If you’ve ever been “stalked” on social media or by email, you know how annoying it can be.
I’m talking about connections who ask if you, or anyone you know, could use their products or services.
And then they keep asking.
They pester you with follow-up emails, asking the same question again and again. They stalk your social media accounts and plaster them with likes and comments. And then they add you to their newsletter list, without asking.
Whatever you do … don’t be that guy!
Yes, you want to stay in touch with your contacts when you ask for a referral. Your goal is to stay top of mind when opportunities do come up.
But you don’t want to do it in a spammy way. And you don’t have to!
Here’s a better, more moderated approach:
If the person is a personal contact, connect with them on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Personalize your connection request!
Then, occasionally like and comment on their posts without stalking them. Be cool. Be friendly. Be human!
That alone will keep your name top of mind. And it will increase the probability that they’ll see your own social media updates where you talk about a recent client win or how you help people.
If the person is a professional contact, do the same but use a mix of contact methods to stay in touch, such as emailing a relevant article, commenting on a LinkedIn post, leaving a voicemail, sending a piece of direct mail or subscribing them to your newsletter (with permission).
And you can follow up in this way every three months or so.
But DON’T use this as an opportunity to ask (again!) whether they know of anyone who could use your services.
And whatever you do, keep your communications low-key.
The idea is simply to stay top of mind when an opportunity does come up.
And thankfully, you don’t have to be annoying to do it.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Grab a free copy of my book.
It’s called Earn More in Less Time: The Proven Mindset, Strategies and Actions to Prosper as a Freelance Writer. The title says it all. 😉 — Click Here
2. Join my implementation program and be a case study.
I’m putting together a new implementation group this month. If you’re earning $5k+/month (or the part-time equivalent) from your freelance business … and you’d like to grow your income quickly with better clients … just email me at ed@b2blauncher.com
3. Work with me privately.
If you’re a 6-figure writer who’s trying to earn more in less time, with less stress, I might be able to help you get there faster than you think. Just email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Breakthrough” in the subject line, and I’ll get back to you with more details.
