So I was reading a blog post this week about asking for business*. Basically the author said that too many times online we have all this great information available and OF COURSE someone would know to send you an email to request your services! But do you ask them directly? Do you ask for the business the way that you would if you were face to face? I always joked around about “three copies press hard”, meaning that I was staying until I got a listing agreement unless it was a listing I wanted to turn down.
I am also very good in person about explaining the next steps in the process. “After we do the analysis of your needs I will send you a written inspection report by Tuesday” or “I will call you on Thursday to set up a time for the photographer to come out”. Online we forget to set expectations and so sometimes inadvertantly disappoint people who are expecting a certain level of service. If your auto responder says you will get back within the next 24 hours and fail to mention that you take weekends off, they could be VERY put out when you answer their Friday email on Monday morning!
This time I have practiced what I am preaching! I have added a “Hire Me” button and listed some of my services. In the future I will have a cool email form with a dropdown box so they can tell me exactly what they are interested in and I can capture their contact information BUT for now at least they know I want them to call me! I will also have additional products with cool links to flyers so they can see everything I have to offer, but what if they want to hire me before then?
DO NOT wait until everything is perfect before you start. Start today. I am including a variety of “hire me” buttons for you to use on your site! Please feel free to copy any of them and put it on your site so someone can hire YOU! All I ask is that you post a comment here so we can all see your site with the “hire me” button!!!!
* If it was your post please let me know and I will add a link!!!!
Sean Malott says
You have nice buttons.
Chantal says
I think its a great idea ! Simpel,but indeed artfully.
I am an Artist,and Science teacher,currently staying
at home with my beautiful daughter Facienne.
I live on an Island,but am from Suriname,and its
almost impossible for an outsider to find a job
here.I will place one of the buttons on my site!
Hopefully somebody wants to hire me!
Thanks.
Chantal
Tara Jacobsen says
@ Chantal – I liked your artwork that you had on your blog. Best of luck with your new child and art. Make sure to let us know if you get some work!!!!
Kris Berg says
I love this! Mind if I borrow a button? I am a big fan of elegance in simplicity.
Kris Berg’s last blog post..The Importance of Pi in the Circle of Life
Tara Jacobsen says
@ Kris – ABSOLUTELY! Borrow a button and let us know when you use it…:)
@ everyone – By the way – if you have a burning desire for another colored button, make a comment and I will attempt to get it up here for everyone to use!
Chantal says
The artwork on my blog and profile is from my husband 🙂