Finding Freelance Writing Jobs: Does Cold Calling Work?
Yesterday, I talked to a fairly new freelance writer. She’d been freelancing for about a year-and-a half, I think she said. She cold called me – which rarely happens. I get tons of email from freelancers wanting to work with my firm; but I can count the number of times I’ve received cold calls on one hand. It practically never happens.
So, Does It Work?
Without a doubt. In my opinion, cold calling is one of the quickest and easiest ways to land freelance writing jobs. Following is why.
3 Reasons Cold Calling Works for Finding Freelance Writing Jobs
Not Many Do It: Most freelance writers don’t cold call potential clients. Hence, it automatically gives those who do it a leg up. The freelancer I spoke with yesterday came from a nonprofit background, so she was used to cold calling – which serves her well.
She decided to call because she’d sent out tons of emails and was not getting the response she wanted. So, she said, “I thought my emails were getting hung up in junk mail or not being read, so I decided to pick up the phone.” She said she’d landed two to three clients this way.
It Makes You Stand Out: Because not many do it, it’ll make you stand out every time. When you send a follow up email (which you should always do), you will have a much better chance of your materials being read. The more you “touch” a prospect, the closer you are to making a sale.
This is Marketing 101. And a personal “touch” like a phone conversation stands head and shoulders above the rest.
You Have a Better Chance of Getting Lucky: The freelancer I spoke with said she asked prospects, “Do you need a freelance writer?” And, she said one client said, “Yes!” She said he didn’t even ask her much about her background or anything. He hired her basically on the spot.
This is called getting lucky. But, it’s self-made luck – the best kind — because she had the balls to reach out.
Bottom line: If you’re scrounging for freelance writing work, pick up the phone. Cold calling is one of the most successful marketing tactics you can use. While it may be scary initially, it gets easier with every call you make.
In Monday’s post, I’ll give you a script you can use to make cold calling a success – and less scary.
Note: Please don’t call me. I have a staff of four writers that I work with on a regular basis and am not looking to bring on any more at this time.
Written by Yuwanda Black from Inkwell EditorialPosted on March 4th, 2009 and filed under Writing
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9 Responses to “Finding Freelance Writing Jobs: Does Cold Calling Work?”
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Cold calling does work, but it requires two scarce resources: time & leads.
I would suggest having help. Maybe hiring a friend for a few hours a day and have them call leads. Finding those is not easier either. Another option is to simply browse sites you come across and email the owners about how they can improve their branding and marketing with web design. Everyone welcomes free advices, and they are very likely to email you back with more questions.
LOL! I was planning to call you first thing in the morning and apply your tips and see if it would make me stand out until I read your last note….kidding aside, I am looking forward to your tips how one can just pick up the phone and really stand out.
Great post, and I liked the last part too..LOL. I had an uncle who once advised me to do the same thing when I was looking for my first job after graduation. And it really worked! The company I got a job with wasn’t advertising the vacancies so I got really lucky.
Cold call can be successful if you have what it takes. It is almost like a science! Most people in the IM world doesn’t have what it takes. Fouthermore, we’d be better off not trying unless you are thick skinded; because people will hang up on you quick these days. Especially in todays economy. People are laid off from work and here you come cold calling….They may tell you a thing or two.
Hi
Great post, and I liked the last part too
Hi,
Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful article…
Maxcy