Comments on: The Business of Hiding (behind emails and phone screening) http://walterbiscardi.net/the-business-of-hiding/ Creative Director, Branding, Original Content Sat, 03 Dec 2016 22:31:17 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.20 By: Jim Gilson http://walterbiscardi.net/the-business-of-hiding/#comment-39420 Sat, 03 Dec 2016 22:31:17 +0000 http://walterbiscardi.com/?p=4732#comment-39420 Usually, in my experience, the person is embarrassed that they don’t really have the funds to complete the project. Occasionally, the simply want my quote so they can show it to someone else and allow them to under bid (using my expertise to educate them on what is needed to complete the project). I’ve learned that if they really have the funds and know the workflow, if they want me, they’ll find me.

]]> By: Walter Biscardi http://walterbiscardi.net/the-business-of-hiding/#comment-39414 Fri, 02 Dec 2016 17:32:07 +0000 http://walterbiscardi.com/?p=4732#comment-39414 One thing I never do is show frustration to the client. As I mentioned in the article we all have “big boy / girl pants” and can handle rejection just fine. It’s the lingering silence that is the worst. I have used a variant of your email for a few years now. Even with that, there’s still the silence. This latest instance was a 1 hour meeting that turned in to 2.5 with a full tour of the facility, then 5 days preparing the proposal. That was back on Sept. 30th. 8 emails later….. Unfortunately that is the norm that I’ve found not only with my company, but with many of my colleagues. Glad to hear your note works well for you!

]]> By: Lisa Jacobi http://walterbiscardi.net/the-business-of-hiding/#comment-39413 Fri, 02 Dec 2016 16:58:44 +0000 http://walterbiscardi.com/?p=4732#comment-39413 Hi Walter –

As a long time web designer and developer (20 years now with over 150 current clients) – I encounter this same situation with potential clients. Sometimes you just can’t break through. But I find that with a second *follow-up* email that says right away, “I hope your project is not on hold and that you found the right fit with a web developer. This would be the best news! Would you let me know so I can send out a big high-five your way? Just hit reply real quickly. But do know, even with a new developer, if something seems unexplainable or murky, I’m always here to answer a question free of charge, because I want you to have the best experience with your web project and developer. Standing by to hear… thanks so much, { sig line }

I’ve actually received solid referrals from clients who didn’t engage my services. Don’t let your frustration shine through your follow up conversations. I really do believe people fear letting others down, especially if you spent an hour on the phone with them, or drove RT to an in-person meeting, and hours drawing up a proposal. It is our cost of doing business, we just need to provide a trust zone for their “No thank you.”

with love, your pal!
LxoJ

]]>