How to score big fish clients

Hi Friends,

I've just posted a new interview on my blog

FREELANCERS: How to attract more clients

It's with Chris Haddad and we talk in-depth about the methods we use to cozy up to big fish marketers at live events -- without coming off (or feeling) smarmy about it.

The trick is to never go in looking for a "sale"...

... which may seem obvious to the more savvy networkers here, but it's a lesson too many of us (especially socially awkward writer types) have to learn the hard way by embarrassing ourselves.

I know I did at my first event. I'll never forget what a tool I felt like after forcing myself to approach a well-known marketer and shoving my samples at him.

Worst part was he tried to be cool about it, but because I felt like such a rube, I basically apologized and sauntered away like a dejected teenager. Still makes me twitch thinking about it.

But... sometimes the only way to learn is to crash and burn on your first flight.

if I hadn't suffered that failure, then I would not have (after vowing never to put myself -- or anyone I hoped to do business with -- through THAT again) discovered that foregoing my desired outcome and just being myself is a much more effective method for connecting with important people.

In fact, it's the only way I know that works.

After shedding my desperation and gaining more confidence I was able to network much more effectively -- and make some great friendships along the way.

I even got up the cajones to "invite myself" to a private Carlton event, which he shockingly accepted, and which provided a major turning point in my life and career.

In fact, another person I met at that same event recently surprised me with a strong recommendation to a famous marketer and we just booked a high five figure deal.

I tell you this so you'll understand the value of the advice in this interview... and hopefully use it to get in front of the right people. The kind who will appreciate your talent and tenacity and, of course, reward you accordingly.

Give a listen and let us know what you think.

Best,

Kevin