This week: 5 calls and 3 good prospects

Welcome to Week 26 of my adventure of following the Start Up Version of the Grow Your Business Marketing Plan + Calendar.  In my posts, I talk about my voyage down the road of self-employment as a virtual marketing assistant, my achievements and roadblocks along the way, and I include a weekly recap at the end.

Last week I posted about the cold calls I made.  I got a few prospects on the phone but also left one message.  I almost forgot to send a follow up email, but then I did.  The email said pretty much the same thing I said on the voice message.  The prospect wrote back right away saying she was “definitely interested” but on vacation and to “please send more info.”

I was surprised.  And, I definitely won’t forget to send those follow up emails!

I wasn’t really in the mood to call people today.  But anyone who knows Ilise knows she says "it doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood or not" -- so I put a smile on my face and got started.  And like all the other times, I felt happier and more “in the mood” after I got going.

Out of today’s 5 calls, I got 3 design company owners in person -- all of whom were interested in receiving more information about my website copywriting services. 

Here’s a recap of the 3 people I spoke to:

1.  Said I called at “just the right time.”  He dove right into a few projects he might need some help with.  We even talked prices.  Nothing definite yet, but certainly promising!  Way more so than if I hadn’t picked up the phone.

2.  I felt like she was in a rush, but after I introduced myself she started talking.  She works with one copywriter but would love to give her clients a choice of who they want to work with.  She said it would be great if I could send some examples and rates she could send to her clients.  I think when people can tell you're a nice person, they become immediately more willing to send you business.  So don't be afraid to let your super (genuine) niceness shine through.

3.  His business is fairly new, and though he’s never needed these services before, he expects to as business picks up.  And guess what, when he does, I’ll be the “first person” he calls.

Everyone said “thank you for calling” and it really seemed like they meant it. 

If you’re not calling, go for it.  People might actually need your help -- they just need YOU to let them know you’re out there.

PS. Next week, I’ll tell you exactly what I’m saying to my prospects.

Week 26 Recap:  It’s funny… now that I’m getting all of these prospects in my pipeline, it seems only natural that I would create a system to keep in touch with them.  Coincidentally, this month it’s time for us beginners to start creating an email newsletter!  But at the same time I am realizing the increased need to create an actual website devoted to this new website copywriting business.  Can I do both?  I’m pondering.  No promises yet… we’ll see how this week goes.  Let me know how you're marketing is coming along!

Comments

[Catherine Cantieri, Sorted]

Diedre, you're an inspiration! One of these days, I might even look into research calling myself...

[Liz Rose]

Deidre, Its great to hear your calls are going so well! I would love to hear more about how you are selecting targets to call?

[condolences]

da best article i have read on da very first day of da year. thanks
Please email me if you are interested