Inbox Etiquette - Denver Posters

[Mike Stephens]

Hi All,

I've grabbed coffee recently with a a few newer investors here in Denver that I've connected with via BiggerPockets, and I was surprised to hear how many of them had reached out to very active members of BiggerPockets trying to connect for a coffee and just learn a little more about what people are doing in this market, just to have their messages not responded to, or conversations drug out with no obvious intention to connect. 

I'm curious what the consensus is here on proper etiquette? We tell new people all the time to try to hook-up with more experienced folks, and learn from them, and so it's strange to me to hear that frequent posters would also lack the common business courtesy of a response, even if just to say no thanks. If you're in the forums daily, it can't be a lack of time issue. Thoughts?

Mike

[Linda Weygant]

I am probably guilty of this.  I get people who reach out to me via Bigger Pockets wanting to connect.  I will sometimes not respond for one of several reasons:

1.  My career is deadline driven and I may be focused on a deadline.

2.  I am not currently accepting new CPA clients (although I hope to open that back up in November).  Many of the contacts I get are requesting a meeting to discuss my services.  I try to reply to people letting them know that I am not accepting new clients, but sometimes I don't.

3.  At last count, I have something on the order of 500 unread messages across 4 email accounts.  I'm doing the best I can to manage the volume, but I fall short sometimes.

4.  I am a complete and total introvert.  The thought of actually meeting a stranger can be terrifying.

5.  I am much more charming and coherent behind my keyboard than I am in person.

6.  I go to the BP meetups in Erie, Denver and Littleton and do the best I can to interact in a pleasant manner there.  Being able to hold a beer helps bring me out of my shell.  Before I go to those, I have to talk myself into them.  For newbies looking to connect, I recommend the meetups for a larger chance to connect with folks.