Follow Up: Friend or Foe

     As a businessowner, when you hear the term "follow-up" what immediately comes to your mind?  Right, getting on the phone or sending an email to a prospective client that you just met at a networking event or maybe a referral sent to you by somebody you already know.   While we always welcome new business and the great journey it will lead us on, it is common to say that most businessowners shudder when they are faced with the task of following up.

Studies show that many of us in business, well, let's face it......WE DON'T LIKE TO FOLLOW UP.  There, it's out in the open.  Moreover, many of us don't take follow up seriously and allow the task to fall to the wayside.  Sometimes, we even hope that people that we have just met will actually pick up the phone and call us to follow up before we have a chance to initiate the act.

So, herein lies the question... why do we generally loathe following up?   Because, the bottom line is many of us have a fear of rejection. (gasp) Yes, that is the REAL reason why many businessowners do not follow up.  Sure, there will be one phone call or maybe even two and that later will be followed by an email but after that, no more.   Generally, the very thought of being hung up on is a tough pill to swallow and if we trick ourselves into believing that the caller on the other end will hang up on us, then there is a seed of a pre-conceived act planted in the mind.  Owners are afraid that they will hear these words... "No thank you." or "I'm no longer interested in your products/services."    This is an inner dialogue that has been created even before the task is performed.

Don't allow the fear of following up hinder your advancement in your business.   The simple act of picking up the phone may have you trembling and nervous but once you make one phone call, you'll begin to feel more confident that you made the effort.