As indicated by my previous post, following up with clients has been a bit of a weak area for me. However, the times I’ve managed to do so (and not sound like a bumbling fool), it’s paid off in some way. Either I get valuable feedback on how to improve myself going forward, or I get some work out of it. To be honest, I did ask for feedback after an interview once and the woman was so scathing in her critique (everything from my work style to the clothes I wore) that I wondered what made me nuts enough to ask. Frankly, I had to believe it was a sign that she would’ve been a nightmare to work for, for she critiqued my clothing as though I hadn’t enough sense to wear the proper colors or styles. It was kinda funny because I had left my office on the spur of the moment for the second interview, so you’d have thought she’d have understood given that I was at least wearing business attire. Oh well. Live and learn.
Anyway, yesterday was a good day. I was digging around the in box and came across an email from a potential client who’d contacted me months ago. I popped a quick note off to her asking if she needed any help, expecting absolutely nothing of it.
Guess again. The note came back from this client’s colleague – they’re interested in future projects. And she liked my follow-up skills.
Do it. Follow up with folks, even months after the fact. You just never know…
I’m putting aside a day next week to follow up on all the pitches from last year that were “no” or “maybe”, provided they are clients I actually think will be worth it.
Well, how unexpectedly wonderful is that! Like you, I’m often remiss in this department. I think my mind just assumes that if they want or need me, they’ll contact me. Some of them do, but I wonder how many jobs I’m missing out on by bypassing this easy marketing strategy?
I agree with Kathy. That is wonderful! I don’t follow up enough either. Hmmm…. I’ll definitely have to do it more often!