In the last few weeks I've been sharing strategies for effective follow-up. But it struck me today that I forgot to mention the most important factor that ensures you get results from your follow-up.

It's to make it a habit.

Follow up once and you might get noticed.

Follow up two or three times and you'll probably be remembered a few weeks down the line.

But follow up (in a way that people value) week in, week out for months and years and you'll become a key part of your clients and prospects lives.

It's like compound interest really. You don't notice the effect at first but each follow-up builds on the previous to create a lasting impression.

The secret of making follow-up a habit is to plan it into your schedule and ideally to do it at the same date and time every week. Like going to the gym or reading. Make it something you just do rather than something you have to think about.