# Five check ins that ask for nothing

Give them something or notice something: news about them, an article they would enjoy, a useful introduction. Say plainly that no reply is needed, and do not tuck a request into the last line.

A check in works best when the reader can enjoy it in ten seconds and owes you nothing. Give them something, or notice something about them, and say a reply is optional. The moment a request appears in the last line, it stops being a check in. Each message below is complete as written.

## Five messages that ask for nothing

### A one liner, on their news

Fits a contact whose company has been in the news.

> Amani, I saw Mavuno Agritech in the news this week, and congratulations. No need to reply.

### A three sentence note sharing something

Fits someone whose interests you know.

> Hana, I read an article this week about shading courtyards in hot climates and thought of the school campus you described at the urban design biennale. The part on planted screens reminded me of how you approached summer heat. No reply needed; I thought you would enjoy it.

### One with a concrete offer

Fits a contact who mentioned a problem some time ago.

> Salma, nothing needed from you. I came across a temperature logger that handles the readings you mentioned at the food logistics expo.
>
> If an introduction would help Jalwa Fresh Logistics, I am glad to make it. If the timing is wrong, ignore this happily.

### One for a warmer relationship, at a season

Fits a contact you know personally.

> Noor, wishing you a good season ahead. I hope it is calm at the resort, and that the kitchen refit is going well.

### One in a more formal register, on a milestone

Fits a senior contact or a client whose organisation has reached something public.

> Dear Mr Pillai,
>
> I read of the new warehouse at Kavach Pharma Distribution and wanted to send my congratulations. It is a considerable achievement, and I hope the team takes a moment to enjoy it.
>
> With kind regards,

## Good reasons to check in

Their news: a new role, a launch, an award, a move.
Your news, if it touches theirs.
A date they care about, such as a birthday.
Something you read that fits a problem they described.

## Where Marrow fits

Tell Marrow what someone cares about in a note and it stays on their record. The daily brief lists birthdays in the next week and people going quiet. Ask for a draft and Marrow writes one from what you told it, marked not sent. You send it yourself, because Marrow does not send messages on your behalf. Marrow is in Beta. If you keep in touch with a small circle, a note in your calendar may be enough.

## Related

- [Follow up message templates](/templates)
- [Messages after a long silence](/templates/after-a-long-silence)
- [Thank you after coffee](/templates/thank-you-after-coffee)
- [A keep in touch cadence that works](/guides/keep-in-touch-cadence)

Last updated 10 October 2026. Canonical: https://usemarrow.com/templates/checking-in-without-asking