Most follow-up emails are weak. Here’s how to make yours stand out: A meeting’s impact isn’t determined by what happens during the meeting. It’s determined by what happens after it ends. And it all starts with the follow-up email. Here’s how to write a follow-up email that actually gets results: 1. Have ONE clear goal. Don’t send a follow-up just to be polite. Decide what action you want them to take. • Request a proposal? • Introduce you to someone? • Book another meeting? • Move toward a sale? If you don’t have a goal, you probably shouldn’t send the email. 2. Write like a minimalist. Your follow-up email isn’t a novel. • No long intros. • No repeating what was said in the meeting. • No fluff. Get to the point. The less time you take, the more they’ll appreciate it. 3. Make it skimmable. Use: • Lots of white space. • Bullet points. • Short sentences. People don’t read emails. They scan them. Write accordingly. 4. Sound like a friend, not a stranger. This isn’t a cold email. You’ve already met. Write like you’re talking to a friend. 5. Use a subject line that doesn’t suck. Would you open an email with the subject "Meeting Follow-Up?" Probably not. Try something more personal or intriguing instead: • "That thing you asked for? Here it is." • "I warned you this was coming." • "You really got me thinking..." 6. Use a P.S. to grab their attention. People always read the postscript. Use it to: • Add a personal touch (e.g., a funny link based on something they mentioned). • Re-emphasize the action you want them to take. • Make them smile and remember you. Your follow-up email can make or break the outcome of your meeting. Write a good one. 👉 What’s your follow-up strategy?
Josh Spector This worked well for me; it was my go-to email. Hi, Josh. Please let me know: 1. The project is on hold. 2. The project is cancelled. 3. I'll need two weeks to get back to you. Thanks for keeping me posted. Tom
I am totally saving this for future reference, because many of the principles and tips here would apply to a follow up handwritten note as well. I advise my own clients to always send an immediate email and follow up with a handwritten note. The email conveys media and is often expected. The handwritten note is usually a very nice touch.
Very valuable. Thanks for sharing. Will try to apply this to my network meetings.
You nailed this one Josh! Everyone can learn to write better follow up emails and this is a great place to start!
Nice! Agree the follow-up email is where the magic happens. I’m using the Axios “Smart Brevity” format lately and sometimes ask AI to run my follow-up through that structure and make recommendations. Also use the Wes Kao BLUF format which is Bottom Line Up Front.
Valuable post, Josh Spector. Getting it right the first time is key, but what do you think of writing a second followup after realizing the first was TL;DR and lacking? I added key points to my coaching service description, and cut 200 words, down to 700, 'Updating was helpful as it articulates: - What’s the benefit to families and to persons with addiction? - How is it different than psychotherapy? - What types of employees would most benefit? And what types would not? - As everyone expects to use health insurance, why would y’all offer it as an option?
Co-Founder and Executive Director at Music to Life
1moAbsolutely brilliant, Josh. And very affirming. I intuitively follow most of these bullets and, honestly, I've always wondered if I'm doing them right. You've given me even more confidence in the relationship building that happens AFTER the call. Thanks so much!