Relevance + Relationships = Responsiveness
Have you tried to get someone’s attention lately and gotten crickets…nothing…back? Whether it’s a potential client, a busy colleague, or even just your teenager, it’s harder than ever to cut through the noise.
I get it — we are all INUNDATED with emails, texts, DMs, notifications, pings and dings. So when something does catch your attention, it’s probably not because it’s louder. I’d bet that it’s smarter, more thoughtful, and acutely relevant to your needs.
This subtle shift is happening in public relations, but the lesson applies far beyond my industry. I’m confident that these three things—relevance, relationships, and responsiveness—will help you get noticed, no matter the subject matter.
Start with relevance.
Before you hit send on your message, pause and ask yourself: why would this matter to them? Not to you—to them.
We all instinctively open the messages that feel like they were meant for us—and ignore the ones that don’t. Whether you’re making an introduction, asking for something, or sharing an idea, a small amount of thoughtfulness and context goes a long way. Make sure you explicitly spell out your “why” up front.
Relationships still run the show.
In 2026, real relationships are your edge. People respond to people they know, like, and trust. Trust me, it’s that simple.
This doesn’t mean working a room or collecting business cards. It means showing up, and following up. Checking in, not checking out: staying connected even when you don’t need something. Those small, consistent touchpoints build trust, and trust is what gets returned calls, opened emails, and yes, actual responses.
The fastest way to get ignored?
Irrelevance. Every time. If something feels off-target, most of us don’t give it a second chance: we delete and move on. So if you can’t clearly answer why your message matters to the person receiving it, it’s probably not ready to send, or should not be sent at all.
And about those shortcuts…
Yes, technology makes it easier than ever to reach more people, faster. But people can spot a mass ChatGPT-written email from a mile away. If you are using generative AI to help you capture someone’s attention, use it thoughtfully. Don’t let it replace your voice, your tone, your personality.
The bottom line: You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room, you just have to be the one that actually resonates.
That’s how you actually get through.
