We’ve all been there. You meet someone at a networking event or you’re referred to someone that you would like to do business with. After the connection has been made, your next step is to get a meeting scheduled with your new contact. Therefore, you want to put your best foot forward and send a message that will land you a meeting. In today’s technological world, your method of contact will most likely be digital, either through e-mail or a social media direct message. There are a few items that should always be included in your message that will help you increase your chances of scheduling a meeting.
1. You Should Provide Times That You’re Available
This increases your chances of scheduling a meeting exponentially. If you write something such as, “Let me know if you’d like to schedule a time to talk or meet,” the personal most likely will not respond. However, if you craft a message that reads, “I welcome the opportunity to talk or meet with you. I’ve provided the days and times that I’m available below.” You’re giving the person something to choose from and they will be more inclined to choose a date and time.
2. Provide the Meeting Times in the Recipient’s Time Zone
It’s all about making it easier on the recipient of the message. If they’re in a different state you’ll want to know what time zone they’re in and provide your meeting date options in that time zone. This helps them take the guess work out of trying to figure this out on their own. They’re most likely a busy person and will appreciate the fact that you thought to do this, thus yet another detail that will increase your chances of getting the meeting.
3. Allow Recipient to Provide Meeting Times of their Own
As stated above, you should initiate the meeting dates and times; however, leave it open for the recipient to provide their availability as well. You don’t want it to seem as if your dates and times are the only options. Instead let the recipient know that you’ve provided dates and times, but they can feel free to provide optional dates and times if the options don’t work for them.
4. Decide who will Initiate the Call and Pick the Location
As the person initiating the meeting you should also take the lead. You will be the person to call the recipient. If the you’re meeting in person you should let the recipient pick the location since you’re the person wanting time on their calendar.
5. Send a Calendar Invite
You’ve scheduled the meeting. Now the final step is to send a calendar invite to ensure that the meeting gets on the recipient’s calendar and that you don’t forget to get it on your own.
