How do Independent Contractors/Freelancers follow up with a potential client/employer?« Back to Questions List
|
Do independent contractors have to follow up with potential employers in the traditional way?
When you do, let’s say, design work as an independent contractor and you meet with a potential client/employer, you show them your work. What is the best way to follow up with the client to find out if they liked or found your work fitting for their needs?
|
|
Berenice,
This is an excellent question, since many absolutely brilliant technical folks begin to pursue independent consulting completely overlooking the sales aspect of their new venture. However, being able to obtain projects is equally as important as successfully completing them.
I think the best way to handle the "follow-up" is to set-up an appropriate timeframe for it in your initial meeting with your prospective client. When you finish your presentation, you should never leave things up in the air. Closing statements, like "let me know" or "I hope to hear from you soon" - leave you nowhere. At the end of your meeting it is good to ask: "I know you need sometime to think about this (or discuss with others), when would be a good time to get back in touch with you? This approach corners them into giving you a timeframe for their answer along with a "green light" to follow-up!
There is a lot of excellent sales techniques which could help an independent consultant achieve their financial goals quicker. I recommend brushing up on your sales skills through books, talks and classes - its a great investment!
|
Please log in to post questions/answers:
