Those are great stories, Gabriella! I love that he realized the value in your price, though they often don’t see it until they’ve spent it unwisely elsewhere.

Isn’t that interesting how you finally got work from that guy?! I love it. It goes to show you that sometimes it just takes a longer time. You never know with some prospects. I remember a tire-kicker not so long ago. “How much for this?” and “How much for that?” often doesn’t lead to anything. But dang if they didn’t hire me and I worked with them for three years.

I think the real threat is when we rely on it and stop marketing. Just keep swimming, right? 🙂

I don’t remember how long it took, but when I first started out, I emailed a bunch of potential clients with story ideas. I don’t remember if I ever followed up. Probably once or twice. That’s typically what I do. And literally years later, to my utter surprise, that guy got in touch, and I’ve been working with them for years now.

Here’s a twist on your topic, don’t think a rejection is final. In 2008, I did a writing test for a new website. The guy liked my writing but balked at my price. I held firm, politely. Then about four months later, the guy got back in touch and essentially said, “I learned you get what you pay for.” And we’ve literally worked together for 17 years. My longest-term client. I didn’t check in with that guy after the rejection, but today I know it would have been smart: “Hey, how are things going? Still here if it turns out you do need my help.”