Don’t Forget Your Manners

If you work for a company, you know exactly what is expected of you each day. Aside from your actual job duties, no doubt you’re considerate of other employees, you say ‘Good Morning’ when you arrive, and you check your email frequently throughout the day. So why is it that when you become a freelance writer, all of those manners fall by the wayside?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Elance writers respond to buyers without beginning the email with Good Morning, Hello, or Dear So-and-So. I’ve also seen writers respond in IM language, like they’re texting on a cell phone. And I’ve seen responses that offer no clue as to who the writer is or how they can be contacted. Who does business like that?

If you’re working as a freelancer- be it writer, designer or programmer–you’re in business for yourself. Even if you only work at it very part time. Everything you say, do and write reflects back on you, your company, your professionalism and your ability to get the job done. There’s simply no excuse for forgetting your manners just because you’re sitting in your home office as opposed to your corporate office. In fact, your level of professionalism is even more important to the success of your business because of the intense competition in the freelance world.

So here’s a few tips on getting it right:

• Greet your prospect and do it properly (‘Good Morning’ instead of ‘Hey There!’)
• Ask questions to convey your interest in them
• Provide your contact information, including name, phone number and email or website
• Provide your hours of availability (i.e., 800-555-1212, 9 am to 5 pm ET Monday-Friday)
• Offer to initiate a phone call to prospect within a reasonable geographic area to discuss the project (i.e., If you’re in the United States, I’d be happy to call you to discuss your project further.”)

These details are normal communications expected in the corporate world but so often ignored among freelancers. Stand out among your competitors by excelling in your attention to customers’ needs. People do notice. And they will show their appreciation by choosing to do business with you.

If you are a freelance writers who needs assistance in any phase of the business, please visit www.OneStopSEOShop.com and click on For Freelance Writers Only, or feel free to write to me via the Contact Us page.