This question came by way of a Twitter DM but they didn’t want me say their name.

But they followed up this question with some more context.

but I'm nervous to get a "no" from them now (or getting ignored) and never have an opportunity with them again.

The First Impression is Not The Last

I had these same thoughts especially when I first started freelancing.

I always thought that the first impression was the last.

I want to tell you that it’s not!

In fact, I landed 2 very large clients after having spoken to them previously about other projects.

Big companies are very focused on what their plans and goals are. If you don’t fit into the mix at first glance, that’s ok. They may recognize your talents and keep you in mind when it’s a better fit.

In episode 79, I shared with you how to attract larger clients.

The key is to know the problem that you are solving for them.

If you continue to do that for other larger companies, then even if they pass on you the first time, you’ll continue to build up a nice portfolio of other large client case studies and that’s positions you more of someone who can help them.

This question comes with a sense of imposter syndrome. This is where you get in your own way. You are inside your head and that is what is limiting you.

How to Pitch and Follow Up with Large Clients

How you pitch them is all about confidence. If you pitch with this self-doubt, it’ll show.

If you follow up too fast, it’ll show a bit of desperation, maybe even sabotage yourself too.

Big companies are made up of people, just like small companies.

You need to be speaking with the decision maker, they have their own lives outside of work, and they want what’s best for them and the company.

Keep your pitch simple, effect, and level-headed.

When the pitch is over, follow up as if you would with any other prospect.

Continue on with business as usual.

If the pitch dies on the vine and you don’t hear back, then move on.

Put them into a past lead followup sequence that keeps you front of mind.

In this sequence

  • showcase some wins you’ve had with other clients
  • talk about the industry as a whole
  • add value by sending links that are relevant to the conversations you’ve had with them
  • if you are headed to events where they are, let them know

This sequence will help you in building a long lasting relationship with that company, show your expertise, and that you are a professional and not just someone who’s popped up looking to get their logo on your website.

Then when that opportunity presents itself for that company to hire outside, you’ll be front of mind and first in line.

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Marketing for Freelancers

You always have to be marketing, especially when you are working on a client project. Here is where you’ll find the proven strategies and tips to marketing your freelance business in today’s market.
See all topics

More episodes in this topic:

10

Social Media Marketing, is it worth it to do?

11

What social media platforms to spend time on?

14

How to get clients when I have no portfolio?

35

How to get the messaging right to attract customers?

39

Have advice for soliciting podcasters to be a guest?

49

Should I focus on SEO or Paid Ads to gain new clients?

56

Do you get any leads from your content? And what traffic acquisition methods have worked best?

72

When creating a new freelance service what’s the best way to send cold emails?

75

What is my second most successful lead generation tactic?

76

Why is an email list important for a freelancer?

79

What is the best way to attract larger clients?

82

How do you market your business to local clients other than attending networking meetings?

89

How do I pitch some big companies in my niche?

90

Imagine I was going to bring you $100k in revenue

93

How does a freelance web designer build a client profile when preparing their marketing plans?

103

How do you price your services on your site?

110

How important is branding?

114

What are some useful tools that you use?

121

What makes a great case study?

122

How do you turn the things I do into benefits?

124

How do you decide what to start blogging with if you’ve never blogged before?

125

How often should I write a blog post?

131

Should I put pricing on my website?

138

How to overcome objections people have about you?

150

What is the best lead generation strategy?

151

What is your cold outreach strategy?

153

How would you get into the corporate business as an independent professional?

160

What is the difference between warm and cold outreach?

161

How to answer objections and get clients to say “yes”?

166

How to grow with word-of-mouth marketing?

175

How to ask?

203

All my work has been word of mouth, how do I find work on my own?

211

How do you handle a good fit for you that doesn’t really fit for your marketing message?

213

What do you say when a lead comes to you from a bad experience with another freelancer?

214

What to say when a potential client says you are too expensive?

215

How do I find the time to create content for my business and what do I write about?

217

Is this going to get me clients fast?

224

What is the #1 business trend for 2019?

227

How to sell on Twitter?

231

How do you make it simple for a lead to sign?

239

Why did I move my business from Drip to ConvertKit

240

Why ConvertKit?

243

How do you sell strategy?

244

11 Lessons on How to Find Clients

245

Finding Clients Lesson #1: Targeted Referrals

246

Finding Clients Lesson #2: Zero Line Item

247

Finding Clients Lesson #3: The Client Sandwich

248

Finding Clients Lesson #4: The Sneak Peek

249

Finding Clients Lesson #5: Buy a cup of coffee

250

Finding Clients Lesson #6: Get Yourself On A Podcast

251

Finding Clients Lesson #7: Your Up Level Skills

252

Finding Clients Lesson #8: Brag about your clients

253

Finding Clients Lesson #9: Are you priced right?

254

Finding Clients Lesson #10: Who do you hang with?

255

Finding Clients Lesson #11: Group Coaching for Leads

258

Is Instagram a better vehicle for visibility? Sales?

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