Quick Tip: Be Persistent in Getting Clients … Not a Pest
When it comes to getting clients, shyness can be your worst enemy.
It's important to be persistent when contacting potential clients. This lets them know that you're serious about working for them.
But you must not be a pest. And there's a fine line between the two. Here are 5 strategies for staying on the right side of that line.
Follow up quickly on your first contact
Let's say you make contact with a potential client at this year's Bootcamp.
Follow up with an email as soon as possible … even if it's from your hotel room that night. Express how much you enjoyed talking with him. Then ask for a good time to call him for a brief, but more detailed, discussion of your services.
Don't panic if you don't hear back right away
Potential clients are busy, with business on their minds. Give it 10 to 14 days before sending another email. Use the strategy of sending something that relates to the potential client's business, such as a link to a recent news article he might be interested in.
Or, if you've heard some good news about his business, congratulate him.
Include a reminder of where or how you first made contact, and say something about your hopes of working for him.
Space subsequent emails every 2 to 3 weeks.
Subscribe to potential clients' newsletters
Potential clients won't know you subscribed – but this gives you another source of subjects for future emails. Once again, remind them of who you are, and say something about your interest in writing for them.
Ask if they want to subscribe to your e-letter (if you have one)
A regular e-letter keeps your name in front of potential clients. And it provides another source of subjects for more personal emails.
Recognize when a lack of response means a lack of interest
If you get periodic responses from the potential clients you're contacting, interest is still there. But if you get a total lack of response after 6 months – or an outright request of "No more, please" – go on to more productive sources.
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