Following up

If you’ve been staring at your inbox wondering if your email fell into a black hole, here’s a little tough-love communication lesson.

Don’t say: “I’m just following up.”

Don’t say: “I’m just checking in.”

Those phrases smell like insecurity. Like you’re peeking into the room you were invited into.

Do say: “I didn’t have the chance to reconnect with you ... what are the best next steps?”

That’s confident. That’s professional. That’s someone who believes their time has value.

Stop “just checking in.” Start sounding like you belong in the conversation.