Are you looking to become a social media manager, but don’t know how to find that first client or more clients? You’re not alone, as I see this question constantly come up in social media manager circles.
Your very first social media client is easily the hardest one to find. In fact, once you secure a few clients, the rest all seem to be attracted as though with magnets!
There is a major reason you have been struggling to secure that first client – and it might not be what you think!
I talk to social media managers every single day who seem to think that they can’t secure clients because of their lack of experience or a lack of testimonials. They struggle with “imposter syndrome”, wondering whether or not they have what it takes.
It’s a pleasure to share with you that this couldn’t be further from the truth. The number one reason you are struggling to find your first client is surprisingly related to your mindset.
I know what it’s like to be sending pitch emails, going back and forth, disagreeing about pricing, trying to secure that first client…. Quite frankly, it can feel like bartering and negotiating at a flea market. And there are no guarantees – at any point a prospective client can walk away without a word.
Repeat this process several times, and you might be left with severe feelings of frustration and doubt.
Internal Script:
Why didn’t they answer my emails or calls? Did I not come across well? Maybe my prices were too high, or they felt as though I don’t know social media. It might have been when I answered that question about the ROI of social media. I don’t know what I’m doing.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling insecure, especially after being rejected several times. You start to wonder whether or not you’re even qualified to manage social media. Before long, your head is spinning, and desperation sets in.
Before you approach one more prospect, you NEED to change this mindset. Why? Because clients can smell desperation from a mile away, and they don’t like it.
When you approach a client with a defeated or desperate attitude, they sense that something isn’t right. The client ponders thoughts such as “If they are already this stressed, how are they going to manage my social media?”
When approaching potential clients, your internal dialogue in the weeks leading up to it is ESSENTIAL to your success.
Instead of questioning yourself with doubt, ask yourself the following question: How do you want your clients to perceive you?
Here are my answers; capable, confident, intelligent, hilarious, witty, creative, excited.
What are your answers?
Focus on those words you want to be associated with, and write them into your internal dialogue. You need to retrain your brain.
Internal Script:
I am capable. Clients will know that I am confident the moment I walk in proudly. We will discuss various topics, including their industry. I will demonstrate that I am intelligent, and educated (self educated…. It counts). We will laugh and have a great time, and they will appreciate how hilarious, witty, and creative I am. I am so excited to begin working with this client.
Do you see how different this internal script looks from the script above? The second script demonstrates the thought process of a confident social media manager.
Please don’t get me wrong, your thoughts won’t always be rainbows and sunshine. I know mine aren’t. There will be days where you doubt yourself. The goal is to reset your mindset to one of positivity and confidence before approaching a potential client, increasing the chances of a successful sales process.
And where do you find that first client? Glad you asked. Stay tuned for my exciting freebie: 14 Ways to Find Social Media Management Clients.
