Last week I did a small project for a new client, the project was only 3 hours and I billed by the hour for the project. I had put an ad up for a special discount to certain members that belonged to forum and he wanted to take advantage of the special rate and test out my services.

He informed me that he had several other potential candidates to fill the position and wanted to test us out so to speak, I told him that the special discount rate was for a min of 8 hours but I was willing to let him purchase at the discount rate for only 3 hours as I knew I could prove myself to him in this amount of time and would hopefully gain him as a long term client.

I completed the small project for him as requested and sent him the project as he had paid in advance. The next day I get back the following message:

Quote:

Hi Kim, Nice work on the keyword/AdWord work. I'm working on it now. I'd like to use you again. I have a bunch of articles to go to EzineArticles.com They may need keyword/title tweaking before they are put up - or they may be fine. Do you do that? I also have a friend who's interested in using you. I recall you had a link to a page that describes the work you can do. Would you send me that link? Thanks. Paul

I sent him the following email:

Quote:

Hi Paul, Great, I am happy to hear that and I look forward to working with you Yes, I can post your Ezine Articles and tweak the titles if necessary prior to submission. Do you already have an account set up with Ezine Articles or do you need one set up? Are you only submitting to Ezine Articles or do you want them submitted to other article directories as well? I can also re-write the articles prior to submission if you like. If you would like to retain my services at the discounted Warrior hourly rate of only $20 I need you to sign an agreement for the number of hours that you require. The agreement insures that I am available to you for the hours that you require at the discounted rate. Here is a link to the services I provide http://kimbeckersservices.com/professional-services/ If there is something that you or your friend is looking for and do not see please ask as I do provide other services. Here is a link to projects I can complete in an hour. http://kimbeckersservices.com/projec...-hour-or-less/ I look forward to your feedback.

This was last Thursday, I did not hear anything back so I sent him an email this Tuesday to follow up, as of today I still have not heard anything.

What do you think I should do? How often should I follow up with him? Did I do or say something wrong in the email? It sounded to me like he wanted to move forward?

I look forward to your feedback.

Thanks,
Kim

__________________
Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

I definitely don't think you scared him off. Your email sounded pretty straight forward. I don't know how much is too much with regards to following up. Maybe a call every other day? I hope this works out for you as it sounds like a great opportunity for you.

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Janice Correa-Elite Business Services
"My Business is Your Business!"
www.elitebusinessonline.com

He's probably just busy -- thats why he needs you? How else can you follow up? Let me think. Perhaps since tomorrow is the first you can ask him if he is still interested because you are trying plan your workload for the coming week/month and would love to include him in that or something to that effect.

Let us know how it goes.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Maybe the word "retain" has him spooked. It sounded to me like he might want to use your services on an as needed basis, maybe per article or something which in my business wouldn't come with a discount. Or maybe he's just busy..they usually are...Tamika had a good idea about the first of the month/week and that you need to plan your schedule. If you still don't hear after that then maybe check back with him in a friendly way in a couple of weeks.

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Cheryl Richey
Carte Blanche Assistance, LLC
Virtual Assistance...Creating Time for You!

I really do not think you scared him off. Perhaps he is busy or something just came up. I think today may be a good day to follow up with him.

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Carlana Charles - Ciboney Virtual Solutions
Web: http://ciboneyvirtual.com Blog:http://ciboneyvirtual.com/blog

Thanks for all your advise, I am going to try Tamika's approach with the new month / new week thing.

Got my fingers crossed, and yes you are right, if he did not retain my services then that is fine but there would be no discount.

Thanks again for your feedback, I will you posted.
Kim

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Good luck with it Kim and let us know how he responds.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

You might let him know that you can also provide 'as needed' services w/out the retainer and w/out the discount. He may feel that he can't commit to a retainer...

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I think he's probably just busy. He sounded happy with your work and didn't sound too rushed in his request for his new project. He could also be talking with his friend about your services and wants to get back to you in one email. Good luck and keep us posted! =)

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that, I am hoping that is the case he is just too busy at the moment. I guess I will follow up with him once a week or so.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks, Kim :-)

__________________
Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager