The Power of the Follow-Up: Turning Contacts into Clients, Bookings, and Business Growth

By Mr. McIntyre, Veteran Entrepreneur & Motivational Speaker

In business, speaking, and life coaching, success isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you nurture those relationships. One of the most overlooked but most powerful business strategies is the follow-up.

As a doctoral student in business, veteran entrepreneur, and business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how people miss out on opportunities not because they lack talent or experience, but because they fail to follow up.

Why the Follow-Up Matters

1. Your First Contact is Just the Beginning

Most people stop at the first conversation. They meet someone at a networking event, send a proposal, or get a lead for a speaking engagement—and then they wait.

The reality? Deals are made in the follow-up. Whether you’re looking for speaking engagements, clients, or business deals, your first message is just an introduction. The follow-up is where the magic happens.

2. People Are Busy—Stay on Their Radar

We live in a fast-paced world. The person you emailed last week may have intended to respond but got sidetracked. Following up is a professional courtesy, not an annoyance. It shows persistence, commitment, and confidence in your value.

When I started pursuing motivational speaking engagements, I quickly learned that one email wasn’t enough. The key to getting booked wasn’t just in reaching out, but in staying in touch, adding value, and keeping my name in front of decision-makers.

3. The Fortune Is in the Follow-Up

Sales professionals know this: 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups—yet most people stop after one or two attempts. The same applies to entrepreneurship, coaching, and speaking.

The best clients and opportunities come from consistent and strategic follow-ups.

How to Master the Follow-Up

1. Have a System

Whether you use a CRM, spreadsheet, or a simple reminder system, track your contacts and schedule follow-ups. Don’t leave opportunities to chance.

For example, when I connect with event organizers, I note: ✔ The date of first contact ✔ The response (or lack thereof) ✔ The next follow-up date

Pro tip: If they say “we’ll reach out later,” schedule a follow-up two weeks before that “later” date. Be proactive.

2. Add Value Every Time

A follow-up isn’t just “checking in.” Instead, add value:

• Share a recent article, podcast, or tip related to their industry
• Reference a past conversation to show you’re paying attention
• Offer insights from your expertise as a business owner, veteran, or speaker

Example Follow-Up Email:

"Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on our last conversation about [topic]. I recently came across [article/podcast] that I thought you’d find valuable. Also, I’d love to reconnect and explore how we can collaborate. Let me know a good time to chat!"

3. Be Persistent, Not Pushy

There’s a fine line between persistence and pressure. The key is to follow up consistently but professionally.

If you don’t get a response: ✅ Follow up in a week ✅ Follow up again in two weeks ✅ Follow up one last time with a “closing the loop” email

If you still hear nothing, move on—but keep the door open for future opportunities.

4. Apply This to Every Area of Business

The follow-up isn’t just for sales—it applies to networking, coaching, speaking, and entrepreneurship.

• Speaking & Coaching: Follow up with event organizers and past clients for repeat business
• Business Deals: Reconnect with potential investors, partners, and customers
• Networking: Stay in touch with key connections to keep doors open

Final Thoughts: Follow Up & Stand Out

I’ve built my businesses, speaking career, and coaching brand through consistent follow-ups. Being a veteran and entrepreneur, I understand the power of discipline and persistence—the same mindset applies in business.

If you want more bookings, more clients, and more opportunities, don’t just send a message and hope for the best. Follow up. Stay engaged. Be persistent.

💡 What’s one deal, opportunity, or client you missed because you didn’t follow up? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

#BusinessGrowth #MotivationalSpeaking #LifeCoaching #Entrepreneurship #FollowUpMatters #Thahoodmotiv8tor