Don't Ask to Ask

Inefficient: 6.5+ hours

The slow way

Every now and then, someone does this:

[13:00] Person A: Hi

[14:40] Person B: Hi

[14:55] Person A: I have a question

[15:30] Person B: Sure, ask away.

[15:50] Person A: Are you interested in a good job?

[17:25] Person B: Yes, I am.

[17:30] Person A: I can help you get a good job.

[18:35] Person B: How?

[19:40] Person A: Here is a link. Here are details: [DETAILS]

Result: Nine messages and 6+ hours to get to the point.

Efficient: 1.5 hours

The fast way

Putting the details in the first message

[13:00] Person A: Hi! I have a question. Are you interested in a good job? I can help you get a good job. Here is a link. Here are details: [DETAILS]

[14:40] Person B: Yes, I am! This looks great. How do I get started?

Result: Two messages, and a decision in 1.5 hours.

Why this works

Saves time

Nobody waits for permission to ask

Less to track

One message instead of a thread

Respects time

The other person can answer in one go, when they read it