Afraid to Sound Desperate?
Does calling a past client to "check in," or even to directly ask if they have any projects you could help with, mean you're desperate?
I think not. In fact, I got a call from Bob, who did some work for us 2 years ago. He was "checking in" and asking if I needed any help. In fact, I do and in the course of our conversation, I remembered a project that I've been looking for help on, so I proposed it to him.
If he hadn't called, he wouldn't be doing it and I wouldn't be getting it done.
But because he called, I had time to think about it and to respond to him. I don't think the same would have happened if he'd simply sent me an email message.
Are you not making these "check in" calls because you don't want to sound "desperate?"
If so, I say, get over it. I do not think that asking for work - in and of itself - means you're "desperate." In fact, it could mean you're generous; Bob called to offer me his help and services. I needed them so I said yes - and thank you!
This was not a fluke. It was simply good timing and it's happening to others too. A client told me yesterday that he'd hired a writer who called to check in at exactly the right time. Thing was, he hadn't even realized help was available until she called.
Who could you call today who might have a project to hand over but you're not because you don't want to sound desperate?
Ilise Benun is a national speaker and author of several books, including The Art of Self-Promotion.
www.marketing-mentor.com
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