The Art Of Following Up

The Art Of Following Up

Following up when you have been told no is a critical communications skill that can help you get what you initially requested. Perhaps it was a project you so desperately wanted to launch, or maybe you just asked for a promotion and were told, not now. 

Putting yourself out there and asking for what you want takes guts.

When you are told no, it can feel very disheartening. Learning how to reframe your thinking can help you not dwell on the no, and instead think of the steps you need to take so that you can follow up again and ask for what you want.As a VIP Communications Pass holder, this article is packed with extra tips and tools to show you how to be a more confident communicator, including videos, downloadable tips, step-by-step instructions, and more! https://vimeo.com/995085205?share=copy

VIP Communications Pass: The Art Of Following Up

 

1. Understanding The "No"

Have you ever asked for something at work and been told no straight away? You can feel defeated and decide not to ask about it again. However, you may have been told no for many reasons that have nothing to do with your request.Consider the following:

• Seek Clarification - It is important to understand why you were told no to your request. Ask for specific reasons behind the decision to better understand the context and limitations. For example, suppose you requested to lead a new project. However, your team has a few outstanding projects to finish. You may have received a no because the timing of your request didn't align with your department's capacity. When you seek clarification, you can get more information and decide when the timing is better for you to ask.
• Understand Feedback - Listen to the feedback objectively to identify areas for improvement or alternative approaches. For example, suppose you asked about getting a promotion. Unfortunately, you were told no. Your manager said that to get this promotion, you must get a specific certification. Once you get your certification, you can follow up about the promotion.
• Stay Professional - Getting a no can be very upsetting. However, it's essential to accept the decision gracefully without showing frustration or disappointment, maintaining a positive relationship. This is especially important because you've only just started the conversation. Staying professional allows you to follow up with tact.

Don't think a no is the end of the conversation. Getting more clarification, understanding feedback, and staying professional will help you have a better chance of getting the green light for your request.

 

2. Your Approach

As you plan your follow-up, it's important to think about the best context and timing for the conversation. You can do several things to ensure you set yourself up for success.Consider the following:

• Research - You may not know everything happening behind the scenes at your company, but researching can help you find the best timing for your request. For example, if your company has recently downsized staff, this may not be the best time to ask for a promotion. However, if your company recently posted its highest numbers of the year this quarter, it may be a better time to ask for the promotion. You may not always understand what is happening behind the scenes, but doing some research can set you up for success.
• Method - Sometimes, changing the method of your initial ask can be helpful when following up. For example, if you made your initial request via email, consider following up in person or over the phone. Finding multiple ways to talk about something can keep the conversation going.
• Time of Day - When following up, it is essential to consider the time of day. For example, if you know your manager has meetings scheduled for Mondays but has Wednesday afternoons open, it would be better to follow up on Wednesday afternoon. You want to think about what time of day your manager will be in the right headspace to hear your request.

Changing your method and focusing on the right timing for your manager and the company can make your follow-up impactful.

 

3. Communicate Effectively

Once you've decided to restart the conversation and follow up on your request, it is important to let the other person know what is different this time.Consider the following:

• Expand Your Idea - As you follow up, one way to showcase what is different is to expand your idea. You can talk about how you've had more time to think about your idea and made it even better. For example, suppose you had an idea about making work processes flow more smoothly using a specific software. Initially, You were told no, but you still felt like it could help the company. When you returned for your follow-up discussion, you explained how you've had more time to think about the software and realize it could help smooth processes and increase production, making it even more valuable for the company.
• Thought Process - Another important thing to remember when following up is to share your thought process with your manager. This will help them feel invested and understand why you are making your request. For example, suppose you wanted to hire an assistant but were told no. You can share your thought process with your manager about how an assistant would free you up to be more productive, bringing in more sales for the company. 
• Be Thoughtful - After you've discussed your ask, consider sending a well-crafted email summarizing the discussion, addressing concerns, and proposing next steps. This will showcase your continued interest and dedication to the project or idea, showing you’re invested in its success.

It can take multiple follow-ups to finally get the green light. And that's okay! Remember, a no is the beginning of the conversation, not necessarily the end.Following up takes courage and action. If you're asking for something you care about, whether it's a promotion, to take the lead on a project, or to try something new, don't take the initial no as a sign that it was a bad request. Take it as a sign to reconfigure the message and try again in a different way.__Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:

1. Discover your communications style so you know where to start. Over 4,000 people have found theirs here.
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