Checking In

One of the many challenges of a freelance life is making sure people know you're still alive and available without making them think you've been sitting on the couch eating bonbons.  So how do you do this?  Read on, and I will share a few of my approaches.

1.  Congratulate them on an award they've won, or something new they or their company are doing.  People love to be recognized, and it shows you're reading the trades and making the connection to think of them.  And maybe they'll realize they need a recognizing, reading, connecting person like you for their new thing, just as your email hits their screen.

2.  Announce something you're doing.  Maybe you're doing it as a favor for a friend, but it's still skill building.  And hey, people like people who do favors for friends.  And maybe they'll realize they need a skill-building, favor-doing person like you, just as your email hits their screen.

3.  Invite them for coffee.  Okay, this won't work every time, because how many cups of coffee can you have, but it's quick and simple.  And people like coffee (or at least tea).  And they like to be invited.  And maybe they'll realize they need a coffee-drinking, quick-thinking, inviting person like you, just as your email hits their screen.

4.  Do all of the above.  If you're lucky enough that they have something new going and you have something new going, wouldn't you love to have coffee with them and talk about it all?  And hey, they may realize on their way back from coffee that they need a new-new person just like you on their team.

5.  Do none of the above (and by this, I don't mean don't check in at all--that's definitely not the answer).  With a subject line of "Checking In," just say, "hope you are well," and move on.  Short, quick to read, and bearing your name.  And hey, who wouldn't like someone who hopes they are well.  And one of these days, they'll have a job for you, just as your email crosses their screen.