When I started freelancing, I poured myself into learning content marketing as a skill. What I didn’t know is there was another, crucial skill that I probably should’ve focused on first, and that’s sales.

 

I honestly didn’t want to hear it. I hate selling. (Back then) it seemed wrong, manipulative and the worst part? I’m naturally bad at it.

 

Going on 6 years in and I still can’t say I’m good, but now, I respect it as a skill that I can get great at as a freelancer…and as one that helps my clients solve business problems.

 

If you’re anything like I was, that’s ok, because this month, we’re going to cover resources that will shift your mind on sales and help you find an approach to developing your skills that works for you.

 

First off, an introduction.

 

Marketing vs. Sales

Marketing and sales overlap a lot these days. That’s a good thing. People are starting to realize that you can’t really break the two up. Still, it’s helpful to understand the difference.

My favorite definition comes from Seth Godin.

 

Marketing tells a story that spreads.
Sales overcomes the natural resistance to say yes.

 

That’s it. It sounds simple, but I think as freelancers, we tend to ignore just how many reasons a potential client has to simply not work with us.

 

That’s why we get frustrated when a client doesn’t respond after just two emails, or stop following up after a lead’s just a couple months old.

 

We expect “Yes” to be easy, even though we know it’s not. Our “Yes” is seldom easy as consumers, but we expect other people’s to be.

 

That’s why the first step is accepting…really accepting that most prospects? It’s just easier to say “No”. Once you understand that that’s what you have to overcome, the rest makes more sense.

 

 

 

Megan