Marcin Grodzicki notes of a business developer

One thing at a time

People don't listen. In general. But you might get them to remember one thing. That's why it's always important to have a clear message about your product. Where it really comes into play though is in your direct communication. When you meet someone in person, you can see or confirm that they understood you correctly. When you talk to them on the phone - you can ask. With e-mail, twitter and other forms of written communication - it's harder. I noticed that people seldom read e-mails from start to end, so this is what you can do:

• always put important stuff in bullet points
• if it's more than three - you missed the point
• ask for one thing - and only one - at the end of the message

This will give you two important results:

1. People will actually start doing what you ask them to do
2. You will build continuous relationship with them

Getting an email from someone with a bunch of requests quite often ends up in a 'to-do-later' bin. However, if you give people small actionable tasks - you will make them more eager to work with you, but also it will create an impression of your relationship moving forward and being fruitful.

So remember - one thing at a time