The Cost of Inaction: Jason Feifer on Why ‘Asking’ Isn’t Enough

In a recent LinkedIn post, Jason Feifer discusses a peculiar form of professional ghosting he frequently encounters, highlighting the critical importance of follow-through after initiating contact. Feifer, who is the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine, describes a pattern where individuals approach him after speaking engagements or events, express interest in coverage or podcast appearances, and then fail to follow up after receiving his contact information.

The ‘Asking, Not Doing’ Phenomenon

Feifer identifies a recurring scenario that he terms a specific type of ghosting: people who ask for something but then do not take the necessary subsequent steps. He illustrates this with common examples:

“I speak at an event. Afterward, someone from the audience runs up to me. They pitch their company for Entrepreneur coverage, or to be on my podcast. It sounds promising. I give them my email address, and say to follow up. Then they never do.”

This pattern, according to Feifer, is not just a minor inconvenience but a significant missed opportunity for the individuals involved. He questions the motivation behind such actions, pointing out the futility of initiating contact without a commitment to the next phase.

The Undervalued Power of Follow-Up

Central to Feifer’s argument is the principle that taking the initial step requires a commitment to the follow-up. He posits that without this dedication, the entire interaction becomes pointless, wasting the time of everyone involved.

“Here’s a rule: If you’re going to take a first action, you must be committed to the follow up,” Feifer writes in his post. He emphasizes that the act of asking alone yields no tangible results, whereas consistent follow-up can lead to significant gains.

Why Follow-Up Matters

Feifer argues that the failure to follow up demonstrates a lack of seriousness or strategic thinking. In a professional context, especially when seeking opportunities like media coverage or podcast appearances, persistence and diligent action are paramount. He contrasts the emptiness of asking with the potential rewards of sustained effort:

“You get nothing by asking. You get everything by following up.”

This perspective underscores a broader business principle: ideas and opportunities require execution. Feifer’s observation serves as a reminder to professionals about the necessity of seeing initiatives through to completion, rather than abandoning them after the initial outreach.

Taking Action Beyond the First Step

The insights shared by Feifer encourage a more proactive and committed approach to professional networking and opportunity seeking. He suggests that individuals should evaluate their own actions and ensure that their initial steps are part of a larger, actionable plan.

As Jason Feifer notes, the true value lies not in the initial request, but in the persistence and effort demonstrated through follow-up actions. This focus on execution is crucial for anyone looking to make meaningful connections and achieve their professional goals.