It’s Monday, which means it’s time for the latest freelance challenge. For those new to the blog (welcome!), the Weekly Freelance Challenge is a post where I set a challenge for myself and my fellow freelancers. Sometimes, the challenges are purely business-related, and sometimes they’re about achieving a better work/life balance.
This week is a follow up on last week’s challenge. Last week, I asked you to write a list of your dream clients. Did you find an hour to scribble down who you’d love to work for? Excellent. This week, I want you to pitch to one of them.
If you haven’t pitched to anyone before, this can be a hugely intimidating task. Let’s go old school though, and break it down into ‘bite-sized chunks’ (anyone else having GCSE revision flashbacks?)
- Look at what the potential client is currently doing. Do your research – better to be knowledgable about their business than look clueless if they ask further questions. Have a look on LinkedIn, google the company and check out the industry news if you don’t already.
- Look at what they might be missing, and how you can help. Try and nail down exactly why what you can offer is unique. It might be a particular case study, a contact or information they can’t find elsewhere.
- Draft an email. Clients potentially get lots of pitches, so keep it brief, to the point and clear.
- If you’re pitching to an editor, give them a hint of what you want to write about, but don’t go into too much detail. Sadly some magazines and newspapers will say no to you, but give your idea to their in-house team as freelance budgets are tight.
- Don’t talk prices. Yet. But do give them a link to your website or portfolio. If your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and filled with recommendations from previous clients, send that too.
- Get a couple of friends/family members to check it through. Then hit send.
Will you be taking part in this week’s Freelance Challenge?