Remind people that you exist
If you're anything like me, you will have a vast number of emails still sitting in your inbox. You will have replied to them but, for some good reason, wouldn't have sent them to your trash box.
I recently decided to clear out my inbox. Some mails were from early 2019! Slightly embarrased I started an exercise of sending a note to the email contacts.
Hello John,
I am busy clearing out my inbox and I came across this pre-Covid lockdown correspondence.
I just wanted to reconnect, say "hello" and remind you of our food waste recycling services.
I hope that you and your business are well.
Best regards,
Gavin
While some people had left (or emigrated, given this is South Africa), I had a surprisingly positive response from this 'out-reach' including new business meetings and requests for new information.
My learning from the excercise:
- your old emails are still a great asset (even after three years!).
- people who've forgotten you, are happy to be reminded about you and your company's services. Remember, you're not top of mind in your customers business life.
And, above all, don't be embarrased about reconnecting with potential customers after a long time.
The same would apply to friends you haven't connected with in awhile!