Please, I'm desperate! I'm Giving a Puppy Away, But You Have to Decide Right Now!

Imagine walking down a busy street on your way to work, juggling thoughts of an important client meeting and your upcoming presentation. Suddenly, someone offers you a puppy—a sweet, lovable puppy you would normally adore. But now? Not while rushing, not in this moment of chaos. You love the idea of a puppy, and you know you need one, but now? Is this really the right time to decide? You also have questions before you commit—is it healthy? Does it have its shots? Why are they giving it away? You want to talk to your husband first.

This scenario mirrors the way cold messages, emails, and DMs can feel to recipients. You might have something amazing to offer, and the person may even be interested. But often, they are preoccupied, focused on their own priorities, and the timing isn’t right. Their instinct is to say no or ignore you—not because your offer lacks value, but because the timing and context don’t align.

Trying to convince someone to take the puppy in that moment is a long shot. A better approach would be to start a conversation: “Have you ever thought about getting a puppy? Do you know someone who might love one?” Gather leads, plant the idea, and nurture the positive responses (the maybes). Leave them with the thought that this adorable puppy could enrich their life—later, when they’re ready.

Pushing for an immediate decision only overwhelms people. And before you know it, the moment is gone. Weeks later, you might regret not exchanging contact information, but by then, it’s too late.

Similarly, instead of rushing to the ask—“Do you want to hop on a call?” or “Are you ready to set up a meeting?”—focus on starting the conversation. Find out if your offer resonates. Could it be useful to them in the future? Would they like more information to consider later? Perhaps you could send them a video that explains your product or service. Do they know someone else who might benefit?

By shifting your approach, you gain permission for future follow-ups while easing the pressure on the recipient. This keeps the door open and builds a connection instead of overwhelming them. You’re planting a seed of interest, letting it grow naturally, so when the timing is right, you’ll be the first person they think of.