Over the years, I’ve learned that effective communication with prospects is all about drips—small, manageable pieces of information shared over time. Too often, we make the mistake of overwriting emails, trying to cram everything into a single message. Instead, breaking your message into smaller, digestible bits can be far more effective.
The human mind processes information better when it’s received consistently over time. When you flood someone with a large amount of information at once, they’re more likely to be skeptical or overwhelmed. But when you share smaller bits of information regularly, it helps build trust and familiarity. Think of it as “showing up every day”—consistent communication fosters positive perceptions.
Here’s a practical example:
If your student-athlete has both won an award and completed a tournament, resist the urge to include both updates in the same email. Instead:
1. Email 1: Share the news about the award.
2. Email 2: Follow up later with details about the tournament.
This approach keeps the focus on one key piece of information at a time, making it easier for the coach to absorb and remember.
There are times when including more details in one email is appropriate.
Examples include:
1. Introducing Yourself: If a coach needs to quickly get up to speed on your student-athlete, a longer, comprehensive email is fine.
2. Providing Specifics: When sending a schedule of upcoming games, include details like jersey number, jersey color, and field location in a single email.
In these cases, clarity and completeness take priority over brevity.
1. Keep It Focused: Don’t bury the lead. Make the headline or key point front and center.
2. One Takeaway Per Email: Aim for the coach to remember one key thing from each message.
3. Be Consistent: Regular, smaller updates build trust and familiarity.
Twitter’s original character limit forced users to keep messages concise and focused. Use the same mindset when communicating with coaches: share small, impactful bits of information over time.
This drip-style communication strategy can set your student-athlete apart and leave a lasting, positive impression.
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