What to do when the client goes quiet

You've sent an email with a cost estimate but not had a reply from your client.

You're panicking because the project's delivery deadline is imminent and you need approval and a purchase order to begin the work.

To make matters worse your usual contact is on holiday, has passed the project responsibility to their new colleague who has just joined, is more senior and you haven't even met him.

You don't have his mobile number, have emailed a couple of times already and are starting to feel like a stalker.

But still no response.

Tumble weeds.

Tick Tock......the weekend is coming and you know your client needs this fully delivered in two weeks.

So what do you do?

This is a real scenario an agency account manager has just described to me.

We discussed trying a few things:

1. Contacting any other point of contact at the client company e.g. Procurement
2. Obtaining a direct number from the client's company switchboard (on their website)
3. Sending a message via LinkedIn
4. Sending a video message introducing yourself to get 'stand out' in their email inbox

And most importantly, once you do reach the client, to prepare the key points of the conversation so you get the relationship off to a good start;

"Can I grab 20 minutes with you before [day/time]? The reason is twofold;

1. I'd like to ask for estimate approval by [day/time] so we can reach your delivery deadline of [day/time]

2. I'd like to find a convenient time for a 30 minute introduction call so I can understand your priorities and agree ways of working together. "

What do you do when the client goes AWOL?