If you’re a freelance creative, you’ve probably heard the phrase – “I’ll get back to you” more often than you could remember.
I’ve had my fair share of such experience and I can tell you; it’s possible to turn that response into a positive outcome!
I’ll share with you what I’ve learned over the years and what I did to maintain a helpful dialogue with clients, with confidence and composure.
Scroll down to learn more.
Table of Contents
Is it a rejection when they say “I will get back to you”?
How do I respond “I will get back to you” in a meeting?
How do I respond “I will get back to you” in an email?
How to turn “I will get back to you” to a closed deal?
What’s next?
Key pointers
Is it a rejection when they say “I will get back to you”?
My answer is – No, unless you assume it is.
There may be resistance; but clients normally say that because they’re afraid of giving you too much information. So when you get such response, do not immediately assume it’s a rejection.
Pause for a moment and try not to respond back impulsively either. This could put you at a disadvantage and you may end up making an unprofessional impression to your client.
That phrase could mean many things, depending on their responsibilities and decision-making process.
They may need time to discuss your proposal with other team members, consider their budget or preferring to wait for better terms.
Having said that, your job is to find out what exactly they need in order to move forward with a closed deal.
How do I respond “I will get back to you” in a meeting?
Here’s what you can do to establish an open dialogue with your potential client, enabling you to uncover their underlying meaning and what they need when they mentioned the phrase.
In meetings, start by expressing your understanding. Then, politely ask a follow-up question to identify areas where they may have hesitations.
You can ask:
“No problem at all, but are there anything you’re unsure about? Whether it’s the term or pricing, just let me know. I’m open for further discussion.”
Or:
“No problem at all, but if you don’t mind me asking, what would it take for this collaboration to work today?”
This approach communicates professionalism and helps to uncover the real barrier as to why clients hold back from committing to a deal.
Whether it’s about budget, timing, or the need for better terms, once you identify them, you can effectively address their hesitations.
How do I respond “I will get back to you” in an email?
With the same intention in mind, here is my suggestion on how to reply the email with a balance of professionalism and friendliness.
“Hey [Client’s First Name],
Thank you for getting back to me and for considering my proposal.
I understand these decisions do take time. Should you have anything you’re unsure about, whether it’s the term, pricing or anything else, just let me know. I’m open for further discussion to ensure your needs are covered.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
[Your Name]”
Besides encouraging an open communication, this write up example conveys your interest in working with the client, and opens the door for future collaborations.
What’s next?
It’s time to give yourself some credit because you’ve made an effort to remove communication barriers with your client.
At this point, stay confident and believe that you can get a good response because the chances are high.
If they need more clarification or information, continue the communication and guide your client towards a solution.
You can ask:
“What aspect of the proposal do you find unfavourable?”
Depending on their answers, consider making an offer that are mutually beneficial.
At this point, you’re in control of the conversation. So create a win-win situation that will allow everyone to commit to a closed deal.
You can say:
- “What if I can offer you some kind of payment plan. Would that help?”
- “What if I give you better terms?”
- “I truly believe we can create something amazing together. Here’s what I can do…”
How to turn “I will get back to you” to a closed deal?
This is the final stage where, trust me when I say this – your client will express readiness to move forward with a closed deal!
You’ve successfully navigated through the communication barriers, provided clarity and support that your client needs.
What’s left to do is to refine and finalise your contract. Make sure you clearly outline the agreed-upon terms like project timelines, deliverables and payment details.
Then, guide your client towards signing the contract to set the stage for a successful collaboration moving forward.
Key pointers
See “I will get back to you” not as a setback, but as an opportunity to position yourself as someone who can help your clients achieve their goals.
Keeping it simple is the key here.
I hope my simple advice have been helpful to you.
Feel free to share your thoughts with me in the comments below, and thanks for reading!
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