Introducing a Warp It reuse programme into your organisation might take some perseverance, it might take creating a business case, it might take demonstrating an existing failing system, and it might take sharing some case studies as proof of the model.

However you have to do it, it’s likely that emails are going to be involved. So, we’ve put together 5 top tips to help you get noticed in the inboxes of senior management, who might think that they are too busy for reuse.

Tip one: Keep it short and make your request clear

All too often people are sent messages like ‘Let’s have a quick 5-minute chat’ or ‘Can I bother you for 10 minutes?’. This isn’t helpful. What is helpful to do is to pre-define the topics you wish to talk about, the length of the call, and even suggest a day and time for the call.

Here’s an example:

John, I’d like to discuss reuse and potentially available storage units on site. I am available for a call on Friday between 1 pm and 5 pm. Does this work for you?

Tip two: Make a big first impression, then follow up with quality content

First impressions count for everything. If you can get in front of the person you’re trying to email and make sure that they will remember you, it’s a great start and will massively increase your chances of a positive email response. Just be careful not to fill that first email with fluff, but instead with information, data, relevant points, and written in the language they will understand (a problem for an engineer, numbers and currencies for a financial person).

Important: Don’t make yourself an unwelcome guest in their inbox!

Tip three: Make it clear that they are the relevant person and you’ve done your research

There’s nothing worse than being asked questions that could be answered by Google, or being asked questions that are not relevant to you and your position. Make it clear that you’ve talked to other people, done your research, and that you are sure they are the person you need to be talking to.

Example: ‘Hey John, after speaking to Sally in Procurement, I’m aware that you and I must have a meeting to make progress the reuse programme. It won’t take long.’

Tip four: Try and reference somebody above them

If there are any people higher in the hierarchy than the person you are emailing, and you’ve had contact with them about the topic, don’t be afraid to namedrop them. This is a great trick that gives more authority and credibility to your request. Tip five: Make it clear that it’s fine for them to be too busy

They are senior management, after all, so it’s likely that they will be busy or preoccupied. Interestingly, people are more likely to respond and book in a call or meeting if you make it clear that you respect their time. You might even want to try an alternative to your request, so if they don’t have time for a call on Friday, perhaps you can ask if you can drop by their office the following week?.

Tip five: Compete, add value, be persistent

Some people delete more emails than they actually read, and some people are so busy with their day-to-day operations that if you try and engage them for something outside of that, they will simply shut it down. Remember that you are competing for their time and attention, so you must be clear, concise, helpful, and worth their engagement. 

It's not always easy to get people on board

These tips will at least grab their attention