1What Is It?
The 4-Channel Client Acquisition Strategy for New VAs
Open by naming the 4 channels and why they are the right starting points
Now that you have your business foundations from Lesson 13 and your digital presence from Lesson 14, it is time for the conversation that everyone has been waiting for: how do you actually get clients and start earning?
There are 4 channels I want you to focus on as a new VA. They are: your warm network, social media outreach, freelance platforms, and content marketing. Each of these channels works differently, requires a different amount of time to see results, and is suited to a different type of client. By the end of this lesson you will have a clear daily action plan across all 4.
Before I walk you through each channel, I want to address the biggest mistake beginners make: waiting until they feel "ready" before reaching out to anyone. The truth is that you will never feel 100% ready. The first client teaches you more than the first 3 months of preparation. So we are going to build action into this lesson from the very first step.
There are 4 channels I want you to focus on as a new VA. They are: your warm network, social media outreach, freelance platforms, and content marketing. Each of these channels works differently, requires a different amount of time to see results, and is suited to a different type of client. By the end of this lesson you will have a clear daily action plan across all 4.
Before I walk you through each channel, I want to address the biggest mistake beginners make: waiting until they feel "ready" before reaching out to anyone. The truth is that you will never feel 100% ready. The first client teaches you more than the first 3 months of preparation. So we are going to build action into this lesson from the very first step.
2Why Do I Need It?
Why a Multi-Channel Strategy Beats Going All-In on One Platform
Explain why spreading across channels reduces risk and accelerates your first client
Most beginners pick one channel, whether that is cold DMs on Instagram or signing up on Fiverr, and then give up after 2 weeks when nothing happens. The problem is not the channel. The problem is that one channel is not enough in the beginning.
Here is why a multi-channel strategy works better, especially in the first 30 days. Your warm network gives you the fastest results because trust is already there. Social media outreach gives you reach without needing a big following. Freelance platforms give you access to international clients who are already searching. Content marketing builds long-term authority that brings clients to you over time.
None of these channels works overnight. But when you are active on all 4 at the same time, you dramatically increase the number of touchpoints between you and potential clients. One person sees your LinkedIn post. Another sees your WhatsApp status. A third finds your Fiverr gig. Your first client may come from any of them, and often from the one you least expect.
Here is why a multi-channel strategy works better, especially in the first 30 days. Your warm network gives you the fastest results because trust is already there. Social media outreach gives you reach without needing a big following. Freelance platforms give you access to international clients who are already searching. Content marketing builds long-term authority that brings clients to you over time.
None of these channels works overnight. But when you are active on all 4 at the same time, you dramatically increase the number of touchpoints between you and potential clients. One person sees your LinkedIn post. Another sees your WhatsApp status. A third finds your Fiverr gig. Your first client may come from any of them, and often from the one you least expect.
The reality of first client timelines
Most new VAs land their first client within 2 to 6 weeks of consistent, multi-channel outreach. "Consistent" means daily action, not occasional effort. The students who land clients fastest are not the most talented: they are the ones who reach out to the most people.
3Show Me
Your 4 Client Acquisition Channels: How Each One Works
Walk through each channel with specifics: who it reaches, what it requires, and what first results look like
Let us go through each channel in detail.
Channel 1: Warm Network
Fastest results, highest conversion
Your warm network is everyone who already knows you: former colleagues, classmates, church members, family friends, people you have helped before. You are not asking them to hire you. You are letting them know you have started a business and asking if they know anyone who might need your services.
Start today
Channel 3: Freelance Platforms
International clients, slower ramp-up
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour connect you directly to international clients searching for VAs. The key is a well-optimised profile and a specific, niche gig. It takes 2 to 6 weeks to get your first order, but once you do, reviews compound. Your first international client could pay you in dollars, pounds, or euros.
Set up this week
Channel 4: Content Marketing
Long term, inbound client attraction
Posting consistently on LinkedIn and Instagram about VA tips, your journey, client wins (without naming clients), and useful resources for business owners builds an audience that trusts you before they ever reach out. This is slow to start but becomes your most powerful channel after 60 to 90 days.
Build over time
Channel 1 in depth: the warm network message
Walk through the warm network DM formula and give a real example
The warm network message has 4 parts. First, a genuine personal opener: something that connects you to that specific person. Second, a one-sentence announcement: you have started a virtual assistant business. Third, a short, specific description of who you help and what you do. Fourth, a no-pressure ask: do they know anyone who might be a good fit, or would they be open to a short chat?
The key is that you are not asking them to hire you directly. That makes the message feel less like a pitch and more like a conversation. Most of your first clients will come from warm network referrals, which means someone in your contacts knows someone who needs you. You just have to tell your contacts what you do.
The key is that you are not asking them to hire you directly. That makes the message feel less like a pitch and more like a conversation. Most of your first clients will come from warm network referrals, which means someone in your contacts knows someone who needs you. You just have to tell your contacts what you do.
📲 Template: Warm Network Message (WhatsApp or DM)
Version A: to a friend or former colleague
Hey [Name], I hope you are doing well! I have been meaning to reach out. I recently launched my virtual assistant business where I help coaches and small business owners with [social media management / email management / admin tasks]. It is something I have been building skills in for a while and I am really excited about it.
I know you have a wide network, so I wanted to let you know in case you hear of anyone who might need that kind of support. And if you yourself ever feel like things are getting too busy to handle alone, I would love to chat. No pressure at all, just wanted to put it out there!
I know you have a wide network, so I wanted to let you know in case you hear of anyone who might need that kind of support. And if you yourself ever feel like things are getting too busy to handle alone, I would love to chat. No pressure at all, just wanted to put it out there!
Version B: to a contact you know less well
Hi [Name], hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and we [met at / connected through / were in the same class for] [context]. I recently started a virtual assistant business helping Nigerian entrepreneurs and small business owners manage their [social media / email / admin tasks] so they can focus on growing their businesses.
I would appreciate it if you could keep me in mind for anyone in your network who might need that kind of support. I have attached my portfolio in case you would like to see my work. Thank you so much!
I would appreciate it if you could keep me in mind for anyone in your network who might need that kind of support. I have attached my portfolio in case you would like to see my work. Thank you so much!
Send this to at least 20 people in the first week. Not 2. Not 5. Twenty. The goal is not to get 20 yeses. It is to plant 20 seeds. Some will grow slowly; some will grow fast; some will not grow at all. That is normal.
Channel 2 in depth: the cold DM strategy
Explain the difference between a cold DM that works and one that gets ignored
A cold DM is a message to someone who does not know you yet. Most cold DMs fail because they lead with a pitch. "Hi, I am a VA, here are my services, let me know if you are interested." That message tells the other person nothing about what is in it for them and everything about what you want. It gets ignored.
A cold DM that works leads with something specific about their business, shows that you have actually paid attention to what they do, and offers a useful observation or resource before making any ask. The structure is: specific compliment or observation, value-add (something free and genuinely useful), and then a soft question or offer.
A cold DM that works leads with something specific about their business, shows that you have actually paid attention to what they do, and offers a useful observation or resource before making any ask. The structure is: specific compliment or observation, value-add (something free and genuinely useful), and then a soft question or offer.
💼 Template: Cold DM (LinkedIn or Instagram)
LinkedIn cold DM to a coach or consultant
Hi [Name], I came across your post about [specific topic they posted about] and it really resonated with me. I work as a virtual assistant specialising in [your niche] and I noticed that [specific observation about their business, e.g. you are posting consistently but your engagement seems to drop after the first hour, which is often a timing issue]. That is something I help clients with regularly.
I am not pitching you right now; I just wanted to reach out and say I think what you are building is great. If you ever feel like the admin and content side is taking too much time away from the actual coaching, I would love to have a quick chat. Happy to share some of what I have seen work for similar businesses if that would be useful.
I am not pitching you right now; I just wanted to reach out and say I think what you are building is great. If you ever feel like the admin and content side is taking too much time away from the actual coaching, I would love to have a quick chat. Happy to share some of what I have seen work for similar businesses if that would be useful.
Instagram DM to a small business owner
Hi [Name]! I have been following your page for a while and I love what you are doing with [specific thing about their brand or content]. I am a virtual assistant who helps Nigerian business owners with [your services]. I noticed [a specific, genuine observation about something you could help with]. It is a small thing but it makes a big difference in [result you deliver].
I would love to share a quick tip if you are open to it, no strings attached. Just a fan of your work reaching out.
I would love to share a quick tip if you are open to it, no strings attached. Just a fan of your work reaching out.
Research each person for 5 minutes before messaging. Read their last 3 posts. Know something specific. Generic compliments like "I love your work" do not count as specific. "I loved how you explained X in your Tuesday post" does.
4Let's Do It
Setting Up on Freelance Platforms and Handling Objections
Cover the freelance platform setup essentials and then walk through objection-handling
For Channel 3, the two platforms I recommend starting with for Nigerian VAs are Fiverr and Upwork. Let me tell you what you need to know about each.
On Fiverr, your "gig" is your listing. The key is to be specific. Do not title your gig "I will be your virtual assistant." That is what every single beginner writes. Instead, title it something like "I will manage your email inbox, schedule, and admin tasks as your dedicated VA" or "I will create and schedule 30 days of social media content for your coaching business." Specific gigs rank better, attract better clients, and charge higher prices.
On Upwork, you apply for posted jobs. The same rule applies: generic proposals get ignored. Read the job post carefully. Respond to at least 3 specific things the client mentioned. Show that you understood their problem before you tell them you can solve it.
Now, here is something important for both platforms: do not expect your first order in 48 hours. Fiverr and Upwork favour sellers who already have reviews. Getting your first review is the hardest part. You may need to price slightly lower in the beginning, or offer a bonus deliverable to get that first order and testimonial. Once you have 3 to 5 positive reviews, things accelerate significantly.
On Fiverr, your "gig" is your listing. The key is to be specific. Do not title your gig "I will be your virtual assistant." That is what every single beginner writes. Instead, title it something like "I will manage your email inbox, schedule, and admin tasks as your dedicated VA" or "I will create and schedule 30 days of social media content for your coaching business." Specific gigs rank better, attract better clients, and charge higher prices.
On Upwork, you apply for posted jobs. The same rule applies: generic proposals get ignored. Read the job post carefully. Respond to at least 3 specific things the client mentioned. Show that you understood their problem before you tell them you can solve it.
Now, here is something important for both platforms: do not expect your first order in 48 hours. Fiverr and Upwork favour sellers who already have reviews. Getting your first review is the hardest part. You may need to price slightly lower in the beginning, or offer a bonus deliverable to get that first order and testimonial. Once you have 3 to 5 positive reviews, things accelerate significantly.
The 5 most common client objections and how to handle them
Preempt discouragement by arming students with comeback lines for every major objection
When you start reaching out to potential clients, you will hear certain responses over and over. Let me show you what to say to each one.
| What they say | What it usually really means | What you say back |
|---|---|---|
| "I don't have the budget for that right now." | They have not yet seen the value clearly enough to justify the cost. | "I completely understand. Would it help if I started with a smaller, focused package so you can see the value before committing to a larger one? I have an entry-level option that might be a good fit." |
| "I need to think about it." | They are interested but not convinced yet. They need more information or a lower-risk entry point. | "Of course, take all the time you need. Can I send you my portfolio and a quick overview of what working together would look like? That way you have everything you need when you are ready to decide." |
| "I've tried VAs before and it didn't work out." | They have had a bad experience and need to see why you are different. | "I hear that a lot, and I appreciate you sharing it. Can I ask what went wrong? I would love to understand what you experienced so I can show you how I handle that differently." |
| "I'm not sure I can trust someone I've never met." | This is a legitimate concern, especially for remote work. They need trust signals. | "That is a completely reasonable concern for remote work. I would suggest starting with a small, low-risk project first so we can build trust before I have access to anything sensitive. My portfolio and LinkedIn are also there to show my track record." |
| "Can't I just do this myself?" | They have not yet calculated the cost of their own time, or they do not yet trust you to do it as well as they would. | "You absolutely can! The question is whether that is the best use of your time as a business owner. If you spend 10 hours a week on admin tasks, that is 10 hours you are not spending on the things that only you can do, like your clients and your growth." |
5Now You Try
Your 30-Day Client Outreach Plan
Give them a concrete daily action plan and show them the outreach tracker they will use
Here is the 30-day plan broken into 3 phases. Phase 1 is your launch week. Phase 2 is your momentum phase. Phase 3 is your evaluation and iteration phase.
In Phase 1, days 1 to 7, your one job is to activate your warm network and set up your platforms. Send 20 warm network messages. Set up your Fiverr gig and your Upwork profile. Update all your social media bios with your VA positioning.
In Phase 2, days 8 to 21, you shift to consistent daily outreach. Every day: 3 researched cold DMs on LinkedIn or Instagram, 1 piece of content posted (can be a tip, a reflection on your journey, a behind-the-scenes), and a follow-up message to anyone who responded in the previous 2 days but has not yet committed.
In Phase 3, days 22 to 30, you evaluate. Which channel generated the most responses? Which type of message got the best replies? Which types of clients engaged most? Use those answers to double down on what is working and adjust what is not. If you have not landed a client yet, that is okay. The system needs time. Keep going.
In Phase 1, days 1 to 7, your one job is to activate your warm network and set up your platforms. Send 20 warm network messages. Set up your Fiverr gig and your Upwork profile. Update all your social media bios with your VA positioning.
In Phase 2, days 8 to 21, you shift to consistent daily outreach. Every day: 3 researched cold DMs on LinkedIn or Instagram, 1 piece of content posted (can be a tip, a reflection on your journey, a behind-the-scenes), and a follow-up message to anyone who responded in the previous 2 days but has not yet committed.
In Phase 3, days 22 to 30, you evaluate. Which channel generated the most responses? Which type of message got the best replies? Which types of clients engaged most? Use those answers to double down on what is working and adjust what is not. If you have not landed a client yet, that is okay. The system needs time. Keep going.
The rule: 5 meaningful outreach actions every single day
A meaningful action is a warm message sent, a cold DM sent, a follow-up sent, a profile updated, or a piece of content posted. Scrolling LinkedIn counts as research, not an action. Thinking about what to write counts as preparation, not an action. The rule is 5 completed actions per day. Track them in the workbook template.
Sample outreach tracker
| Date | Channel | Who I contacted | What I sent | Status | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Warm network | Former NYSC colleague (Emeka) | WhatsApp message using Template A | Sent | Follow up in 3 days if no reply |
| Day 1 | Warm network | Church friend who runs a bakery | WhatsApp message using Template B | Replied, sent portfolio | Schedule discovery call |
| Day 2 | Social media | Instagram coach with 8k followers | Cold DM referencing their Tuesday post | Not sent yet | Research their content first |
| Day 2 | Platform | Fiverr gig setup | Published "Social Media VA" gig | Live | Optimise thumbnail this week |
Copy this tracker into a Google Sheet and track every single outreach action. Clients do not come from the messages you thought about sending. They come from the ones you actually sent.
6Your Task
Lesson 15 Assignment
This lesson's assignment
Activate all 4 channels this week. Send 10 warm network messages, 5 cold DMs, set up your Fiverr gig, and post one piece of VA content on LinkedIn or Instagram.
- 1
Warm network: Write a list of 20 people in your phone contacts or on WhatsApp who could either hire you or refer you to someone who would. Send warm network messages to at least 10 of them today. Use the templates from Step 3 as your starting point and personalise each one.
- 2
Cold DMs: Identify 5 potential clients on LinkedIn or Instagram. Spend 5 minutes researching each one before you write. Send 5 personalised cold DMs using the structure: specific observation, value-add, soft ask. Use ChatGPT Prompt 1 from the Prompt Library to draft each message quickly.
- 3
Fiverr setup: Create a Fiverr account if you do not have one. Set up 1 VA gig with a specific, keyword-rich title (not "I will be your virtual assistant"). Write your gig description using ChatGPT Prompt 2. Add a clean Canva-designed thumbnail. Set pricing at 3 levels: Basic, Standard, and Premium.
- 4
Content post: Write one LinkedIn or Instagram post about your VA journey, a useful tip for business owners, or something you have learned from this course. Use ChatGPT Prompt 3 to help you draft it. Post it and engage with any comments within the first hour.
- 5
Tracker: Create a copy of the outreach tracker table in Google Sheets. Log every action you take from this day forward. Your tracker is your accountability tool: if it is empty, your pipeline is empty.
7What Did You Create?
You Are Now Actively in the Market
Close by reframing the feeling of putting yourself out there and naming what they have done today
Before today, your VA business existed on paper and in your head. After today, real people in your world know about it. Potential clients online have received a message from you. A Fiverr gig with your name on it is live on the internet, visible to clients in the UK, the US, Canada, and anywhere else in the world where people are searching for VAs.
That is not a small thing. A lot of people learn the skills, do the exercises, and then never send the first message because it feels uncomfortable to put themselves out there. You sent the messages. You are in the market now.
In Lesson 16, we are going to cover discovery calls and client onboarding, so that when the replies start coming in (and they will), you know exactly what to say and do next. The conversation you started today needs a next step. Lesson 16 gives you that.
That is not a small thing. A lot of people learn the skills, do the exercises, and then never send the first message because it feels uncomfortable to put themselves out there. You sent the messages. You are in the market now.
In Lesson 16, we are going to cover discovery calls and client onboarding, so that when the replies start coming in (and they will), you know exactly what to say and do next. The conversation you started today needs a next step. Lesson 16 gives you that.
- At least 10 warm network messages sent via WhatsApp or DM
- At least 5 researched cold DMs sent on LinkedIn or Instagram
- Fiverr account created and first VA gig published and live
- One piece of content posted on LinkedIn or Instagram
- Outreach tracker created in Google Sheets and first entries logged
WWorkbook
Lesson 15 Student Workbook
Instructions
Complete all 3 parts before you start any outreach. Planning before you message makes every message better and faster to write.
🤝 Part A: My Warm Network List
List 20 people you can send a warm network message to this week:
Former colleagues, classmates, church or mosque contacts, family friends, WhatsApp group contacts, LinkedIn connections. Anyone who knows you personally.
1.
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18.
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20.
💬 Part B: My Cold Outreach Targets
List 5 potential clients I have identified on LinkedIn or Instagram:
Include their name/handle, what they do, and the specific observation that will make your DM personal.
Target 1:
Observation:
Target 2:
Observation:
Target 3:
Observation:
Target 4:
Observation:
Target 5:
Observation:
🌍 Part C: My Fiverr Gig Plan
My Fiverr gig title (specific, keyword-rich, not generic):
My gig category and subcategory:
Category:
Subcategory:
My 3 pricing tiers:
Basic (₦):
Basic includes:
Standard (₦):
Standard includes:
Premium (₦):
Premium includes:
My first piece of content to post on LinkedIn or Instagram (topic):
TTask
Activate All 4 Acquisition Channels This Week
Time: 3 to 4 hours across the week (45 to 60 min per day)
Output: 10 warm messages sent, 5 cold DMs sent, 1 live Fiverr gig, 1 content post, and a completed outreach tracker in Google Sheets.
Day 1: Warm Network Activation (60 minutes)
- 1
Open your phone contacts and WhatsApp. Write down 20 names in your workbook. You do not need their explicit permission to reach out: they are your contacts.
- 2
Open ChatGPT. Use Prompt 4 from the Prompt Library to personalise the warm network template for each person. Change at least 2 things in each message so it does not feel copy-pasted.
- 3
Send at least 10 messages today. WhatsApp is fine. Instagram DM is fine. Email is fine. The medium does not matter. What matters is that 10 people now know about your VA business who did not know yesterday.
- 4
Log each message in your Google Sheets tracker (channel, name, what you sent, status). This is not optional: you cannot manage your pipeline if you cannot see it.
Day 2 to 3: Cold DMs and Fiverr Setup (90 minutes across 2 days)
- 1
Go to LinkedIn. Search for: "business coach Nigeria," "course creator Nigeria," "consultant Lagos," "entrepreneur Abuja." Look at profiles and identify 5 people who (a) look busy and engaged, (b) post regularly, and (c) seem to be building a business that a VA could support.
- 2
For each person, spend 5 minutes on their profile. Read their last 3 posts. Note 1 specific thing you could mention. Draft a DM using Prompt 1 from the Prompt Library. Send it. Log it in your tracker.
- 3
Go to fiverr.com. Create an account with your professional name and email. Navigate to "Selling" then "Gigs" then "Create a new gig." Use your Fiverr gig plan from the workbook to fill in the title, category, description, and pricing. Use Prompt 2 to write your gig description.
- 4
Design a Fiverr gig thumbnail in Canva: 550px by 370px. Use your brand colours from Lesson 13, add a clear service name (e.g. "VA for Coaches"), and keep it clean. Upload it to your gig. Publish the gig.
Day 4 to 5: Content and Follow-Up (60 minutes)
- 1
Write and post one piece of content on LinkedIn or Instagram. Topic options: "3 things I have learned starting my VA business," "Why Nigerian entrepreneurs need a VA," "How I use AI to do in 1 hour what used to take a full day." Use Prompt 3 to draft it. Post it and respond to every comment within the first 2 hours.
- 2
Check your warm network replies. For anyone who replied positively or asked a question, send a follow-up within 24 hours. Use Prompt 5 to draft a follow-up message that moves toward a discovery call or a portfolio share.
- 3
Review your tracker: what has the response rate been? What type of message got the most replies? Note your observations. You will use this data in Lesson 17 when we talk about refining your outreach strategy.
🚀
Lesson 15 Complete!
You are now actively in the market with 4 channels working for you. Lesson 16 covers what to do when a potential client says yes: discovery calls, proposals, and onboarding.
AIPrompts
Lesson 15 Prompt Library
Add to your Prompt Library Google Doc
Open your "My AI Prompt Library" document, add the heading "Lesson 15: Finding Your First Clients," and paste all five prompts below.
Client Acquisition Prompts
Prompt 1: Write a cold DM to a potential VA client
"Write a cold DM for me to send on [LinkedIn / Instagram] to a potential VA client. Here is my research on them: Name: [name]. What they do: [their business or role]. Specific thing I noticed about their content or business: [observation]. My VA niche and main services: [your niche and services]. Structure the message in 3 parts: (1) a specific, genuine opening that references my research, (2) a brief mention of a value I can offer or an observation that shows I understand their world, (3) a soft, pressure-free close that invites a conversation, not a sale. Keep it under 150 words. Sound warm and human, not robotic or salesy."
Run this prompt for each cold DM target. Fill in the research details for each person. The more specific the research, the better the message ChatGPT will write.
Prompt 2: Write a Fiverr gig description for a VA
"Write a Fiverr gig description for a Virtual Assistant offering [your specific service, e.g. social media management for coaches / email inbox management / admin support for small businesses]. The description should: open with the client's problem (not with 'I am a VA'), clearly describe what I will deliver in the gig, list 3 to 5 key benefits (not just features), and close with a clear call to action ('Order now' or 'Message me to discuss your needs'). Include a FAQ section with 3 questions and answers. Keep the total description under 500 words. Use keywords that Fiverr buyers searching for virtual assistants are likely to use."
A strong Fiverr description speaks to the buyer's problem, not the seller's credentials. Read it from the buyer's perspective: does it tell them what their business will look like after hiring you?
Prompt 3: Write a LinkedIn or Instagram content post about VA work
"Write a LinkedIn post for a new Virtual Assistant who helps [your niche]. Topic: [choose one: my VA journey so far / 3 things I wish business owners knew about working with a VA / how I use AI to do in 1 hour what used to take a full day / what a VA actually does that most business owners do not realise]. Make it conversational and authentic, not corporate. Use short paragraphs (1 to 2 sentences max). Open with a hook that stops the scroll. Include a question at the end to drive engagement. Add 3 to 5 relevant hashtags at the bottom. Target length: 200 to 250 words."
Post consistently, even when the post feels small. Your first 10 posts build the habit. Your first 30 posts start building an audience. Your first 60 posts start bringing enquiries.
Prompt 4: Personalise a warm network message
"Help me personalise a WhatsApp message to send to someone in my warm network to let them know I have started a VA business. Details about the person: Name: [name]. How I know them: [context, e.g. former NYSC colleague, university classmate, church member]. Something specific about them or our relationship: [any relevant detail]. My VA services: [your 2 to 3 main services]. My niche: [who I help]. Write a warm, natural message that sounds like me, not a template. Make it feel like a genuine personal update to a real person I know, not a mass broadcast. Keep it under 120 words."
Warm messages should never feel like they were sent to 20 people at once. Adding one specific personal detail (a reference to something you share, their business, their recent news) makes all the difference.
Prompt 5: Write a follow-up message after a warm network or cold DM reply
"Write a follow-up message for me to send to a potential client who [replied to my warm network message and said they are interested / replied to my cold DM and asked a question / said they would think about it / said they might need something soon]. What they said: [paste their reply]. My goal for this follow-up: [move toward a discovery call / share my portfolio / answer their question and keep the conversation going]. Keep the follow-up under 100 words. Be warm but move the conversation forward. Do not be pushy. End with one specific, easy-to-answer question."
Speed matters with follow-ups. Reply within 24 hours of every response you receive. A conversation that goes cold is much harder to restart than one you keep warm.