When to Follow Up with a Prospective Client

Dear Jodee,

What is an appropriate time to wait before following up with a potential client? I’ve made a pitch and had a good initial discussion with the client but haven’t heard anything further. I don’t want to appear too pushy, but I also don’t want to let this opportunity get away from me.

Martin

Dear Martin,

I can appreciate that if you have had a positive response from a prospective client you want to get the project firmed up right away. Even if a client is receptive to your pitch, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she will be ready to get the project underway immediately. In a case where there are several people who must be consulted to approve the project, it will take longer than if the decisions are being made by one person.

You will want to follow up so that you stay on the client’s radar, but you don’t want to be in touch so often that you appear desperate for work. If you haven’t heard back after the initial positive response in a week or two, send a polite follow-up e-mail or pick up the phone to reach out to the client to find out what the status of the project is.

Comments

One response
  1. Gayla Baer-Taylor Avatar

    Great advice Jodee. I have a client that’s been “going to develop a website” for several months. I dropped a couple of emails early on letting them know I appreciate their promise to hire me for the job and that I’m happy to assist when they are ready. They’ve been very good about keeping in touch letting me know the progress they are making toward that goal. I’ve had other clients that simply disappeared – never to be heard from again.

    After those first couple of emails – I usually toss it up in my “if it happens it happens” file in the back of my mind, but keep forging forward with other projects and prospective clients. 🙂

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