What To Do When You’re Busy and Can’t Effectively Follow Up

By Kandie Frederick

Growing up on the central coast, Kandie is a third generation family in the North County and a second generation family in real estate. Joining Country Real Estate in 2000, and graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, she brings a background of Agricultural Business to combine with her knowledge of the local real estate market. Working with her family and their decades of local real estate development, she is deeply connected to the roots of our community and its growth.
“This area continues to grow as people discover what a great travel destination it is, and what a great wine region it has become. Eventually, they realize what a great place it is to live and work as well. Adapting to the needs of our clients in a changing environment is always a priority. We remain the longest standing brokerage in a community we are deeply invested in. Our longevity is attributed to our innate ability to understand the North County: its people, its properties, and its culture.” -Kandie

Staying on top of leads and follow-ups can sometimes feel like a Herculean task, especially when your schedule is bursting at the seams. Yet, effective follow-up is crucial for nurturing relationships, closing deals, and ultimately achieving success. So, what can you do when you find yourself swamped with work and struggling to maintain effective follow-up? Here are three essential tips to help you navigate through the chaos:

1. Make the time. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing you don’t have enough time to follow up properly. However, successful professionals understand that following up is not just a task but a necessity. When you’re busy, it’s crucial to prioritize your follow-ups and carve out dedicated time in your schedule. Remember, perfection is not always attainable, but consistency and persistence are key. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, take action now and do the best job you can with the time you have available. Every follow-up, no matter how brief, brings you one step closer to your goals.

2. Perfect your opening statement and script. Time is of the essence when you’re busy, so it’s essential to streamline your communication process. One way to do this is by perfecting your opening statement and script. Your opening statement sets the tone for the conversation and can make or break your follow-up attempt. Craft a concise and compelling opening that grabs attention and clearly communicates the purpose of your call or email. By having a well-prepared script, you’ll feel more confident and efficient during your follow-up interactions, allowing you to make the most of your limited time.

3. Keep conversations short and focused. When you’re juggling multiple tasks, it’s essential to keep your follow-up conversations short and focused. Before reaching out to leads or clients, identify the key points you want to address and stick to them. Avoid getting sidetracked by unrelated topics or engaging in lengthy discussions that eat up valuable time. Instead, keep the conversation focused on the purpose of your follow-up, whether it’s providing information, addressing concerns, or moving the conversation forward. By staying disciplined and keeping your interactions brief, you’ll be able to maximize your productivity and make the most of your busy schedule.

Effective follow-up is a critical component of your business’s success. Even when you’re overwhelmed with work, it’s essential to prioritize follow-up activities and make the most of the time you have available. Cut out wasted time in your daily schedule and take it back so you can make more money. You should play a game with yourself to see if you can have five conversations with five leads in 30 minutes to get more efficient at following up. By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate through busy periods and achieve your goals. Remember, consistency and persistence are key, so don’t let a hectic schedule derail your follow-up efforts. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.