The more connection you have with them right away, the more leeway they'll give you. The less you have, the faster you lose them. Some sample (nonscientific) windows: A cold email or online ad: A 0.3- to 3-second window before they engage or move on A cold call: A 3- to 30-second window Walking door-to-door: A 3- to 60-second window Compare these to: A referral: 15 minutes–1 hour A best friend or parent: Unlimited (in fact, you may be the one who wants to limit the time!)
