I’ve recently stumbled upon a client getting method that allowed me to close freelance deals with new clients almost overnight.
And the remarkable thing is, this client getting strategy has been hiding under our noses the whole time.
Let me explain:
In the past, I’ve been guilty of trying to land freelance projects the traditional way. You know, by sending dozens of bids on Upwork, cold pitching CEOs on LinkedIn, or even begging my former colleagues for referrals.
And all of those methods work.
The problem is, these methods make you feel like you’re applying for a traditional job.
Which sucks because as a freelancer, a ‘job’ is what you’re trying to avoid in the first place, right?
So this age-old method (which I just recently came across with) will actually help land you new projects without feeling like you’re applying for a job.
In fact, if you choose this model, clients will view YOU as the expert and authority in your field. Thus you’ll be able to skip the usual tedious interviews and vetting processes that is pretty much common in the industry.
Okay so here’s the fundamental principle:
A doctor, instead of trying to ‘apply’ to be your doctor, invites you for a checkup or consultation.
Notice that the doctor doesn’t try to sell you his surgical operation services or his hospital confinement package. He doesn’t email you a proposal to heal you.
No, he or she tells you to visit the clinic and get checked.
The ‘checkup’ is the most powerful client acquisition strategy! Because when you go for a consultation, the doctor will examine you and find out what’s wrong with you.
And when the doctor finds what is wrong in your body, guess who will be the one to fix those problems?
The doctor.
Ka-ching!
The same method is used by lawyers, CPAs, dentists and other pros to get clients. Even your local plumber or car mechanic does this!
For example, I recently used this method last week to close a premium freelance gig to work with a big marketing agency in Australia.
Here’s how to make it work:
1. Offer a checkup to your client (a troubleshooting, audit, or consultation service)
2. Charge a small fee for the check up.
3. Uncover problems and issues during the checkup
4. Have the client come back to you to fix those problems that you found
5. Send a customized proposal SPECIFIC for fixing the issues you found
Number 5 above is the secret sauce to this whole thing. You’ve got to be able to communicate your proposed fixes properly.
Otherwise it won’t work.
I personally use a proven proposal template that works very well. I don’t have time to explain it now. But I will spill the beans in the future.
Which leads me to this short, shameless plug:
I’m currently working on a new project to collect all the proven proposal templates that I’ve used over the years.
The same bids that allowed me to become a Top Rated freelancer with over 1M in gross revenue.
And yes, I’ve included the “Client Checkup Template” in the collection.
If you want to receive an early-bird notice once my bid proposal template collection becomes available, hit Reply and say “Let’s go”.
Stay tune for updates!