How can you follow up on ignored messages or requests?

1 Identify the reason

Identifying the potential cause for why your message or request was ignored or delayed is the first step. This could be due to the recipient being busy, overwhelmed, or distracted by other priorities. It could also be that they forgot, missed, or deleted your message by mistake. Additionally, they might be unclear, confused, or unsure about what you are asking or what they need to do. Lastly, the recipient could be reluctant, resistant, or unwilling to respond or act on your message or request. By understanding the reason behind the delay, you can tailor your follow-up strategy accordingly and address any barriers or objections that might prevent the recipient from responding or acting.

2 Choose the method

The second step is to choose the most appropriate method for following up on your message or request. Depending on the urgency, importance, and nature of your message or request, you can use different methods such as email, phone, text, or chat. Email is a common and convenient method, but it can be easily ignored. Phone is a more direct and personal approach, but it can be intrusive. Text is an informal and casual method, but it can be seen as unprofessional. Chat is an interactive and collaborative method, but it can be distracting. When using any of these methods, make sure to use clear and catchy subject lines, proper language and etiquette, reliable platforms, and follow the chat rules. Additionally, consider the recipient's availability and preferences to ensure your message or request is heard.

3 Time the interval

The third step is timing the interval between your initial message or request and your follow-up. There is no universal rule for how long to wait, so you should consider factors such as the urgency of your message or request, the frequency and volume of communication, and your relationship with the recipient. If you need a response by a certain date, remind the recipient of the deadline. For frequent communication, ensure you are not sending too many or too few messages or requests. If you have a good relationship with the recipient, use a friendly tone, but if it’s a new relationship, use a more professional tone.

4 Provide the value

The fourth step is to provide the value of your message or request and your follow-up. You should explain why your message or request and your follow-up are important, relevant, and beneficial for the recipient, and how they can help them achieve their goals, solve their problems, or meet their needs. You should also avoid making your message or request and your follow-up sound like a burden, a demand, or a favor, and instead make them sound like an opportunity, a suggestion, or a collaboration. You should also acknowledge and appreciate the recipient's time, attention, and effort, and express your gratitude and willingness to help.

5 Escalate the issue

The fifth step is to escalate the issue if your message or request and your follow-up are still ignored or delayed after several attempts. You should inform the recipient that you are escalating the issue to a higher authority, such as a manager, a supervisor, or a client, and explain the consequences or implications of their non-response or inaction. You should also give the recipient a final chance to respond or act before you escalate the issue, and state the deadline or timeframe for doing so. You should also be careful not to threaten, blame, or accuse the recipient, and instead be firm, fair, and factual.

6 Follow through

The sixth and final step is to follow through on your message or request and your follow-up. You should confirm and document the response or action of the recipient, and ensure that they have fulfilled their obligations, expectations, or agreements. You should also provide and request feedback, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your communication and follow-up. You should also thank and congratulate the recipient for their cooperation and collaboration, and maintain and improve your relationship and rapport with them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?