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Valuing time
No one is interested in an elaborate saga. Instead, ask a short, clear question on a subject in which the other person has expertise. They'll often be glad to help.
Follow up on an agreed time. If they tell you they’ll be busy until the fall, then don’t send them another message on July 31st. Wait until autumn starts and then send a polite note.
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It is good then, to know how to be assertive without being obnoxious.
Effective persistence should always be based on providing incremental value.
From your conversation, you may have gathered insights on something that is important to the other persons, such as family, projects, or key interests. Offer an introduction or invite them to an event of importance.
- Consider reaching out to someone with different 'touches', such as a phone call, email, written letter, or an appropriate gift.
- Pace your follow-ups. Every two weeks is a good starting place, and if they don't respond, try a monthly follow-up.
- Give them an 'out' if they need one.
- Keep correspondence light and ongoing, instead of only reaching out when you need help.
RELATED IDEAS
Increase your influence at work by being seen as a recognized expert within your industry or organization.
This won’t happen overnight, but immerse yourself in your topic area”by regularly attending industry conferences, enrolling in a class or specialized certification program, or taking on a leadership role in a relevant professional organization - visible signs that you are informed and up-to-date.
Research has shown that social rejection activates many of the same brain regions involved in physical pain, which helps explains why disapproval stings.
A self-deprecating language that minimizes your expertise can backfire, depending on who hears it.
You need to stop giving your power away.