Strategies For Approaching Prospective Clients As A Freelancer

A freelancer should perfect the art of self-promotion to actually get to work. It is practically the biggest single obstacle faced by freelancers everywhere – the impression you make on a client can and will be the deciding factor.

More than self-promotion, though, the mere act of approaching future clients is a daunting enough challenge. But to answer a question first:

Who hires a freelancer?

The people who hire freelancers are a diverse lot. Most are companies looking for freelancers to finish a short-term project, as opposed to hiring a new employee that won’t be required to do anything else once the project is finished. Some hire freelancers when there is a temporary oversupply of work – the freelancers are hired to help smooth out the peaks of workload.

Another group of clients are magazine and newspaper editors. They buy the rights to a freelancer’s work – a freelancer first writes his piece and proceeds to submit it to different editors in hopes that his work will be chosen and published, and in return the freelancer is paid. Of course, it’s rough going at the start – but once a work is chosen, it is not unthinkable that the editor/s will get in touch with the freelancer and buy more of his works in the future. As the freelancer’s reputation grows, so do opportunities for future businesses.

Now that you know the prospective clients, on to the tough part – approaching them with business in mind. As a freelancer, you will continue to meet new people, and it is important to…

Make a good first impression

Be professional, and that includes being professional outwardly and physically. When that is taken care of, fire off with a 2-minute career “sound bite”. Highlight your expertise, your skills, and your potential contribution to the success of their endeavor. Clients have a lot to worry in their time, and they will appreciate this brief yet clear overview of your qualifications.

It is always a good idea to start somewhere you’re familiar with – in a freelancer’s case, start with someone you’re familiar with. You should…

Approach Your Warm Market

Ask within your circle. You may offer your expertise to members of your family or friends for free, with the stipulation that they will give you names and contact information of possible clients, and they will drop your name when it is called for. Word of mouth is still the best method of marketing. Offer your freelancing skills at a friendly price to your friend – people close to you can be your greatest PR officers.

Ask yourself – where did you get your experience? If you gained your experience working under an employer, consider whether he may be another source of business. Of course, it depends on the terms under which you parted ways – were you in good, friendly terms? If so, contact your former employer; tell him that you are now a freelancer and are willing and able to take in projects.

Turn to your network of business associates, the network of colleagues that you have developed while working for your former employer. Contact them and let them know about your freelancing venture, and your availability for projects. Next, send your…

Brochure or Resume of Experience and Services

Get this professionally printed and send them, along with your business card, to your former employer and colleagues. Something tangible from you makes it easier for your name to come up when one day they may need services that you offer. If you plan to expand your services via the Internet, you can advertise in several freelancing websites such as rentacoder, scriptlance, and getafreelancer among others.  After the Warm Market, off you…

Approach Your Cold Market

Gather a list of businesses in your area that you foresee as needing your services in the near future. Prepare a letter of introduction and send it along with your business card to your list of potential clients. Your letter should be very clear on the reason you wrote them a letter.

Make sure that your materials have arrived safely by calling them after a week. If the person is approachable, try to strike a conversation about what you could do for their business. Else, thank him for his time, ask them to consider you for future works, and contact them again in 30 days’ time.

Continue like this, and don’t get discouraged if things do not seem to work out as quickly as you want. Remember that perseverance pays off. Your patience will eventually pay off.
 
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