Am I saying something wrong in my emails?

I've been reaching out to people (mostly alum) after getting an introduction of some sort and I've been having bad luck where they stop replying to my email. Here's an example of what I replied back to one alum who I was hoping to get some advice from and build a connection to. He responded after a few weeks with an apology and he wants to set up a phone chat so I emailed back:

"Hi John,

Thanks for the response and no problem on the delay. A phone call would be great. Which days are best for you? I'm usually available on afternoons during the weekdays. Let me know what works best for you and if you have a contact number I can reach you at. My contact number is xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Thanks, X"

Am I coming off badly or something? This isn't the first time this has happened.

6 Comments
 

Looks fine to me. Unless they are all being snobs about ending your sentence with a proposition (". . . I can reach you at") but I seriously, seriously doubt that. Maybe you're just getting unlucky.

 

Not bad, but I wouldnt say when is good for you. This is subtle, but it's important if youa re rubbing people the wrong way (they are very busy).

If they have time, you take that time. It doesnt matter if you have class. In other words, delete everything after "When is best for you?"

If it turns out you have an exam or something and can't tkae the call, then fine, let him or her know. Otherwise, make it work. Remember, they are helping YOU.

stay tuned for WSO Networking Month...this is exactly the stuff we'll be covering.

 

Any time and day he would've responded with, I would've agreed to it. I did try to put the ball in his hands with a lot of flexibility. I just had a preference for afternoons as we have a large time zone difference. Anyway, what's the right thing to say to follow up on this email?

 

I would recommend 'putting them on the spot' a bit more and asking if two specific dates and times would work. It puts the onus on them a bit more, and allows for an easier answer from them because you're making them think less. So something like, "If it is agreeable, perhaps we could arrange a call for either next Tuesday the 27th or Thursday the 29th at 2:00pm?" It makes it easier for your contact to look at his schedule and go boom "available/not available." If it doesn't work for him, he'll usually suggest an alternate time that does work.

 
olafenizerI would recommend 'putting them on the spot' a bit more and asking if two specific dates and times would work. It puts the onus on them a bit more, and allows for an easier answer from them because you're making them think less. So something like, "If it is agreeable, perhaps we could arrange a call for either next Tuesday the 27th or Thursday the 29th at 2:00pm?" It makes it easier for your contact to look at his schedule and go boom "available/not available." If it doesn't work for him, he'll usually suggest an alternate time that does work.
Almost word for word what I was going to say. This is very effective for setting up any meeting.
 
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