Aaron- = ) I can imagine lots of excited new graduates drowning you in resumes. What can I say, consulting is hot? ; )
Perhaps after you meet them, you can send them to this blog post. “Read before emailing Aaron.”

I think I’m being pretty clear that I can’t hire them myself but t that I might be able to help them find a job. They always seem to gloss over that part. It’s annoying.

Trying to sell your product or service before you get to know someone is just like kissing a stranger.

Great post.

Andrea

You worked on building trust and that will always pay off. Even if she doesn’t choose you to do design (unlikely), you will always be on her mind.

Mia,

That’s so funny! The rules. = ) Thank you for sharing.

It is so effective when someone comes along using subtly and restraint in their marketing attempts. It speaks volumes about their character and makes me more inclined to find out who/what/where.

Back in the day when I was single and living the life in LA, I remember reading a book called, “The Rules.”

I will never forget one of the cardinal rules listed in the book, “Don’t try to get a man’s attention. If he ain’t lookin’, he’s not interested.”

This can easily be applied to this topic (okay, well…I’ll make it apply).

If you are fulfilled and happy, it comes across and people want to know more about you. If you are desperate and jumping up and down in the corner trying to get attention, chances are you’ll repel any interest that comes your way.

I am always telling my clients to slow down and do things right before presenting it to the masses. Personally, I don’t like it when people cut corners. It reveals a lot!

I appreciate your insight.

p.s. Here’s a link to the rule I was quoting. Gee, they have changed them around a bit since I last referenced their material (14 years ago! Yikes!!).

http://www.therulesbook.com/rule7.html

There was this woman there starting her business and looking for someone to design her brochures. As you would expect, the other graphic designers zoomed onto her like bees around a honey-pot. What did I do? Wait until they were finished, and then approached her in a friendly way to find out what her business was about. No mentioning of me being a graphic designer, just as a woman who was interested in her and her business.

I then asked her about what networking she was doing? Of course she was new and didn’t know of much about this. I then reeled off a number of women’s networking groups that were in the area (best to break her in gently) and suggested we went together to the next one. Just emphasised it would be easier to network if you already knew a friendly face there.

She only found out I was a graphic designer when we exchanged cards for telephone numbers. I followed up with friendly, non-committal emails reminding her of the networking events, and once I’ve got her undivided attention at the next group then I can get on with the business of gaining her trust. How? By wowing her with lots of marketing tips and expert advice.

After several meetings then I hope she will approach me to do her brochures, not one of the other graphic designers who bombarded her at that initial meeting. You have to be prepared for the long term approach - short, sharp shocks do not work!

You got it!

No matter what the platform, you still have to build the relationship.

Thanks for commenting. = )