We all know the feeling: you’ve sent an email about your latest show, product, or booking request, and the reply sits—invisible, silent, and unanswered. Should you follow up? Are you bugging them? Is it all just another rejection?
On this episode of the Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske sit down for a candid coffee-shop-style chat about why following up is so hard—and so critically important for independent musicians and entrepreneurs.
Listen to the episode here
The Real Reason We Hesitate to Follow Up
According to Tara Brueske, fear is at the root for many of us: it’s that negative assumption that a lack of response equals rejection. Our minds spin stories—maybe our message wasn’t good enough or we’ve already crossed the line into “too many emails.” But, as both Bree Noble and Tara Brueske point out, sometimes people are simply busy. “Even if I’m deleting, it doesn’t mean I don’t like them,” says Tara Brueske.
If you look at your own inbox, there are probably unread or deleted emails from people and brands you actually care about—you just weren’t in the right headspace at the time.
Why Following Up Matters More Than Ever
With packed inboxes and short attention spans Tara Brueske shares a stat: “We lose 50% of new info in the first hour, and 70% within 24 hours!”), following up is a necessity, not a nuisance. Bree Noble reminds us that sometimes the timing just isn’t right, or your first message simply got lost in the shuffle. Consistent, strategic follow up is a service to your audience, helping them take action on something they’re actually interested in.
How to Follow Up Effectively (Without Feeling Pushy)
– Switch Up Your Method: Don’t rely on just one channel. Try email, DMs, voice memos, or even phone calls—mix it up to meet people where they are.
– Change the Angle: Each follow-up doesn’t have to repeat your last message. Appeal to emotional buyers with stories, logical buyers with facts, and the procrastinators with reminders or deadlines.
– Resend to Unopens: Tools let you re-send emails to people who didn’t open your message the first time—just tweak the subject line and try a different time of day.
– Track Your Interactions: Don’t just guess—keep a spreadsheet of who you’ve reached out to, when, and how. You’ll likely find you haven’t followed up as much as you thought.
– Be Timely and Consistent: For bookings, follow up at relevant times (per the venue’s schedule) and after gigs, send a thank you by email or snail mail to build relationships.
Turning Follow Up Into Real Results
Rejection is part of the journey, but it’s not the whole story. Tara Brueske shares that some bookings only came through after 3-7 touchpoints—and some venues will even tell you exactly when to check back! Following up isn’t just persistence; it’s about matching your timing to their needs.
Don’t forget post-gig follow up either: thank you notes, testimonial requests, and gathering video reactions help turn one-off events into repeat gigs and powerful social proof. Bree Noble suggests asking for a single sentence testimonial right after the show, and Tara Brueske recommends enlisting a friend to grab quick audience videos while the moment’s still fresh.
Motivating Yourself When You Don’t Feel Like It
Feeling unmotivated or overwhelmed by the idea of more follow up? Bree Noble has a simple trick: “Ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen?” In almost every case, the risk is minimal, and the potential rewards—new gigs, sales, deeper relationships—are well worth it.
Plus, as Tara Brueske reminds us, “Target has no problem sending emails every day… Retailers are relentless!” If you’re delivering value, don’t apologize for showing up.
Need a Motivation Boost?
Both Bree Noble and Tara Brueske are open to DMs on Instagram. If you ever need a pep talk, just reach out!
Important Links Mentioned In This Episode
– The Musician’s Profit Path by Bree Noble
– 20 Must-Have Booking Tips Every Musician Needsby Tara Brueske
– Bree Noble on Instagram @profitablemusicianllc
– Tara Brueske on Instagram @tarabrueskemusic
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What’s your best follow up tactic, or what’s held you back? Share your stories or questions—let’s keep the conversation going!