To start a follow-up email effectively, it's important to make the recipient feel valued and attended to. Here are some steps that can be derived from the provided excerpts to help you craft a thoughtful follow-up email:

1. Personal Connection: Begin with a personalized touch that shows you remember and care about the recipient as an individual. This could be a reference to a previous conversation or a detail from their personal life if appropriate. For example, "I hope you're having a great week and that your daughter's birthday celebration was a joyous occasion!"

2. Express Gratitude: Thank the recipient for their previous interaction, feedback, or the time they've already invested. A simple "Thank you for your time during our last conversation" or "I appreciate the insights you shared in our previous email exchange" can go a long way.

3. Be Respectful of Their Time: Acknowledge that you're aware of their busy schedule and express that you value the time they're taking to read your follow-up. For instance, "I know how busy you must be, so I'll keep this brief."

4. Reiterate Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of your follow-up without being too lengthy. This could include a brief mention of the topic you discussed previously or the next steps you're anticipating. For example, "I'm following up on our discussion about the upcoming project timeline."

5. Offer Value: If possible, include a piece of information or a suggestion that adds value to the conversation. This could be a resource, an idea, or a solution to a problem that was discussed earlier.

6. Be Prompt and Concise: Ensure that your email is to the point and that you respond in a timely manner. This shows attentiveness and respect for the recipient's time.

7. Close with an Invitation for Dialogue: Encourage a response by inviting the recipient to share their thoughts or questions. For example, "I'd love to hear your thoughts on this" or "Please let me know if there's anything else you need from my end."

By following these guidelines, you can create a follow-up email that is not only effective in maintaining communication but also demonstrates your commitment to building a genuine connection with the recipient. Remember, the goal is to make them feel heard and valued, which is a powerful tool in creating trust and connection.