When I started out in this business, my clients all came to me via word of mouth. I was happy to have found my niche, able to provide a service that was much needed and much appreciated. More often than not my clients and I were like-minded.
In recent years the Internet has kicked in and my virtual business network has begun to grow, presenting a real challenge for me: I have discovered I am not a machine! In order to write effective business and marketing copy I really need to connect to my clients’ passion; to know them as individuals and understand their business goals. Online this can be difficult. The technology seems to engender distrust and lack of commitment that doesn’t happen in person.
That is why the first step in any business relationship is a meeting by phone or over coffee. Skype seems to work; many longterm clients stay in touch via online chats. Quick jobs are a different matter of course, but the majority of my clients stay with me over a number of years and I think it’s worth the effort to lay a good foundation before the work begins.