We all want things done quickly. But in our workflow, repeated follow-ups do not speed things up. In fact, they slow everything down.
The reality
I get over 1,000 emails per day. When you follow-up, which is not necessary with us, you actually slow things down.
The reason why is that we process via first-come, first-served via Boomerang. So when you follow-up, you become the latest request.
Think of it like standing in line at the DMV; if you keep stepping out of line to “check in,” you’re not getting called sooner. You’re starting over.
Why this matters
Following up without reading prior instructions means:
- The same explanation gets repeated.
- We waste time fixing things that could have been correct the first time.
- The burden shifts from solving your request to rescuing it from repeated mistakes.
When you skip steps or ignore the process, you’re effectively saying:
“My time is more valuable than everyone else’s, so I can skip the line.”
That’s not how we work here.
The root cause? Often, it’s about not understanding what a process or system actually is, and how to work within one. This is why we’ve written extensively on:
- How Team Members Should Communicate on Basecamp and Email
- 4 Secret Words To Communicate Well
- Ridding Excuses Through Open Communication
If you understand these principles, you won’t need to follow up unnecessarily because you’ll know how to get things right the first time.
The correct way to get things done
- Read the instructions fully, even the parts you think you already know.
- Follow the documented process exactly.
- Send it once; with all required details and correct formatting.
A simple test before you hit “send”
- Have I re-read last message and followed everything in it?
- Have I checked for typos, missing names, or skipped steps?
- Am I sending this only once, with everything needed?
If you can answer “yes” to all three, send it.
If not, fix it first.
Following up multiple times may feel proactive to you. But here, it’s like repeatedly pressing the elevator button, it doesn’t make it come faster. It just makes the ride bumpier for everyone.
Let’s keep things moving smoothly by doing it right the first time.
Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu is a former search engine engineer who has spent a billion dollars on Google and Facebook ads for Nike, Quiznos, Ashley Furniture, Red Bull, State Farm, and other organizations that have many locations.
He has achieved 25% of his goal of creating a million digital marketing jobs because of his partnership with universities, professional organizations, and agencies. Companies like GoDaddy, Fiverr, onlinejobs.ph, 7 Figure Agency, and Vendasta partner with him to create training and certifications.
Dennis created the Dollar a Day Strategy for local service businesses to enhance their existing local reputation and make the phone ring. He's coaching young adult agency owners who serve plumbers, AC technicians, landscapers, roofers, electricians in conjunction with leaders in these industries.
Mr. Yu believes that there should be a standard in measuring local marketing efforts, much like doctors and plumbers need to be certified and licensed. His Content Factory training and dashboards are used by thousands of practitioners.