I don't know about you guys, but I'm a thousand times better with words when I have time to think about what I'm going to say.
I thrive at writing because I have complete control over the message, and I can tweak the words until they are right.
I also LOVE public speaking. Zero qualms. Sign me up.
Public speaking isn't scary to me because there is no element of surprise. I can prepare my message in advance and practice what I'm gonna say until the cows come home.
Even though I'm super into public speaking, I also suffer from phone call anxiety. Pretty sure that's a clinical term. Look it up.
My phone call anxiety has always been a part of my personality. When I was a kid, my mom put me in charge of making appointments, calling businesses if I had questions, and talking to grown-ups via the phone about anything related to my life.
I hated it. It was excruciating.
Before every call, I would pace around the room and practice my questions.
While I'm now a responsible, grown-ass adult, I STILL get a twinge of anxiety when it's time for that first *potential* client call.
I'm going to go out on a limb and say I think other freelance writers may suffer from the same anxiety.
Because let's be real.
It's scary when you when your livelihood depends not just on how well you write but also on how well you communicate your value to a stranger the first time you interact. And, you have to do it all over the phone. Shudder.
But, here's the thing. If you want to run a successful business, you have to shove the anxiety down (I think that's what a therapist would tell you to do) and nail your client calls—every time.
Here's my secret to success: I heavily prepare for every client call and have a list of topics and questions to cover.
If you have been losing clients to phone anxiety, this list of topics to cover and questions to ask will help.
What questions should freelance writers ask clients?
Introduce yourself and give an overview of your experience and expertise.
Can you please tell me more about you and your business?
What are your content marketing goals?
Please tell me about your content marketing team.
Tell me more about your content writing needs/this project.
Who is your target audience?
What kind of volume do you need and what turn-around time are you hoping for?
What is your budget? Here are my rates.
Do you have an editor? What is your editorial process?
Do you use a content management system?
Do you have a style guide? If not, can you please send me 3-4 pieces that represent what you’re looking for?
Explain to the client what your processes are, including sending the proposal, outlining, content optimization, revisions, approval, and payment requirements.
That’s it! If you have questions about this list, email me—don’t call. Wink, wink.