Last week I heard from another one of my regular clients and yes, the news wasn’t great. I’d sent out the “can I help with anything?” email, and heard what I’d expected – the budget went south and there aren’t the funds for freelancers there once was. I feel bad – two great clients in as many weeks. I sent a conciliatory note back, for I really do understand tight budgets, and was surprised to get another note. See, they only want to feel heard sometimes, like all of us, and my sympathies caused them to ask if I’d give them temporary price break. Hell yes I will. I adore working for you people. I’m happy to. I can help you out and earn a little cash. You can get your work pile reduced. It’s a win-win, especially when things ease up economically and we’re back to business as usual.
What’s equally interesting is that as that door was closing, another one opened. I got a new client from an article in that very publication. He’d read it and wanted me to take on a project for him. I’d say that’s just coincidence, but damn if the same thing didn’t happen last week when my other magazine job went bye-bye. I heard from a long-ago client and now I’m happily employed with her again.
Where’s all this work coming from? It may be that I’m networking well. I did put up notice on LinkedIn of my status and current projects, and I did get a few job possibilities from Twitter (okay, I’m SOLD on Twitter now). I’ve been so busy putting out feelers and reminding the world that I’m here for a fee that something had to give!
How are you spreading the news these days? Have you seen any new work as a result? If so, what has been your most effective approach?
2 responses to “Close the Door, Open Another”
Glad to hear that someone is having some good luck at acquiring new business. If anyone deserves it, she is you, Lori!
What's working for me? I'm not sure, but someone local chose to call me because I had my own website "and it wasn't part of someone else's." The client seemed impressed that I am the owner of my site. I suspect what was being seen were ones with their contact information hidden.
Anyway "transparency" has always been one of my values. Perhaps it begins to pay off?
That's great news, Georganna! Perhaps the plethora of ads on other sites puts off clients? I never liked them as they slow things down when I'm browsing.
There's a cost to that info being out in the open – the junk mail is unreal! But the gems that come from that are worth it, don't you think?