A very quick, open letter:
Dear potential client,
When you approach me or inquire about my services, I’m more than happy to have an email exchange or phone conversation about what I can do to help you. I have no problem discussing what’s expected, how much it will cost and when it needs to get done.
However, if I send this proposal to you, but you haven’t responded back in a few days, I will follow up. And the least I expect is a response back, even if it’s to say you’ve reconsidered or you’ve found someone else more suitable for the job. I’m a big girl…I can take it.
But the worst thing to do is to not get back to me at all. It’s very high on my list of pet peeves, and it’s just ignoring all manner of common courtesy. I had to deal enough with this when I queried publications but never heard back from the contact person. Rejection emails are not that time-consuming to send…less so than rejection postal mails.
I won’t think less of you if you’ve reconsidered, but don’t leave me and others in my profession hanging. As freelancers, more so than with other working professionals, time is money. We need to know what we will be working on, so we can plan our revenues and budgets (both work and home) accordingly.
If you have a good reason for not getting back soon, and do have an answer, I can understand. We all get busy with whatever’s urgent.
I value professionalism, as I hope you do as well. Responding back, regardless of the outcome, lets everyone know where things stand. That’s the least we could all do.
Regards,
Janice
(OK, glad I got that off my chest. Have a great weekend!)
