A WATCHED LAMP NEVER GENIE’S

Getting Clients: How Proactive Are You?

A checklist for freelancers and creatives

Oh, sure. There are some famous superstar freelancers out there. They don’t have to worry about where their next client is coming from — people are beating down their doors.

Then there are the rest of us.

We have two choices:

1) Wait for a miracle.

2) Be proactive, build relationships, and make our own luck. I like to think the second option is the better choice.

Have you made a choice to be proactive?

Here’s a 10-point checklist to help you answer that question.

1. You demonstrate your expertise.

You write posts and articles which show how you solved a problem. On your blog, on LinkedIn, on Medium, and via guest posts on reputable sites.

2. You ask for recommendations and referrals.

Happy clients are happy to recommend you to others. But you need to ask them to do it.

3. You research prospects before you approach them.

How can you suggest ways you might help someone if you’re really not sure what they do? You can’t. You‘d look foolish. Visit their website. Do your homework.

4. You personalize your communication.

Nobody likes a canned pitch, a one-size-fits-all approach. They stick out like a sore thumb and tell people you’re lazy. Make it warm. Make it personal. It only takes a line or two.

5. You do work that gets noticed and talked about.

This might be called having a proactive attitude. It’s not just another assignment; rather, it’s a chance to create something memorable and add something brilliant to your portfolio.

6. You network via LinkedIn and other social media.

LinkedIn is recognized as the network for business professionals. You’re on it, with a nice photo, and a complete profile. You also use social sites like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Medium, etc. to boost your visibility.

7. You ask clients: What comes next?

You don’t just hand off a finished product or service. You try to anticipate needed maintenance, updates, troubleshooting, etc. You show the client you care about their future success.

8. You follow up at intervals with both clients and prospects.

You ask how things are going and if they’ve run into unexpected problems. You follow up on queries, reminding prospects that you’re out there. You demonstrate professionalism, and stay “top of mind.”

9. You respond promptly to queries, invitations, and opportunities.

Doing this sends so many good signals: you’re organized, on top of things, professional, courteous, you respect others and you don’t keep them waiting. These things definitely create lasting impressions.

10. You say thank you.

Gratitude signals an abundance mentality. You don’t hoard your good fortune, you celebrate it.

Bottom line: You could be the best illustrator in the world — the best designer, copywriter, photographer, actor, speaker — but no one’s going to call you if they never hear from you. Make sure you’re one of the first people they think of. Reach out. Be proactive.

How do you get clients? How do you reach out to them in a professional and proactive way? Please share your approach in the comments. It’s all part of being grateful and having an abundance mentality.

About Mark Armstrong: I’m an illustrator specializing in humor, editorial, branding, social media, and content marketing. My images are different like your brand needs to be.

I write about marketing and visual communication. I also do humor pieces.

I invite you to subscribe to my future posts here on Medium. I’m looking for intelligent, high-class readers with impeccable taste — come on, you know that’s you!! 😅

Questions? Need an illustration? Send me an email.

Thanks for reading! 😊