If Facebook is a 24-7 gathering with friends, LinkedIn is the neverending tradeshow mixer, except that it's your gluteus that aches instead of your feet. The vast majority of conversations veer toward the tedious and self-promotional, and tediously self-promotional, but every once in a while there's an item that sparks a vigorous professional discussion.
Over the weekend, a guy claiming decades of freelance experience was asking for advice on acquiring new clients, since his usual contacts had dried up with business and referrals. Recommendations were all over the board; I was among the many who opined that cold-calling was the best approach. Everyone had positive, concrete, go-git-'em suggestions.
In response, he acknowledged that cold-calling was probably the right move, but then proceeded to explain the reasons he didn't really want to (he hates rejection, takes it personally). He added that what he *really* wanted to know was "what job title" he should be approaching at graphics companies to get work. Finally, he said that two emergency projects had come in, and so he was busy again. KThxBye.
I can't fathom how someone could survive or enjoy entrepreneurship with that kind of attitude. I also wondered what kind of customer service he delivers. Beyond that, what I really don't get is his fear of selling himself and his services, if he indeed approaches this as a business. Is a "no" honestly something that you should take personally? There's enormous peace of mind derived from being emotionally objective in the sales process. You are not your job. Rejection is no more a condemnation than acceptance is an indication that you're a wonderful human being.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
A no--a thousand nos--make every yes that much more worthwhile. Isn't it our parents who said what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?
ReplyDeleteI'm getting terribly baffled over this new tendency to do what's easy and expect people to go out of their way to help. Maybe I'm just getting old????? Yikes!
T: Your parents were either fans of Nietzsche or Conan the Barbarian :)
ReplyDeleteI was just gobsmacked at how this guy blew everyone off. I am just waiting for him to post again for advice once he's done with his "two emergency projects."
I once asked a rather unattractive-looking guy I knew vaguely how it was that he showed up week after week on dates with (different) beautiful women? "The answer's simple," he said. "I ask about 75 women out each week and one you see me with is the one who said 'yes.'"
ReplyDeleteBruceF, a powerful-if-disconcerting illustration of not taking "no" personally. That said, I never really understood guys who took that shotgun-style approach.
ReplyDeleteHe's going to forgo creating a plan to solicit new business because he got two "just in time" clients. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteAfter 27 1/2 years out here, on my own, I'm finally starting to understand the advice of my first mentor: Never take for granted what you know and do well. With maturity also comes the wisdom to know your particular skill, talent and experience is not for everyone. And thats why this guy...and all of us in business for ourselves, need to talk to EVERYONE!
ReplyDeleteadchick, isn't it interesting how advice like that evolves as your experience increases? It's like a time-release pill.
ReplyDelete