How To Avoid Sending Selfish "Just Checking In" Follow Up Emails
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The document provides tips for avoiding generic "just checking in" follow up emails. It analyzes an example email, identifying four issues: 1) a generic opening with no personalization, 2) admitting to checking in with no value, 3) asking the recipient for information rather than providing it, and 4) a generic call to action rather than a specific next step. It then outlines five steps to send more valuable follow up emails: 1) determine the objective, 2) open with context, 3) clearly state the purpose, 4) provide value to the recipient, and 5) end with a clear next step. Examples are given for different types of follow up emails.
![www.getsidekick.com
Here’s an example of a
follow up email after
an interview.
Louisa,
Thank you again for talking with me today. I really appreciated learning
more about your work as [title of position] and your experience at
[Company Name]. Working with such an autonomous [quality] team
within a company that I truly admire would be an incredible learning
experience, and I would love the opportunity to prove that I'm a great fit
for the role.
Attached is a [type of project] that I created while working for [previous
company]. I've also attached my resume as well as a cover letter to
demonstrate why I want to work for [Company Name] and how I align
with the culture. Finally, below is a link to my website where you can see
more of my publications and projects.
Let me know if you have any questions about anything or if you'd like me
to send anything else. I look forward to hearing back from you!
Appreciate your time today, Louisa!](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-26-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Here’s an example of a
follow up email after
an interview.
Louisa,
Thank you again for talking with me today. I really appreciated learning
more about your work as [title of position] and your experience at
[Company Name]. Working with such an autonomous [quality] team
within a company that I truly admire would be an incredible learning
experience, and I would love the opportunity to prove that I'm a great fit
for the role.
Attached is a [type of project] that I created while working for [previous
company]. I've also attached my resume as well as a cover letter to
demonstrate why I want to work for [Company Name] and how I align
with the culture. Finally, below is a link to my website where you can see
more of my publications and projects.
Let me know if you have any questions about anything or if you'd like me
to send anything else. I look forward to hearing back from you!
Appreciate your time today, Louisa!
Get 10 More Job
Search Templates!](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-27-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Common openers include:
• We met last week at the [Name of Event or Location].
• I was inspired after you spoke at the [Name of event].
• I am an avid reader of your blog.
• My friend, Scott Lenahan, suggested that I reach out.
• Last time we spoke …
• Just following up on the email I sent a few weeks ago
about [topic].](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-30-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Here’s an example of a
sales follow up email:
Hi Louisa,
Last we spoke, you requested that I get in touch in a few months to
discuss how [Company Name] can help your business achieve [goal]. I
may be a few weeks early, but I thought I would check in.
Have you given any additional consideration to my proposal? I’d be
happy to chat on the phone and answer any questions that may have
come up.
What does your schedule look like this week to talk?
Any questions, Louisa?](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-31-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Here’s an example of a
sales follow up email:
Hi Louisa,
Last we spoke, you requested that I get in touch in a few months to
discuss how [Company Name] can help your business achieve [goal]. I
may be a few weeks early, but I thought I would check in.
Have you given any additional consideration to my proposal? I’d be
happy to chat on the phone and answer any questions that may have
come up.
What does your schedule look like this week to talk?
Any questions, Louisa?
Get 16 More Sales
Email Templates!](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-32-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Common ways to articulate purpose:
• I want to invite you to join me at [Name of Event], I think you’ll
find it helpful for what you do at [Company Name].
• Any chance you can expand on your idea in [Name of Blog
Post]?
• It would be great to hear more about [topic] as I’m working on
something similar at [Company Name].
• I just wanted to thank you for your time yesterday.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-35-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Here’s an example of a
follow up email after
a networking meeting.
Hi Louisa,
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat today. I really enjoyed
talking and learning more about your experience with [career field]. I
really appreciate all the advice and tips you offered on how to break into
[industry].
You mentioned that your team at [Company Name] is looking for a new
business development rep, and I actually just met [name of contact] who
runs the business growth strategy at [Company Name]. I think she would
be a great fit for your team. Can I make an intro?
Thanks again for your time and advice. I wish you the best of luck while
wrapping up your beta, and I hope to stay in touch!
Thought you might be interested in meeting [Name]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-36-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Here’s an example of a
follow up email after
a networking meeting.
Hi Louisa,
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat today. I really enjoyed
talking and learning more about your experience with [career field]. I
really appreciate all the advice and tips you offered on how to break into
[industry].
You mentioned that your team at [Company Name] is looking for a new
business development rep, and I actually just met [name of contact] who
runs the business growth strategy at [Company Name]. I think she would
be a great fit for your team. Can I make an intro?
Thanks again for your time and advice. I wish you the best of luck while
wrapping up your beta, and I hope to stay in touch!
Thought you might be interested in meeting [Name]
X
Get 10 More Networking
Email Templates!](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-37-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Here’s an example of a
follow up email after
submitting an application.
Hi Louisa,
My name is [Your Name], I saw that [Company Name] is looking for
[position title] and had to reach out to you. I think I would be a great
addition to your team for the following reasons:
I’m teachable. I love learning and am always reading a new book, blog,
or listening to a podcast (current favorite is [Podcast Title]).
I’m [list your unique qualities].
I believe in [Company] and your mission to [restate mission].
I’ve attached my resume and a video of me explaining why I would be a
great addition to your team. I've also included my website and samples
of projects that I’ve worked on for [previous relevant role or position] in
case you’d like to see samples of my work.
3 reasons I would be a great addition to your team](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-41-320.jpg)
![www.getsidekick.com
Here’s an example of a
follow up email after
submitting an application.
Hi Louisa,
My name is [Your Name], I saw that [Company Name] is looking for
[position title] and had to reach out to you. I think I would be a great
addition to your team for the following reasons:
I’m teachable. I love learning and am always reading a new book, blog,
or listening to a podcast (current favorite is [Podcast Title]).
I’m [list your unique qualities].
I believe in [Company] and your mission to [restate mission].
I’ve attached my resume and a video of me explaining why I would be a
great addition to your team. I've also included my website and samples
of projects that I’ve worked on for [previous relevant role or position] in
case you’d like to see samples of my work.
3 reasons I would be a great addition to your team
Install Sidekick now!
Find out when they
open your email
using this free tool.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/selfish-slideshare-140701172612-phpapp01/85/How-To-Avoid-Sending-Selfish-Just-Checking-In-Follow-Up-Emails-42-320.jpg)
How To Avoid Sending Selfish "Just Checking In" Follow Up Emails
- 1. How to Avoid Sending “Just Checking In” Follow Up Emails Selfish
- 2. www.getsidekick.com We’ve seen these three words before.
- 3. www.getsidekick.com We’ve seen these three words before. and written
- 5. www.getsidekick.com But is that true?
- 6. www.getsidekick.com But is that true? We’re not “just checking in.”
- 7. www.getsidekick.com But is that true? We’re not “just checking in.” We’re trying to accomplish something.
- 8. www.getsidekick.com We’re desperate to hit quota.
- 9. www.getsidekick.com We’re desperate to hit quota. We’re lost on how to re-connect prospects.
- 10. www.getsidekick.com We’re desperate to hit quota. We’re lost on how to re-connect prospects. We’re hustling to get hired.
- 11. www.getsidekick.com We’re desperate to hit quota. We’re lost on how to re-connect prospects. We’re hustling to get hired. We’re stuck trying to network.
- 12. So we send the dreadful “Just Checking In” email. Hi Mark, How are you? Just wanted to check-in and see if there’s anything I can help you with. Per our conversation on the 16th, I wanted to see if you confirmed the date that your current systems migration is going to be completely done by. Do you have 10 minutes this afternoon to speak? Let me know what works. Best, John Just Checking-In www.getsidekick.com
- 13. www.getsidekick.com Let’s deconstruct why this email is selfish and useless.
- 14. www.getsidekick.com Completely generic-opening. No personalization to your relationship with the other person. 1 Hi Mark, How are you? Just wanted to check-in and see if there’s anything I can help you with. Per our conversation on the 16th, I wanted to see if you confirmed the date that your current systems migration is going to be completely done by. Do you have 10 minutes this afternoon to speak? Let me know what works. Best, John Just Checking-In 1 2 3 4
- 15. www.getsidekick.com Completely generic-opening. No personalization to your relationship with the other person. 1 You admit you’re checking-in for the sake of checking-in, and have no real value add. 2 Hi Mark, How are you? Just wanted to check-in and see if there’s anything I can help you with. Per our conversation on the 16th, I wanted to see if you confirmed the date that your current systems migration is going to be completely done by. Do you have 10 minutes this afternoon to speak? Let me know what works. Best, John Just Checking-In 1 2 3 4
- 16. www.getsidekick.com Completely generic-opening. No personalization to your relationship with the other person. 1 You admit you’re checking-in for the sake of checking-in, and have no real value add. 2 You are asking the person for information rather than giving them information. 3 Hi Mark, How are you? Just wanted to check-in and see if there’s anything I can help you with. Per our conversation on the 16th, I wanted to see if you confirmed the date that your current systems migration is going to be completely done by. Do you have 10 minutes this afternoon to speak? Let me know what works. Best, John Just Checking-In 1 2 3 4
- 17. www.getsidekick.com Completely generic-opening. No personalization to your relationship with the other person. 1 You admit you’re checking-in for the sake of checking-in, and have no real value add. 2 You are asking the person for information rather than giving them information. 3 You end with a generic call-to- action, rather than giving a specific next step. 4 Hi Mark, How are you? Just wanted to check-in and see if there’s anything I can help you with. Per our conversation on the 16th, I wanted to see if you confirmed the date that your current systems migration is going to be completely done by. Do you have 10 minutes this afternoon to speak? Let me know what works. Best, John Just Checking-In 1 2 3 4
- 18. www.getsidekick.com So how do we move from selfish to valuable?
- 19. www.getsidekick.com So how do we move from selfish to valuable? We’ve broken it down into five steps.
- 21. www.getsidekick.com Wait! Before we start, here’s a tool to track if your follow up email is opened. Install Sidekick now!
- 22. www.getsidekick.com Wait! Before we start, here’s a tool to track if your follow up email is opened. Alright, now we’re ready. Install Sidekick now!
- 24. www.getsidekick.com Four primary objectives for a follow up email: 1. Need information. 2. Request a meeting. 3. Just to catch up. 4. Thank you.
- 25. www.getsidekick.com Let’s say we just interviewed for our dream job and we need to follow up. Clearly, this will be a “thank you” type of follow up email.
- 26. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a follow up email after an interview. Louisa, Thank you again for talking with me today. I really appreciated learning more about your work as [title of position] and your experience at [Company Name]. Working with such an autonomous [quality] team within a company that I truly admire would be an incredible learning experience, and I would love the opportunity to prove that I'm a great fit for the role. Attached is a [type of project] that I created while working for [previous company]. I've also attached my resume as well as a cover letter to demonstrate why I want to work for [Company Name] and how I align with the culture. Finally, below is a link to my website where you can see more of my publications and projects. Let me know if you have any questions about anything or if you'd like me to send anything else. I look forward to hearing back from you! Appreciate your time today, Louisa!
- 27. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a follow up email after an interview. Louisa, Thank you again for talking with me today. I really appreciated learning more about your work as [title of position] and your experience at [Company Name]. Working with such an autonomous [quality] team within a company that I truly admire would be an incredible learning experience, and I would love the opportunity to prove that I'm a great fit for the role. Attached is a [type of project] that I created while working for [previous company]. I've also attached my resume as well as a cover letter to demonstrate why I want to work for [Company Name] and how I align with the culture. Finally, below is a link to my website where you can see more of my publications and projects. Let me know if you have any questions about anything or if you'd like me to send anything else. I look forward to hearing back from you! Appreciate your time today, Louisa! Get 10 More Job Search Templates!
- 29. www.getsidekick.com Don’t get to caught up with the follow up itself. We should help our contact remember us by re-emphasizing our initial interaction.
- 30. www.getsidekick.com Common openers include: • We met last week at the [Name of Event or Location]. • I was inspired after you spoke at the [Name of event]. • I am an avid reader of your blog. • My friend, Scott Lenahan, suggested that I reach out. • Last time we spoke … • Just following up on the email I sent a few weeks ago about [topic].
- 31. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a sales follow up email: Hi Louisa, Last we spoke, you requested that I get in touch in a few months to discuss how [Company Name] can help your business achieve [goal]. I may be a few weeks early, but I thought I would check in. Have you given any additional consideration to my proposal? I’d be happy to chat on the phone and answer any questions that may have come up. What does your schedule look like this week to talk? Any questions, Louisa?
- 32. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a sales follow up email: Hi Louisa, Last we spoke, you requested that I get in touch in a few months to discuss how [Company Name] can help your business achieve [goal]. I may be a few weeks early, but I thought I would check in. Have you given any additional consideration to my proposal? I’d be happy to chat on the phone and answer any questions that may have come up. What does your schedule look like this week to talk? Any questions, Louisa? Get 16 More Sales Email Templates!
- 33. www.getsidekick.com Step 3: Clearly state your purpose.
- 34. www.getsidekick.com We should be straightforward with why we’re sending them an email. The more specific, the better.
- 35. www.getsidekick.com Common ways to articulate purpose: • I want to invite you to join me at [Name of Event], I think you’ll find it helpful for what you do at [Company Name]. • Any chance you can expand on your idea in [Name of Blog Post]? • It would be great to hear more about [topic] as I’m working on something similar at [Company Name]. • I just wanted to thank you for your time yesterday.
- 36. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a follow up email after a networking meeting. Hi Louisa, Thank you so much for taking the time to chat today. I really enjoyed talking and learning more about your experience with [career field]. I really appreciate all the advice and tips you offered on how to break into [industry]. You mentioned that your team at [Company Name] is looking for a new business development rep, and I actually just met [name of contact] who runs the business growth strategy at [Company Name]. I think she would be a great fit for your team. Can I make an intro? Thanks again for your time and advice. I wish you the best of luck while wrapping up your beta, and I hope to stay in touch! Thought you might be interested in meeting [Name]
- 37. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a follow up email after a networking meeting. Hi Louisa, Thank you so much for taking the time to chat today. I really enjoyed talking and learning more about your experience with [career field]. I really appreciate all the advice and tips you offered on how to break into [industry]. You mentioned that your team at [Company Name] is looking for a new business development rep, and I actually just met [name of contact] who runs the business growth strategy at [Company Name]. I think she would be a great fit for your team. Can I make an intro? Thanks again for your time and advice. I wish you the best of luck while wrapping up your beta, and I hope to stay in touch! Thought you might be interested in meeting [Name] X Get 10 More Networking Email Templates!
- 38. www.getsidekick.com Step 4: Craft a fine subject line.
- 39. www.getsidekick.com Subject lines should be short and sweet, but pique their curiosity. We conducted a study in 2014 using 6.4 million emails and learned a few things about subject lines.
- 40. www.getsidekick.com Here are a few things that might help: • Use concrete numbers and times. Emails with “Quick” in the subject line were opened 17% less than those without. • Create a sense of urgency by using “tomorrow.” Emails with “Tomorrow” in the subject line were opened 10% more than those without. • Try omitting the subject line. Emails with no subject line altogether were opened 8% more than those with a subject line.
- 41. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a follow up email after submitting an application. Hi Louisa, My name is [Your Name], I saw that [Company Name] is looking for [position title] and had to reach out to you. I think I would be a great addition to your team for the following reasons: I’m teachable. I love learning and am always reading a new book, blog, or listening to a podcast (current favorite is [Podcast Title]). I’m [list your unique qualities]. I believe in [Company] and your mission to [restate mission]. I’ve attached my resume and a video of me explaining why I would be a great addition to your team. I've also included my website and samples of projects that I’ve worked on for [previous relevant role or position] in case you’d like to see samples of my work. 3 reasons I would be a great addition to your team
- 42. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a follow up email after submitting an application. Hi Louisa, My name is [Your Name], I saw that [Company Name] is looking for [position title] and had to reach out to you. I think I would be a great addition to your team for the following reasons: I’m teachable. I love learning and am always reading a new book, blog, or listening to a podcast (current favorite is [Podcast Title]). I’m [list your unique qualities]. I believe in [Company] and your mission to [restate mission]. I’ve attached my resume and a video of me explaining why I would be a great addition to your team. I've also included my website and samples of projects that I’ve worked on for [previous relevant role or position] in case you’d like to see samples of my work. 3 reasons I would be a great addition to your team Install Sidekick now! Find out when they open your email using this free tool.
- 43. www.getsidekick.com Step 5: Decide when to follow up.
- 44. www.getsidekick.com So our follow up email is written, but when should we send it?
- 45. www.getsidekick.com So our follow up email is written, but when should we send it? It depends.
- 46. www.getsidekick.com These are suggested time frames based on various use cases:
- 47. www.getsidekick.com Here’s an example of a follow up email after an interview. Hi Louisa, I just wanted to thank you for your time during our interview today, especially while you were in the midst of a new feature roll out. As asked, I’ve attached my resume, cover letter, and application below. I also included my personal website and a few projects that I’ve been working on so you can see some examples of my experience in front-end development. Again, I appreciate the opportunity to have shared my background and interest in the position with you. I think my experience with Java and web development in entrepreneurial organizations align perfectly with what your team is looking for, and I hope to prove that. Thank you, and I hope we’ll be in touch soon! Thanks for taking the time to meet me today!
- 49. www.getsidekick.com Ready to upgrade your follow up game? Try Sidekick Today!
- 50. www.getsidekick.com By the way, here are the three sets of templates again. 12 Networking Templates 10 Job Search Templates 16 Sales Templates
- 51. www.getsidekick.com Brought to you by: Cambria Davies GROWTH MARKETER, SIDEKICK BY HUBSPOT @Cambria_Davies John Sherer SENIOR SALES REP HUBSPOT @JohnSherer
- 52. P.S. Want more useful content like this? Check us out on SlideShare