Five Reasons Why You Should Always Answer That First E-mail

Posted: January 29, 2010

Always answer that first e-mail and always take the first meeting. Being responsive could mean having the chance to hoist the World Series Championship Trophy or, better yet, making more money.

By Peter Shankman

I got to wear the 1986 New York Mets World Series Ring and hold the trophy today, in a parking lot of an Embassy Suites, in Omaha, Nebraska, because Ed Hearn, a former NY Mets player, sent me an e-mail asking for advice about publicity.

I get a lot of questions from people who see me speak, are on HARO, have read my book, or have seen me on TV. E-mail is probably 60-percent or more of my time.

I’ve been told over and over to outsource my e-mail. I will never do it.

If someone takes the time to e-mail me, the least I can do is email them back, even if it’s just to say “no thanks.”

My rule: Always answer the first e-mail, always take the first meeting. Why?

Five reasons:

5) You never know when someone you meet will lead to work – either now or in the future

4) It gets you out of the house/office and forces you to see things in a new way

3) Every second of every day in life should be a networking opportunity

2) You get to meet truly amazing people when you least expect it, and get a window into their lives

1) It’s good Karma

About Peter Shankman:

PR Week Magazine has described Peter as “redefining the art of networking,” and Investor’s Business Daily has called him “crazy, but effective.” Peter Shankman is a spectacular example of what happens when you harness the power of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and make it work to your advantage.

An entrepreneur, author, speaker, and worldwide connector, Peter is recognized worldwide for radically new ways of thinking about Social Media, PR, marketing, advertising, creativity, and customer service.