As smart people in business, we want to stay in touch with potential clients. That said, there has to be a better way than calling or emailing to:
- Follow up
- Check in
- Touch base
Each of those options suggest that you care more about your agenda than what your client needs. Follow up means: I haven’t heard from you and I need to know if we are going to work together. Check in means: I have nothing to say, but want to make sure you don’t forget me. Touch base means: I’ve already followed up and checked in and I needed a new line that will help you make me feel better.
Instead, respect your prospective client’s time and care more about what your client needs than what you need. You can help by:
- Starting a blog
- Offering a solution
- Sending an article or blog post that can help your client’s business
- Listening
Give, and then give some more. If you care enough and help enough, your value and efforts will connect you with people that want to work with you.
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I do appreciate what S Godin has to say about new marketing (asking permission), but I think you’re beginning to articulate an even higher ethic of business–and human connection. “Offerings.” You need to trust there’s an economy of grace that’s higher than quantifiable ROIs and so forth, but I’m beginning to try to operate with offerings. And yes, the soul of offerings is to “pay” attention (that is, to listen).
Thanks, always, Courtney.
Warmth,
m
Mark, Your comments are as eloquent as your blog posts. Thanks for so clearly defining what I do and for doing what you do.
This is so true! Thanks for the reminder.