FOLLOW UP
Reconnect while the conversation is fresh.
Help the person remember your conversation and understand why you are reaching out.
- Reference something specific you discussed.
- Acknowledge any next step you agreed on.
- Make your message clear and easy to respond to.
Ask yourself: Have I given this person a meaningful reason to continue the conversation?
FOLLOW THROUGH
Do what you said you would do.
Your follow-up message begins the next conversation. Your actions show whether people can count on you.
- Send the resource you offered.
- Take the next step on an introduction you discussed, with permission from the people involved.
- Complete the action by the date you agreed to.
- If something changes, communicate before the commitment slips.
Ask yourself: What did I promise, and have I delivered it?
FINISH
Close the loop.
Make it clear when you have completed your part and whether anything remains open.
- Confirm that you sent or completed what you promised.
- Make any remaining action clear, including who owns it.
- If you cannot fulfill a commitment, say so directly and agree on what happens next.
Ask yourself: Does the other person know where things stand?
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
At MIC: You offer to send someone a resource related to your conversation.
- Follow up: Reconnect and mention the topic you discussed.
- Follow through: Send the resource when you said you would.
- Finish: Let them know you have sent it and clarify any agreed next step. The commitment can be complete while the relationship continues.
MAKE ROOM TO FOLLOW THROUGH
VGA’s business-growth rhythm reserves Friday for Follow-Up, Follow-Through & Finish and week four for following up with networking contacts.
- Who needs a response?
- What have I committed to?
- What still needs to be completed?
Follow up while the conversation is fresh. Use the recurring review to keep commitments from slipping.