Maybe this has happened to you, Reader.

The other day, a coaching client said, "I've emailed [an external colleague] twice to schedule a meeting. That should be enough. I assume they don't want to talk to me."

A lot of us would draw that conclusion, right? After all, if "they" wanted what we were asking, "they'd" jump on it, right?

Wrong. 😑

Oh so wrong.

When we reach out using our digital tools, we make too many assumptions.

Let's just take email, for example. We assume:

1. That our note got sent at all (who hasn't had things hovering in their drafts folder or outbox?)
2. That the note reached the intended mailbox.
3. That the note reached folder within the mailbox that the receiver checks--in other words, that it didn't go to spam or junk (happening in regular intervals even when the person knows us!!)
4. That the note was opened.
5. That the note was read.
6. That the note was understood.
7. That the person reading and understanding was ready to take action.

Phew! That's a lot.

But for most of us, when we don't hear back, we jump all the way to assumption 7. We assume that because we DIDN'T hear back was because they intentionally decided NOT to take action.

Nope.

Stop assuming that silence = rejection.

If there's something you want or need, frequent, friendly follow-up is your friend.

​Read my article "Are You a Follow-Up Failure? How to Stand Out By Checking In"​

So how about you, Reader? Do you give up too soon when you're following up on things you want? Hit REPLY and tell me your story, challenges, and ideas. I always love hearing from you (and your response also helps my email to you land in your correct inbox!).

Yup, not everyone is glued to their email, texts, DMs or What's App messages. Some people get sick, or are caring for someone who is. Others take vacations and shut out their tech. Some simply miss the email in the slew of others that came that day. And sometimes, that person is us.

We can all afford to give a little space and grace and practice patient, consistent follow-up. I'm honored each time you check in here with me--and I always work hard to follow-up with you! Keep soaring!

Always, Darcy

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P.S. Know someone else who needs to hear these messages right now? I love it when you forward these notes and encourage your friends and colleagues to join our community, free, here. Thanks! --D