Life Of E's

Question:

I just logged in to post a blog question and found that Michele had asked a question similar to mine.  However, I’m going to ask anyway since there are a few differences. 

A district called me and inquired about presentation costs.  This was Thursday.  I sent them an email on Friday with my program fee.  Since there is no way to guess when they will contact me, how long should I wait before I follow-up with an email or phone call to them?

Another district had contacted me on the same day and I sent them an email on Friday, also.  However, I was not sure that the email went through.  So, I called today and spoke to the principal.  She told me that she did receive the email but she was glad I followed up with a phone call.  So, you never know.  She was glad I called and others may be frustrated and feel that I’m being pushy if I call too soon. 

Posted by Billy Simms | 3/10/08

Response:

When someone has asked you for a proposal, pricing, etc. and you respond to their request, then it is NOT being pushy to follow up with that person within 24 – 48 hours.  I think we can all say that we were checking to make sure our emails get through…because it’s the truth!  Not only do I worry that mine don’t get through sometimes, but I also worry that they got buried in the 150+ emails that may have gone through but haven’t been read yet. 

Remember, you have something that they need/want and you are trying to make sure that they (and their students) get that from you. 

Also, it’s about style, which you have plenty of.  So your style is such that people are happy to hear from you and it doesn’t feel pushy.

Glad you asked and you can see that lots of MEMc members are thinking about similar ideas and questions.

Tags: fee, follow-up, negotiation, price