You may have had the same experience, perhaps many times. You have met someone that is congenial and enthusiastic. Your meeting may have been over lunch or a series of conference calls. But then there is no next step. Maybe some politeness continues in your correspondence. But that is the extent of it.
The worst thing you can do in such situations is to hold out hope. You aren’t getting a firm, “No,” but you aren’t getting any action either. Another meeting won’t help.
I think the world would be a better place if people were candid. But that’s wishful thinking. It’s better instead to learn to turn the sound off and listen to what people do. It can be hard if your wishful thinking filter gets in the way. But tuning into action can save you immense time and attention.
In a way, it is thinking in abundance rather than scarcity. It is believing there are so many other worthwhile people to work with, sell, train or lead. You are focusing in on people that like to take action. They end up being the ones that help you to get you where you want to go.
So here’s the one thing you can focus on in the next week. Keep moving and only work with people that take action. If you don’t see that one quality then move on. It will make you more efficient with your time and productive with building the things you are seeking.
Momentum is so important these days. Action people keep you moving along getting where you need to go.