The Internet age has arrived and fits our need for instant gratification. With instant messaging, chat and emails we can communicate withe each other quickly. However one of the most annoying things is when our email is ignored. When there is no reply to a business email, it can be extremely frustrating. Believe it or not, it doesn’t mean you’re being ignored. Sometimes it’s just a way of saying “I’m extremely busy and I’ll get back to you when I can.”

You can’t give up on that business contact? How is the sale going to be made? If you have a business proposal for them, how will they accept it if you give up? Prospects need to be reminded, sometimes more than once. Persistence pays off.

Try these techniques when you have an ignored email:

1. Send a short email asking for a short response like a yes or no. Most contacts will take the time for a quick yes or no regardless of how busy they are.

2. Send another email, this time putting “Second Request” in the subject line.

3. Give a deadline for responding to your email. Some people need to be reminded and by having a deadline it’s the push they need to respond.

4. Show concern in your second email. Say something like, “I was concerned when you didn’t reply to my last email, are you alright”. This is good for people who you know on a personal level. It creates more of a human feel to the email. This will usually get a response of some kind.

5. Review your subject line. Your email could be quickly delelted because the subject line didn’t capture their attention. People are busy and receive a lot of emails.

6. Continue sending emails on a consistent basis. Send gentle reminders or “just wanted to touch base with you” emails to let them know you are still available and interested in their business.To avoid crossing that line, ask the customer when the best time is to contact them or ask permission to contact them once a month or so.

Always keep in mind that when you are ready to present your next proposal to this customer they will without a doubt be grateful you never gave up. A customer just may say they’re happy to hear from you the next time you call or email them. Persistance pays. Follow these techniques, never give up and your emails will get answered.