Communication Skills = Hard Dollar Results - part 2

When you've sent out a proposal, or a report, or a request, what do you do when some time has passed and you haven't received a response?

A successful and accomplished businessman with a charming personal communication style, was faced with this situation. After several attempts to reach his prospect, he was frustrated by the lack of response. In this moment of frustration, he wrote to the prospect that he was losing his patience.

That motivated the prospect to reply--and it wasn't with a warm friendly "come on over."

What's a better way to deal unresponsive people when you're in this situation? Start by trying to imagine what's going on in their minds and in their business lives. Most likely, the delay in response has nothing to do with you specfically. Either they are not responding to you because that's the way they deal with everyone who approaches them, or because they have other things on their minds.

Your next best step is to say or write something like this: "John, I realize you've got other things on your mind, and perhaps this isn't the best time for you to respond to my propsoal/report/questions. I'll be happy to talk to you when you're ready."

This will not give you the sale or answers that you want. Howver, it will preserve your relationship with the other person, and allow you to get back with him or her from time to time. It also clears your mind to go on to the next thing.

There's a cliche that seems appropriate in this situation: "You can't control what happens to you, only how you deal with what happens to you." This is good advice. You've done what you can, now move on. Your non-threatening communication skills will eventually equal hard dollar results.