#363: What Freelancers Get Wrong About Prospecting (and How to Fix It)

Have you ever felt ready to give up on prospecting because you weren’t seeing results? You’re not alone. Many freelancers quit just before the seeds they’ve planted begin to sprout. In this episode, we explore why consistent prospecting is crucial, even when it feels like nothing’s happening.

 

In this episode, I explain why timing is everything in prospecting. I share powerful analogies and strategies to shift your mindset. And I offer a practical, habit-building approach to make prospecting a seamless part of your routine. If you’ve ever doubted the effectiveness of your outreach efforts, this episode is for you.

 

What You’ll Learn

• Why only 5-10% of prospects are ready to say "yes" at any given time.
• How to stay consistent even when it feels like you're getting nowhere.
• The "garden analogy" for understanding the slow but steady process of prospecting.
• Why a mediocre message at the perfect time can outperform a perfect message at the wrong time.
• How to build a prospecting system that works for you, using small, actionable steps.

 

Key Takeaways

1. Timing Beats Great Copy: Even great emails won’t land if the timing isn’t right. Learn to accept this reality and focus on staying visible for when the timing aligns.
2. The Dip is Your Friend: Seth Godin’s concept of "The Dip" explains why most people quit right before they succeed. Don’t be one of them.
3. Consistency Beats Perfection: Imperfect but steady action is more effective than sporadic perfection. Build habits that make prospecting automatic.
4. The Four Laws of Prospecting Habits:
   • Make it Obvious: Create cues and systems to make prospecting part of your daily routine.
   • Make it Attractive: Pair prospecting with something you enjoy and celebrate small wins.
   • Make it Easy: Break down outreach into manageable steps, like sending two emails a day.
   • Make it Satisfying: Reward yourself for consistent effort, not just responses.

 

Actionable Exercises

• Start Small: Commit to sending just 2-3 prospecting emails a day for the next 30 days.
• Track Consistency: Use a simple tracking sheet to monitor your efforts daily.
• Celebrate Wins: Keep a journal of small victories, such as completing your outreach for the day.
• Try the “Garden Perspective:” Imagine each email as a seed—focus on the process, not immediate results.

 

Memorable Soundbites

• "A mediocre message at the perfect time beats a perfect message at the wrong time."
• "Success in prospecting isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up consistently."
• "Prospecting is like planting a garden. The magic happens beneath the surface before you see results."

 

Deploy a Powerful Prospecting System in Just 21 Days

I’m starting a new prospecting workshop next week. We’re going to work together over 21 days (Mon-Fri only) to help you implement effective prospecting techniques and habits that actually stick. We’ll roll up our sleeves and actually create your prospecting plan and assets together. And I’ll be there every day to give you direct and personal feedback.

 

You’ll implement the material day by day, one baby step at a time. And you’ll come away with everything in place, all ready to go.

 

Would you like to join us? Email me at [[email protected]] and I’ll respond with all the details.