Field Notes

Smart leaders know the power of a simple reminder. 

Keeping yourself top of mind with those who can reward you with assignments, contracts, invitations, and projects sometimes makes all the difference. 

Reminding prospective relationships, clients, and senior leaders that you stand ready to engage with them can substantially increase the odds that they will turn toward you with an opportunity. 

People naturally move toward those who are in their thoughts. 

In the world of marketing, a brand that is top of mind for consumers enjoys increased sales and customer loyalty. 

The same is true in the worlds of sales and interpersonal influence. People who are top of mind receive more opportunities, more engagement, and more favorable decisions. 

The question is not whether it is important to stay top of mind with influential people, but how to do it gracefully, without becoming annoying or tiresome. 

Remaining top of mind is all about consistency of contact. By definition, a person is more top of mind after a recent exchange. 

Those with influence naturally think more about the people they have most recently heard from or seen. But these thoughts are often fleeting and fade quickly. That’s why an ongoing and regular cadence of contact is so important in maintaining a small slice of their mindshare. 

Maintaining a regular cadence of checking in to inquire about how people are doing is the most logical tactic for staying top of mind. 

Those with the organization and discipline to do it are often rewarded with more recall. 

But checking in lacks authenticity in newer or unestablished relationships unless it is accompanied by something of value. 

Those seeking to stay top of mind add more value when they engage with good news, congratulations for milestones, updates and trends, and any information that might contribute to the other person’s success. 

But pound-for-pound, the best way to stay top of mind is by asking for advice, guidance, help, or instruction. 

Rather than injecting value into the conversation, extracting value makes others feel important, relevant, and knowledgeable. 

Rarely do people feel irritated or bothered by the genuine curiosity of a question aimed at their experience and wisdom. 

While making yourself more physically visible or posting content others might see on social media are other non-intrusive ways of staying top of mind, the simple act of saying hello, followed by a genuine question, will keep you top of mind longer and likely will provide some insight as well. 

Even busy and influential people feel more confident, valued, appreciated, and expert when they are asked for their advice, insight, and guidance. It not only keeps people top of mind but fosters trust and connection. 

Make a practice of checking in and asking questions of those who are important to your success. When they’re thinking about you, opportunities are more likely to come your way.