What great disapointment [sic] Mr Shawn .. All talk and no action
This was actually the fourth message I received from this person (not counting emails). At first it was just a few form letters and forwarded messages. But, eventually, the messages became more and more frequent and less and less professional. I eventually decided to block this person. Who was this person? Believe it or not, this was a founder and chairperson of a small but internationally renowned charity here in Dhaka.
I’d like to say that I got off on the wrong foot with this person… but the fact is I didn’t even have a chance to properly correspond with this person. It’s been increasingly hard to keep up with all the messages and comments people send me via YouTube, email, and Facebook. I try my best to reply to as many as I can. But, what often goes on the backburner are messages that are soliciting me to collaborate on a business (or social business) venture and/or requests to give some of the money that I have recently raised.
I know it’s important to team up with larger organization and like-minded individuals. I try and do so as often as I can. It’s just that with so many new people trying to contact me, it’s hard to keep up. Even my speaking event at the American International School in Dhaka took three months to arrange. I’m just one guy – it’s often hard to juggle everything that’s been going on as this project gains more and more interest. It’s for this reason – and my desire to avoid more messages like those I’ve recently received – that I’d like to mention a few things to any potential solicitor:
- Please realize I can’t possibly reply to every email that I receive.
- Please do not take my lack of response as a rebuke of your work or your idea.
- Please understand that, even if I pursue some options with others and not you, it doesn’t mean your idea/request is not equally as valid or good.
- Please also understand that, even though I am currently in Bangladesh, I fully intend to adhere to both US and Canadian law. This means that I have to be extra cautious when deciding who to team up with and who gets any of the money I’ve raised.
Finally, please keep your correspondence professional. As much as I’ve disappointed some people due to my lack of replies, the greater disappointment is finding out that many people believe that they are the gate-keepers for action and making a difference. Respectfully, even if I don’t pursue anything with you, it doesn’t mean I’m not making a difference.
