Can you think of someone you’ve been meaning to get in touch with? It’s not urgent, but it’s in the back of your mind you’d like to reconnect.

Maybe go for a walk. Or a coffee.

Or [checks in with reality] have a Zoom call.

Yes? Good.

Now, imagine two different scenarios. In both, they just happen to reach out to you to see if you’re free. But they’ve worded the messages differently:

Scenario 1: “Hey, we should chat. When are you free these days?”

Scenario 2: “Hey, we should chat. Are you free on Monday next week?”

Which are you more likely to answer right away?

I’m not the betting type. But if I was, I’d put it all on Scenario 2.

Why?

Because it’s more specific. It’s easy to answer. It involves nothing creative on your part. All you have to do is check one day of your schedule.

If you’re not free, you’ll probably let them know right away.

And likely go on to tell them when you are free “these days.”

So next time you want someone to get on a call with you, be on your podcast, or give you their thoughts, be as specific as possible.

Give them a date. Give them a deadline.

Specificity sells, it’s true. Specificity also gets better answers faster.

And that’s gold.

Specifically,
James