In a September mailbag episode, I mentioned about a cold email writing contract I’d applied for through Upwork.
I said there was a bit more to say. So we’ll finish it up today…
A quick recap:
Although my prospect loved the writing test I submitted…
He went with someone else who was physically closer to where he was located.
That made good sense for him. And no skin off my nose.
Now… he had offered to pay me for the samples that I wrote — even though payment was never mentioned in the ad.
But I didn’t take the cash.
This is where we left off last time.
So, continuing…
“But Chris… you’re a broke-ass copywriter. What were you thinking?”
Sure… some extra dollars would give my bank account a tickle of delight.
But what’s more valuable to me is the relationship. And its potential.
Being paid for this job would be like closing this short chapter.
Instead: I’ve left the bookmark firmly wedged in.
In a month or two to I can reach out and ask: “How’s it working out?”.
And: “Is there anything else you need a hand with?”
No guarantees anything will come from this.
He might just say:
“Sorry, Chris, I don’t have anything for you at the moment.”
Although he might also add:
“But my friend who runs an accounting firm really needs someone to look at their website…”
I can also just straight out ask him if he knows anyone else who needs a hand at the moment.
It’s just a simple question…
So no big deal for him to say “no”.
Or to be the hero when he refers a superstar copywriter to his friend. 😁
These relationships take so little effort to maintain once the ice has been broken.
And keeping this warm lead on a low heat is all that’s needed for these sometimes surprising opportunities to emerge.
It just takes putting a small reminder in my calendar to message Carl every few months.
This is just one example of playing the freelancing game… and using the strategy of sacrificing short term “wins” for potential longer term benefits.
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Chris Milham