time.
Clogging up someone’s inbox with irrelevant emails not only makes you look like
an amateur but also wastes people’s time.
4. Proof your response before
sending
Sloppy emails create a negative
first impression. Demonstrating superior writing skills, however, is
a great way to make yourself look professional and capable.
5. Be concise and specific
Introduce yourself, include a
specific ask and provide any pertinent details -- all in a few sentences.
Getting straight to the point demonstrates that you know how to be efficient.
6. If you’re offered a time to meet,
take it
Remember that you’re the one selling
-- not the other way around. Punting on meeting times demonstrates it's
not a top priority for you and shouldn't be for them either. I skipped a party
the night before my own wedding which resulted in my first investor
check.
7. Don’t drop the damn ball
Remember that your reputation -- but
also that of the person who stuck out his or her neck getting you the
meeting in the first place -- is at stake. Be willing to go to extremes to
follow through.
8. Follow up
Once there's something substantive
to report, send an update email to the person who made the introduction. Maybe
even say thanks. The update doesn’t have to be long, just a few sentences
describing the outcome. A positive report will likely land you another
introduction.
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In addition to this blog, Netiquette IQ has a website with great assets which are being added to on a regular basis. I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, “Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". My new book, “You’re Hired! Super Charge Your Email Skills in 60 Minutes. . . And Get That Job!” will be published soon follow by a trilogy of books on Netiquette for young people. You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:
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