The Persistence Continuum

Posted on 02. Feb, 2011
Categories: Trends, Writing

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So, I’m at dinner the other night with a new friend. She’s an actress. I fancy myself a writer these days. The two of us are talking about breaking through in our respective fields. I commented on how there’s a fine line between persistent and pushy.

A few beers later, I’m thinking of the above model.

• You can’t be passive and expect anything to happen.
• You can’t be pushy and expect anything to happen–unless, of course, you count irritating people.
• If you want to be successful, you have to stay in the persistent area.

No matter what you’re doing, fight the urge to be pushy. For example, I follow up with people who have requested review copies of The New Small. Ultimately, I can’t make them do anything. Yet, I can gently remind them after a month that I exist.

Simon Says

An innocuous email with the words “Just making sure that you received the book” reads much better than “Where’s my review, dude?”

Remember that next time you’re following up with a prospect, client, or potential contact.

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