Hate Small Talk? [QTMM 10-5-22]

ALSO 5 Essential Biz Books for Creatives [ALSO 5 Essential Biz Books for Creatives] [View Online Version]( [Marketing Mentor]( Hate small talk? This may help... Dear Creative Professional, If you hate small talk, you are not alone. Many creatives do.  But chatting may truly be the best way to start your first call with any prospect -- whether it's a free consultation or a discovery call.  Here's why: small talk helps you establish a bond from the first moment AND gather important information about your prospect.  Because to me, that's the point of that first call -- to get a little window into "who is this person?"  My first goal is to find out who I'm dealing with, not to perform or audition (both exhausting and stressful) or, Heaven forbid, to quote a price. It’s way too soon for that.  So during the [free mentoring session]( I offer, I start by asking a random question: - How's the weather today? - Where are you? OR What time is it where you are? - How is your day going? - What kind of dog do you have? (If I hear a dog, of course. I love bonding over dogs) You’d be surprised how much people will tell you about themselves with a simple prompt -- especially if you're paying attention (but not if you're worried about what they'll think of you).  I want to see – before we get any further – if this is someone I can work with. Don't you?  I want to assess if this is someone who will bring out the best in me. That’s what I’m vetting for. Aren't you?  I want to know if we can have a conversation that flows smoothly. If so, that bodes well.  It all starts with that first "chat."  But if you don't ask for (and insist on) a call in real time, if you just shoot back a price when someone says they have a project, you will miss all the value that you can build into what may (or may not) be a productive long term working relationship.  So if you hate small talk, try reframing it as an information gathering exercise. That's the only way for you to be the one to decide if they are a good fit for you.  BTW This is another ideas from an amazing book I am reading: "[Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly](" by Mori Taheripour.  That's all for today, Ilise Benun Your Marketing Mentor (917) 750-0498 [Listen to the latest episode of the Marketing Mentor Podcst](   The 5 Essential Biz Books (and Skills) for Creative Pros Here are my 5 essential skills for creative professionals & the 5 Business Books to teach them to you. Find the details and links here: [‚]( [[ratio]  Â]( Here's How to Avoid Being Ghosted In [Writing a Winning Proposal: Land Your Dream Clients](, you'll learn my proven "Proposal Oreo Strategy" and the 3 most important things about writing a winning proposal: 1. how to identify the right prospects 2. the best practices for writing proposals 3. the 10 essential elements  I also show how to share it with your prospect so they say yes, instead of ghosting you!  "What a gem course. Straight to the point, no embellishments, full of tips, and a wealth of information. Highly recommended."  For a limited time, the course is only US$9.99.Get it here: [( [[ratio]  Â](     On the podcast: How to Properly Value Your Time Most freelancers use hourly rates for all the wrong reasons. In the [latest episode of the Marketing Mentor Podcast (#453)](, Doug Dolan describes how he thinks about valuing your services, how to customize a proposal (which I originally learned from him) and how to figure out what to say in those awkward moments with clients and prospects, including when a client balks at an initial quote or increase.     FOLLOW US [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [marketing-mentor.com]( | [View Online]( | [Unsubscribe]([%%20unsub_url%20%]) [Manage]( your preferences | [Opt Out]( using TrueRemove™ Got this as a forward? [Sign up]( to receive our future emails. View this email [online](. 350 Barnard St. | Savannah, GA 31401 US This email was sent to {EMAIL}. To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book. [powered by emma](