Last month I quit my job.
Figuring out my identity is now a “thing.” Maybe I’m a stealth founder. I don’t know. But I’m enjoying the freelance hustle and so can you.
Here’s how I do it:
- Drool over startups all day on Feedly.com.
- Pick one that meets these criteria: I want to help; I’m capable of helping.
- Create a ridiculous marketing idea (to be certain they haven’t tried it).
- Email your idea to the founder (usually [email protected]) and end with “Would love to grab coffee and learn more about your company.”
- Cross fingers.
- Meet for coffee and study their website, competitors, industry beforehand. Bring ideas.
- If all goes well, say “I’d love to find a way we can work together for 2-3 months, I think I can knock out x, y, z.”
- Submit a proposal. Nothing crazy, just 1-2 pg
Google Doc. Bullet some tasks and objectives, and include notes from the coffee meeting. Bottom of your doc should showcase rates; I like “Option A” and “Option B.” - Cross fingers.
- Repeat as desired.
In the future I hope leads are word of mouth (vs cold email) — making Step 6 the new Step 1 — but this is Day 43 and the struggle is real.
Pro tip: warm intro’s are the ultimate step skippers.
Email me if you need help. I’ll send a couple options.