Does Professional Courtesy Still Exist?
The Art of Valuing Your Worth and Dealing with Lack of Response.
As a professional copywriter I create proposals on a regular basis. Although I have an online shopping cart and clients can readily buy packages there, (at the time of this writing), I still provide individualized proposals upon request.
Proposals take time. Time is money. I don’t charge for the proposal process but I am seriously rethinking that.
In the past year I’ve been contacted by dozens of (and this is conservative) “tire kickers.” Well, there aren’t really any “tire kickers” in copywriting. So, I guess I’ll call them “price shoppers.” After taking my time to assess their needs, craft a customized proposal and follow up, very few have the courtesy to respond.
Now, I don’t mind if they make another choice. That’s the beauty of business. At the same time, I am old fashioned in a sense. I expect, at the very least, a polite, “No thanks, we’ve selected someone else,” call or email. It’s rare and I am beginning to believe professional courtesy has gone to the wayside. This saddens me on many levels. I’m also quite appreciative of those who do extend professional courtesy.
As a student of Glazer – Kennedy, I understand the value of time. I’m aware of the importance of making every minute count in business. I’ve greatly changed some of my “old school” thinking in terms of marketing thanks to Dan Kennedy and his strategies.
Even so, I still believe in earning business. Perhaps the proposal dance helps me take stock in the process. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always seem to be appreciated. Obliviousness to professional courtesy has been noted by colleagues, too.
There is also the school of thought promoting charging for ALL of your time. This narrows your playing field to serious inquires. I believe there is value here as well.
Do you value the time and energy of others? Is follow up something you incorporate in your business?
For now, I’ll leave you with a few thoughts.
1) Time is money.
2) Your time is just as valuable as my time (no matter who you are and what you charge and visa versa).
3) It’s good business to follow up even if you choose NOT to do business with someone. (Plus, it’s polite).
Finally, it’s important to value everyone you come in contact with. Chances are the people you impact positively are more likely to become your client or refer others.
P.S. I recently happened upon a blog post by Michel Fortin on a similar topic. It’s given me some food for thought. How about you? Read it here.
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