COMMUNICATIONS & CURIOSITIES

Business & life done
with love, smarts & quirk.

COMMUNICATIONS & CURIOSITIES

Business & life done
with love, smarts & quirk.

REACHING BACK: THE EASIEST WAY TO LAND NEW CLIENTS

(+ 4 WAYS NOT TO LOSE ‘EM BEFORE THE FIRST CONVERSATION)

 

A few weeks ago, in the throes of launching the new B &F website, I did the unthinkable:

I took a day off.

One. Whole. Day.

(It was freakin’ FABULOUS. But, I digress.)

Something even better tickled my eyeballs after my 24-hour vacay: emails from two dream clients, ready to plunk down their hard-earned dinaro for my writing services.

I had spoken to both prospects only once before.

Both had done their due diligence and reached out to multiple companies, along with mine, in their search for a perfect fit.

 

 What set me apart?

    I reached back.

  Quickly. Professionally. With enthusiasm.

 That’s it.

   I REACHED BACK.

 

Obviously, we hit it off. In both cases, I immediately clicked with the client, their vision and could not wait to dive headfirst into their projects. And, after we spoke, they said they couldn’t imagine anyone better for the job.

Hearts-in-eyes all around!  (*Cue Love Boat opening*).

But step one of our happy collaborations, without question, was a simple call back. Responding to their initial inquiry within a reasonable timeframe.

In fact, of the five total companies (excluding mine) these prospects approached,

I was the only one to follow up within a 24-hour period.

To date, almost a month later, three of the five(!) still haven’t bothered to get back to said dream clients. And while the other two did respond, it was well after I had formed bonds – and signed contracts – for the new projects.

What happened to those three firms? Maybe that first email got lost. Perhaps they were so swamped with other positively perfect clients, they just didn’t need another. Whatever the case, they were not on their game, and it cost them. In cash and reputation.

 

BOTTOM LINE: YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE.

 

If you’re not on the ball, some other writer, strategist, chef or unicycle rider is going to fly in under your nose and steal what could be the best, most influential, game-changing prospect you’ve ever had.

 

First impressions count…and stick.

The impression left by those other firms? Indifferent. Unprofessional. Disorganized. Shifty. Incapable. If they can’t return a call or send an email, can they be trusted to work efficiently and with care? (Spoiler: no freakin’ way.)

 

It’s your job to set the tone. To say in words and (more importantly) actions,

 

You are important. Valued. I care about you and your business.

 I WILL COME THROUGH FOR YOU.

 

Following up, in a timely, professional way sends that message, loud and clear. As an entrepreneur, new prospects are priority #1. They’re your bread and butter. So, if you wanna woo them from the get-go:

 SHOW UP WHEN THEY DO. 

 

How can you prevent prospective clients from getting away before you’ve even had a conversation?

 

  1. TEST, REGULARLY. Your contact systems and links are the gateway to your business, so they sure as heck better work. Schedule regular tests of your website’s contact form. Check voicemail boxes are correctly activated, and personalized to your business. (Pro-tip: Generic, pre-fabbed robot-voice-greetings are off-putting and the pet rocks of personality). Check email folders for inquiries that have fallen into the Spam-void.
  2. LAY DOWN EXPECTATIONS + STICK TO ‘EM. Tell folks when they’ll hear back from you. In 24 hours? 48? Put it out there on your contact form and other messaging and always, always be true to your word.
  3. PROOF EVERYTHING. (Then proof it again.) When providing your email address or phone number make sure it’s right. Re-listen to that voicemail for complete clarity. Triple-check your keystrokes before pressing send or print. It’s jaw-dropping how often biz cards and contact email addresses have typos. Don’t let yours be one of them. 
  4. CONNECT WITH POTENTIAL PROSPECTS, QUICKLY. Both dream clients got in touch through my website, the day before my mini-vacation. I had a full roster of meetings, firm deadlines and an emergency trip to the orthodontist with my kiddo, but I made time to get back to those prospects before I signed off. To let them know I got their message. How happy I was they reached out to me. That I wanted to help them and how I could do it in my own unique way. In doing so, I assured them, I wasn’t just another writer. I was the writer. The one that was on point, produced kick-ass copy, and would create a full experience, just for them,  just as awesome. That’s what you’re selling, friend – the whole experience of working with you.

 

So, when I shut down the laptop and met the hubby for a bottle of Cono Sur Bicileta (because, date night before vacay is totally a thing), I knew I’d done my part, in full.  It felt great.

 

And it paid off.  Big time.

 

I’m having a blast working with the clients and in both cases, we’ve teamed up for even more project work than originally discussed. One is actually my biggest contract, to date. Win-win!

You’ve built your site. Built a reputation. Put your biz out there so your people can find you, hire you, create greatness and pay you. You’ve done all that work already –

Don’t drop the ball at the most crucial moment.

Reach back.

You’ll be so glad you did.

 

To new collaborations  & happy connections,

anne_sig

 

 

 

 

HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP OF NEW INQUIRIES AND MAKE YOUR PEEPS FEEL SPECIAL?

WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE WORKING TOGETHER A GREAT EXPERIENCE?

SHARE YOUR TIPS IN THE COMMENTS!

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