Don't get sucked into the black hole! This is a time of opportunity for creating new and deepening old relationships. If you are calling people who want to discuss politics, contracts, lack of work, runaway production, etc., discussions are okay. What's not okay is having to listen to a complainer. To clarify, a person who wants to discuss any of the previously mentioned topics, will share what they've heard, their opinion, and/or their concerns and ask for yours. The goal of the discussion is to find solutions. A complainer is not looking for a solution; a complainer is looking for something to place blame on for the situation he/she is in.
If you find yourself on the phone with a complainer:
1. Share the positive things you've been doing
2. Say up front that you don't want to discuss "the touchy subject" because you are optimistic and see this as a time to seize opportunities
3. Ask if he/she is interested in a solution, and if so, give them some ideas about what they can be doing with their time to stay positive.
What I've seen over and over again, are people who are in-between jobs, forcing themselves to suffer because they're not working. Then, when they do get a job, they look back with terrible REGRET, wishing they had enjoyed that time. One of the benefits of being a freelancer is the schedule. Instead of choosing to be miserable when you're not working, choose to take the action necessary to get work and enjoy the remaining hours of the day. You deserve it!
2 comments:
All everyone is talking about is the terrible contract! I don't think they are interested in hearing about positive stuff!
You can't control who they are "being" you can only control who you are "being." So, use the techniques from above and give people the chance to focus on something positive. Be the light they're drawn to. If nothing else, they'll remember you as that.
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