How To Deal With An AWOL (Prospective) Client
Posted by Samar | Posted in Freelancing | Posted on 07-04-2009
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As a a writer you’ll be receiving replies to your applications along with getting queries about your work from prospective clients. Sounds cool huh? Getting work queries without having to apply. Trust me, it doesn’t happen that often.
When it does happen though, chances are they’re not gonna get back to you after your reply. Try not to take it to heart though. It’s not you, it’s them.
Actually, it’s the other freelancer who got the job.
So What Do You Do?
Do you mourn and move on? Yes, you mourn. You caught the client’s eye but couldn’t keep them interested. But no, you don’t move on. Not yet.
That last bit is where you’ve got the chance to make the client notice you. They may have settled on some one else, but that doesn’t mean you can give up. You are going to have to force them to notice you. In a not-so-intense way of course.
Take Action!
Wait for 5 working days then send them a follow up email. Simply remind them that they contacted you and if they’d come to a decision. End with asking them to let you know their decision in either case.
Sample Copy Of Follow-Up Email
If you like, you can use a copy of the email I send out to prospective clients who’re AWOL. This is a very simple email which I use as a base to modify my follow up emails according to client and situation.
Dear _______,We exchanged emails on [Date] about a [writing/blogging/whichever] position for [company/website name]. Since I haven’t heard back from you after the initial contact I’m wondering if you’re still interested in hiring me as your [insert position] or if you’ve decided to hire someone else.Please let me know in either case.Regards,[Name][Email Signature]
Time To Move On
That’s it. Now you can move on. If they reply, you’ve accomplished your goal. If they don’t, you’ve already made your peace.
But wait! Why is it so important to follow up? Because they’re going to need another freelancer some day and you’re going to apply again.
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This is quite good advice actually! I have used this in the past when I have been approached, and although I denied their first approach, I communicated effectively with them throughout the process. They came back to me with a new offer a few months later too, and I think more than my skill set, it was the overall communication process which kept the channel alive.
Right there with you. You never know when you may need their business even if you don’t want it right now.
Besides, freelancing is all about networking. We can’t last long if we burn our bridges.
[...] Owais presents How To Deal With An AWOL (Prospective) Client posted at The Writing [...]
Fantastic advice but it also covers another possibility. The person just hasn’t had the time to respond to you and your message will therefore act as a friendly reminder
Sweet huh?
Marc – WelshScribe’s last blog post..How to Destroy Your Chance of Getting a Link to Your Website
@ Marc – Very sweet! Especially if you’re pitching to an editor of a magazine or a popular blog. They simply get too many emails.