Sell your Services - Step by Step

8. Sell, Sell, Sell

If you follow the above rules, I'm sure you'll leave a good impression, but will you make the sale? Being a good sales person doesn't depend on talent, although this obviously helps. What you need most is confidence, and showing that you're confident will impress the potential client. Follow these points to land your first job:

• Never stop selling. Get used to rejection and understand that you will eventually make a sale. You should try to find an average that you can attain (eg. one out of every five people that you talk to will place an order).
• Don't lie about your skills or abilities if you want repeat business. If you're good, other local businesses will be knocking down your door in no time.
• Open up with an attention-getting statement. Put yourself in the business owner's shoes: what would be important to them? Find the answer to this question, and start off by bringing it to his attention.
• Communicate the benefits of a Website with complete confidence and excitement. The more excited you are, the more excited your client will be.
• Be ready for objections. Before the meeting, think of any objection the business owner could possibly come up with, and brainstorm answers so you're ready.
• Close the deal by asking when you should start working on the Website -- this week or next? In other words, don't give the business owner a yes or no question, give them a choice between two positive alternatives.

Word of Mouth Sells

Now that you know how to attract local clients, you should have no problems creating a successful freelance business. When working within your community, word spreads like fire. In fact, once you have a few dependable clients, you should have no problem finding new clients. Good luck!