Cold calling & falling off my chair

Welcome to Week 31 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.

Today, my phone rang.  It was a prospect I had cold called a few weeks ago.

He said, "We talked and you sent over some samples recently.  We have a project coming up where we will need 20-30 pages of copy.  How is your availability over the next few weeks?" 

I had to hold onto the sides of my chair so I didn't fall off.  

He asked if my rates were still the same (I had sent over a rate sheet with per page copy writing rates with my samples) and I said yes.  Then we talked about the project. 

I said "I'd definitely be interested and available" and he said "Great, I'm going to put you into the proposal and I'll talk to you soon."

We hung up, and I realized that while holding onto my chair for dear life, my verbal skills had disappeared.  I forgot to ask him when I should follow up.  So I sent an email thanking him for getting in touch, telling him I’m excited about the project, and asking when he thinks he’ll know the outcome of the proposal. 

Obviously nothing is confirmed yet, so it's not time to get excited – but it IS time to get excited about the fact that cold calling opens up a world of opportunity.

I haven’t finished my copywriting website yet, but this is the kick in the butt I need.  Next week, I’m going to post a link to my new site for your feedback.

Week 31 Recap:  I’m still fine-tuning my new copywriting website.  I also received two inquiries from prospects.  I also checked my web visits and they are up 40% over last month

How is your marketing coming along?

Comments

[TurtleBlueBird]

Another round of applause for you, Deidre.

I'm about two steps behind you in following Ilise's sound advice & practical approach ... and I'm seeing some nibbles too. Tiny nibbles, but nibbles.

It's funny about it takes a while to put it all together AND how that's not a good reason to wait. Keeping plugging really matters!

I'll look forward to seeing your new web site -- best of luck with it.

[Dee]

Woo hooo, that sounds fabulous, Congratulations! :-) Reminded me of the third scroll Og Mandingo mentioned in his book, "The greatest Salesman in the World: I will persist until I succeed." Hope it all works out.
Have a great weekend and rest some, sounds like you'll need it.
xx

[the communicatrix]

Hooray, Deidre!

Bursting with pride. Basking in reflected glory.

Also, this stuff *works*, people! It works!