The library · Construction firms · Enquiries and follow-up
Follow up after silence
People go quiet because they are waiting on planning, finance or other quotes, or because the project has been put back a year.
The prompt
I work in marketing at a construction firm. Help me follow up with someone who went quiet. Context: People go quiet because they are waiting on planning, finance or other quotes, or because the project has been put back a year. Before you start, ask me for anything missing from this list: - The original enquiry and our reply - How long ago - Anything new that is useful to them Then: 1. Give a reason for writing that helps them. 2. Ask one easy question. 3. Write a final note that closes the loop politely. Give me: - A first follow-up - A final follow-up Rules: - Use only the facts I give you. Where something is missing, write [detail needed]. Never invent a number, a name, a quote or a source. - Describe building work in general terms only. Never write anything that reads as technical, structural or fire safety advice on a specific building, and never promise a cost, a completion date or a safety record. - Write in plain English, in our voice if I have given you a sample. - Do not tell me what the rules or regulations say. If something may be restricted, flag it and I will check. Finish with a list headed "Check before this goes out". Include these, plus anything else the director who approves marketing or our health, safety and quality lead should see: - That the quote we refer to is still valid on price and dates - That we still have their agreement to be in touch - Any offer or deadline used to prompt a reply
Paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot. It will ask you for what it needs.
Check before this goes out
- That the quote we refer to is still valid on price and dates
- That we still have their agreement to be in touch
- Any offer or deadline used to prompt a reply
The prompt gives you a first draft. Someone qualified still approves anything a client will read.
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