4 ms·

A great read about politeness (though it had some negotiating impacts) causing a missed opportunity. I too err on the side of politeness when it comes to busine

A great read about politeness (though it had some negotiating impacts) causing a missed opportunity. I too err on the side of politeness when it comes to business interactions and I've learned that more often than not, when I'm dealing with someone remotely whether it be a colleague or a point of contact, that the squeaky wheel gets the oil. I think it was a mistake to let it ride for so long. A few weeks, maybe two months, and I would have called them up and followed up. Even a short email positioning myself as asking more out of curiosity than need for an acquisition, etc. Anyone else agree? Would you have followed up?

rythie 16y ago
Presumably Google was looking to speed up time to market. If the acquisition process takes too long, they are not saving time (they could have coded it internally) and they have plenty of engineers already.
Maro 16y ago
Agreed. As a starter upper, I'm always the little guy who's chasing the bigger guy (investor, client). I try not to be pushy, but if 1-2 weeks go by, I'll write a friendly what's up email and that usually works.
jayro 16y ago
Yes, in retrospect I was stupid not to at least have sent a short email or two. Honestly, I look back and wonder what the hell I was thinking.
- ryanwaggoner 16y ago
  If it's any measure of consolation, your openness in being willing to admit and discuss this is inspiring.
  - jayro 16y ago
    I just wish I could be inspiring in some other way. ;) But thank you for that.
- Swannie 16y ago
  It sounds to me like the Writely engineer who called you didn't know why he was meant to call. That would have set of very loud alarm bells for me. What did you think at the time?!
Archaeum 16y ago
My natural tendency would be towards patience, I think, so I would be in danger of letting things slide. Realizing that, though, I'd be in a position to do something about it. If the goal is to keep your name on the radar, it seems like you just need to get something into the contact's inbox. What about a note detailing new features or improvements you'd implemented in the past week or two? It could be a way to indicate continued interest without feeling like you're badgering. Hopefully the contact would reply and provide some insight into the progress. If not, a more direct approach would probably be warranted.
- jtheory 16y ago
  "...get something into the contact's inbox" -- yes, this. You can avoid sitting and waiting without being rude or pushy either. With a little creativity, there's usually a way to keep communication open without seeming rude by asking again about whatever it is you actually want to know. Ideally, something that prompts a short reply -- ending with a simple yes/no question, for example -- so that they will actively respond to you, and feel some obligation to also give you a short update on The Big Thing. You can also amiably pester someone repeatedly by giving them a new reason for the new request. If you're communicating with someone very busy, also be very sure to make any email message as simple and terse as you can.
sundars 16y ago
sending regular (say once in 2-3 weeks) updates about the company could be a good way of staying on the radar

rythie 16y ago

Presumably Google was looking to speed up time to market. If the acquisition process takes too long, they are not saving time (they could have coded it internally) and they have plenty of engineers already.

Maro 16y ago

Agreed. As a starter upper, I'm always the little guy who's chasing the bigger guy (investor, client). I try not to be pushy, but if 1-2 weeks go by, I'll write a friendly what's up email and that usually works.

jayro 16y ago

Yes, in retrospect I was stupid not to at least have sent a short email or two. Honestly, I look back and wonder what the hell I was thinking.

ryanwaggoner 16y ago
If it's any measure of consolation, your openness in being willing to admit and discuss this is inspiring.
- jayro 16y ago
  I just wish I could be inspiring in some other way. ;) But thank you for that.
Swannie 16y ago
It sounds to me like the Writely engineer who called you didn't know why he was meant to call. That would have set of very loud alarm bells for me. What did you think at the time?!

Archaeum 16y ago

My natural tendency would be towards patience, I think, so I would be in danger of letting things slide. Realizing that, though, I'd be in a position to do something about it. If the goal is to keep your name on the radar, it seems like you just need to get something into the contact's inbox. What about a note detailing new features or improvements you'd implemented in the past week or two? It could be a way to indicate continued interest without feeling like you're badgering. Hopefully the contact would reply and provide some insight into the progress. If not, a more direct approach would probably be warranted.

jtheory 16y ago
"...get something into the contact's inbox" -- yes, this. You can avoid sitting and waiting without being rude or pushy either. With a little creativity, there's usually a way to keep communication open without seeming rude by asking again about whatever it is you actually want to know. Ideally, something that prompts a short reply -- ending with a simple yes/no question, for example -- so that they will actively respond to you, and feel some obligation to also give you a short update on The Big Thing. You can also amiably pester someone repeatedly by giving them a new reason for the new request. If you're communicating with someone very busy, also be very sure to make any email message as simple and terse as you can.

sundars 16y ago

sending regular (say once in 2-3 weeks) updates about the company could be a good way of staying on the radar