The Secret to Emails That Actually Get Responses
In the early stages of a relationship, one email isn’t enough to make a lasting impact.
Building trust and rapport takes consistent, meaningful interactions over time.
It’s not about overwhelming someone with one long message.
It’s about creating a rhythm of quality exchanges.
Here’s what works when it comes to nurturing relationships:
Be Helpful in Every Message
Every time you reach out, make it count by adding genuine value.
Instead of just checking in, offer insights, share relevant resources, or address a specific challenge they might be facing.
This shows that you understand their needs and are thinking about ways to help them.
When your messages are consistently useful, people are more likely to engage with you.
Remember, it’s not about you. It’s about how you can help them.
Setting this tone from the start builds trust and lays the foundation for a strong, productive relationship.
Keep it Short
Long, dense emails can feel like a chore, which increases the chances that they’ll be deferred, skimmed, or even ignored altogether.
How do you feel when you get a long email? I sometimes actually mutter ugh.
Overly detailed message can get lost in the shuffle.
Instead, focus on writing short, direct, and actionable messages that get straight to the point.
When I fall into the trap of writing a long email I realize: this would better as a phone call or meeting anyway. Then I write a short email asking for that.
A good rule of thumb: if it takes more than a minute or two to read, it’s probably too long.
Keep it concise and make it easy for the recipient to take the next step.
Space It Out: Build a “Campaign of Helpfulness”
Instead of following up with a long, detailed email right after a meeting or conversation, spread your outreach over time.
A quick email with a key takeaway, a brief phone call to check in, or even a handwritten note can reinforce your commitment without making you feel overwhelmed.
This steady stream of small, meaningful touchpoints keeps you top of mind while reinforcing your value.
By pacing your interactions thoughtfully, you create an ongoing relationship rather than a one-time exchange, making your outreach feel more natural and engaging.
What Usually Goes Wrong
Most people drop the ball after their first follow-up.
They send one huge email packed with every detail from the meeting and then wonder why they haven’t received a response.
The truth?
That massive email often gives the recipient a reason to ignore you.
It’s just too much.
They’re feeling it: ugh.
A Better Approach to Follow-Up
After your meeting, take notes.
Write down business points, personal interests, and anything else that comes up.
Then, organize those notes into potential follow-up topics.
Instead of dumping all of that information in one big email, spread it out over a series of weeks.
We’re talking about emails here, but also leverage video calls, phone calls, in-person meetings, and anything else that makes sense.
This way, you’re showing that you’re listening while also demonstrating thoughtfulness and patience.
Here’s how you can drip value, not noise:
- Send a short, actionable email addressing a key point from the meeting.
- Follow up with a quick phone call or text to check in or offer further assistance.
- Maybe even send a handwritten note to add a personal touch.
Using different methods of communication: email, calls, texts, or even social media, helps you stay top of mind without being repetitive.
Consistency, not volume, is what helps you stand out.
The Result?
By following this strategy, the people you reach out to will remember you for being helpful and consistent, not for clogging their inbox.
They’ll see you as someone who truly cares about their needs, making all the difference when building early-stage relationships.
Let’s all commit to abolishing the giant follow-up email and replacing it with value-added, bite-sized interactions.
This shift will help you nurture relationships that last.
Mo
P.S. Did you know we have a YouTube channel? It’s full of videos to help you grow your relationships and your business. Check it out here!