I have these phone calls that I've been putting off for three weeks now. They scare me. I have to call talent agents (who are the sources of teen-actor client referrals I need) to keep building those relationships. I've warmed them up with mail and email, I've even talked to most of them last year. Now it's time to call them again and I have fear around it. It's irrational. I know what I'm offering is a valuable service and benefit to them. I know that I'm very good at what I do. I still get nervous making the calls and asking for what I need. I struggle with fear of rejection, with a feeling that I'm not being authentic in selling myself and my services, and all that other irrational junk. It's something that I want to get better at.
So what works for you, beautiful self-employed people?
I took an informal poll at Sunday's meeting and here's what some people said:
-------------------
Me: don't make the most important calls first, make calls early in the day (works for agents, anyway), keep a "feel good file" that I can dip into if cold calls get me down (with letters, client testimonials, cards from friends, pictures etc.)
Mark: warm people up with a letter, then "I am [about my company], [this is why I’m contacting you], [this is how I found you/why I’m contacting you], and [this is what I need for my business], [let them respond], [ask for it]."
Emma: to be really clear about what I’m offering, know how it can help or serve the company [research the company], contextualize it [make it concise and simple], really believing in the value of what I have to offer and being excited about it, find a way to link in and relate it to them personally [either through the field they're in or a person they know, or through background info, training, etc.]
Raquel: having a mission statement for myself
Mercury: recording and documenting what I do
Amber: Connect to people, reach out to what they’re passionate about, getting them to say what they’re passionate about and why they’re doing their job, “I know the organization, but who are you?"
-------------------
So what works for you, beautiful self-employed people?
I took an informal poll at Sunday's meeting and here's what some people said:
-------------------
Me: don't make the most important calls first, make calls early in the day (works for agents, anyway), keep a "feel good file" that I can dip into if cold calls get me down (with letters, client testimonials, cards from friends, pictures etc.)
Mark: warm people up with a letter, then "I am [about my company], [this is why I’m contacting you], [this is how I found you/why I’m contacting you], and [this is what I need for my business], [let them respond], [ask for it]."
Emma: to be really clear about what I’m offering, know how it can help or serve the company [research the company], contextualize it [make it concise and simple], really believing in the value of what I have to offer and being excited about it, find a way to link in and relate it to them personally [either through the field they're in or a person they know, or through background info, training, etc.]
Raquel: having a mission statement for myself
Mercury: recording and documenting what I do
Amber: Connect to people, reach out to what they’re passionate about, getting them to say what they’re passionate about and why they’re doing their job, “I know the organization, but who are you?"
-------------------
posted by:
|
Vancouver
|
-
Re: How do you ask for what you need? (in a business kinda way)
Tue, January 31, 2006 - 2:01 PMp.s. I made the first few phone calls this morning and they were overwhelmingly positive. Thanks for the support and good ideas! -mb -
-
Re: How do you ask for what you need? (in a business kinda way)
Mon, February 6, 2006 - 9:47 AMIt's so good to be able to ask for what you need.
I'm glad you stepped up to the plate and made those calls to the scary agents.
Sometimes when we think the power is really in the hands of the authorities,
it's actually been in our hands all along.
Blessed Be,
Mercury
-
-
Re: How do you ask for what you need? (in a business kinda way)
Mon, February 6, 2006 - 3:21 PMi have a thought to add...
It is good to be clear about your needs, to differentiate them from your wants, honing in on what is most valuable to achieve your goals at the present moment, with the future always in mind. To do so is a task in and of itself.
The more you review and understand your needs (ie. writing it out), your direction not only becomes more focused, but you easily gain the vocabulary to express your needs by way of this process.
b -
-
Re: How do you ask for what you need? (in a business kinda way)
Tue, February 7, 2006 - 12:09 AMThis is a bit silly but at times I have pretended to be an agent representing myself. I have found that I am so much better at representing other artists that I have taken the role of being someone else and talking about "me". it doesn't have to be so literal. what if someone asked a good friend of yours what you do. What do you think your friend would say? Call and say that.
-
Re: How do you ask for what you need? (in a business kinda way)
Mon, February 13, 2006 - 1:34 AMgain the vocabulary to express your needs
by writing them out (Huh!)
This is great. I'm doing it. I bet some people might even draw pictures.
Yes Beatrix -
-
Re: How do you ask for what you need? (in a business kinda way)
Mon, February 13, 2006 - 6:28 PMVision is where tomorrow begins, for it expresses what you and others who share the vision will be working hard to create. Since most people don't take the time to think systematically about the future, those who do, and who base their strategies and actions on their visions, have inordinate power to shape the future.
~ Burt Nanus ~
-
-
-
Re: How do you ask for what you need? (in a business kinda way)
Thu, February 23, 2006 - 3:36 PMmake it about being a task and remove the personalization. if you have a list of people to call, you have already sent a letter or email and are just following up, do just that. this is your product. it's not about you. i make little graphs. name of person, group or company i am contacting, when i am contacting them, what was exchanged and what the follow up is. rewards for the self are good too. start with the easy ones then work your way to the more eek not this person items.also, if you get voicemail, let them know when you'll be calling back so that you have somewhat of an appointment.
ps: do you want me to put in a good word with my agent?
kelly
