They’re As Busy as You Are
During May 2025, I was away on a family visit. During that time, especially since 4 of the 7 days away would involve automobile travel, I knew I would not be accessing by email accounts, (the primary way I do business in my coaching practice). Upon returning home which was a couple of days before a holiday weekend, I reviewed my emails to see who may have reached out and who may require quick follow-up. (I had let my clients know that were actively working with me that I would be away, but that I would follow with them upon my return).
To my surprise, there were no immediate emergencies. Either everyone was OK with the status quo, or were preparing for their time away during the upcoming holiday weekend. (After having been and driving nearly 2,000 miles back and forth just a few days before, I had no desire to do anything but enjoy the weekend quietly at home with my wife). What I did realize was that I would likely need to follow-up with those clients that are actively part of the ones I am supporting. Much of my business comes from outplacement arrangements, with clients being sent to me by companies for which I work as a 1099 contractor. Rightfully, so, they expect me to steadily report on how the relationship with the clients are proceeding forward. And, I realize, that once the holiday period is over, I would need to follow-up with each of my clients.
Follow-up, is to me, the most important step in the job search process that I support and provide strategy guidance for my clients. However, even beyond a job search process, it is important in all aspects of life. Often individuals will take the mindset that when they call about something, and leave a message, and do not hear back, that the other party is not interested in communicating with them. While that can be the case at times, it is also possible that the individual with whom you are looking to connect had things happen in their life that were just as urgent as the ones that impacted you during the same period.
As I indicated earlier, that 4 of the previous 7 days my focus was on driving my car so that my wife and I got from point A to point B in a safe manner. At the end of those days, I just needed time to “chill out,” relax, and get some rest for myself. However, who is to say, what items came up in the life of the clients I supported. Perhaps it was health issues of their own. It could be that they needed to be there for a fellow family member. Or, frankly they took some time to spend time away to refresh their spirits, as the job search process is one that can be energy draining, and one needs to recharge.
When you find, yourself having not having heard back from others with whom you are looking to connect, examine your feelings about the lack of response. Is it important for you to connect and have a conversation? Would you like to catch up with them and see what has transpired with them? Are they someone who can possibly help you achieve what you would like to achieve, and you know they would be happy to do so, once they have the time to focus on your request? Remember “they’re as busy as you are,” (and perhaps more so). If the reconnection is that important to you, then make sure you have a good follow-up plan for making that happen.
For me, after the holiday weekend, I will take time, to either email or telephone those clients from which I have not heard in a while. Some may not reconnect with me at all. Others will be happy to hear that I have called, and will set up a time to talk. Still others, may tell me that all is well, and they do not need to have a strategy session with me at this time. However, I will both know and shown them, that I care about being there to help and serve them, and not “hold it against them,” that they did not reach out to me while I was not immediately there to support and serve them.
