Hello, guys.
I am about to sign a deal with an entrepreneur.
But the sucker wants...references. Oh, God!
Where the heck do I get these?? And how?

I am currently working on a few small projects,
but it is too early for me to demand references.
I am afraid a lack of testimonials will preclude him
from hiring me.

PS: I sent him some of my writing samples, a link to my
website and my blog. But he is insatiable! He wants more!!
HELP!

Angie

Personally I can't ever think of a time I called a prospect a "sucker" -- how would you ever empathise with someone you thought of that way? I might not end up liking all my clients -- and no longer work with some because of the way they conduct business -- but I wouldn't ever think of them as suckers.

I saw someone once doing a presentation on selling an info pack -- eBay drop-shipping -- and was quite derogatory during the presentation about the customers he had through eBay -- needless to say I had no intention of buying the info pack from him and being thought of in those terms.

Too early because they're unfinished or for some other reason? There's no problem in getting testimonials even during a work-in-progress project to show how attentive and professional you are to the project, even if it's not yet finished.

Again, I've never "demanded" a reference or testimonial ... but I've politely and deliberately asked for them.

You don't know if you don't ask!

But this is Angie... he is a ... oh never mind.

Angie you seem to have an innate ability to find a problem in any situation you find yourself in. Even when no reasonable person would think to look.

If the only people you can possibly get references from (in regards to your writing) are the current suckers you're working for then guess what? You ask them!

If they want more general "we just hope this girl doesn't run with our money" type references then any job you've had (and done well at) should provide a couple of people you can call on.

Come on, you claim to be smarter than this. For once show us! Dean and I must be about the only two people left who don't yet have you on ignore. And I'm sure that's just a glitch in the system. I swear I clicked that button...

Oh, maybe it's because you have a crush on me.

When I said "sucker", I didn't really mean that.
It was a joke!!
I thought in Australia most people have a sense of humor.
You should know me by now, mates.
I am a more sarcastic and sophisticated version of
Mr. Subtle.

PS: On a more serious note. I do not feel comfortable enough
to ask people for references. I am still in the middle of
completing a few small projects. That's all.

Angie

Angie, Kyle's right. You can get references from anybody who knows you and likes you. They just need to vouch for your credibility and professionalism.

If your prospect is dead-set on a "copywriting reference" then you didn't do enough to build your perceived value. IMHO.

I say this because the ONE time I was asked for a testimonial, it was for a client in Japan. We handled everything through email and he needed a little extra assurance. Very understandable.

Everyone else, I've closed over the phone. I've always tried to bring a lot of value to the phone call and demonstrate I knew what I was talking about... even before I'd written anything that actually worked.

And you know what? They didn't bat an eye. They assumed I was the professional I tried to portray.

It's really all about positioning. I never lied or mislead. I merely highlighted my strengths and diminished my inexperience.

I got a bit long-winded but I hope that helps. If he insists on results testimonials, just be honest and tell him you don't have any yet... but you will after you finish his project!

You are right. We had a very brief conversation.
I will set up a phone discussion where I will provide some ideas and suggestions on how to improve his website. Hopefully, this will
warm him up a bit.

I also said I would collect testimonials
from my clients and post them on my website.
At some point I will have to do that.

He is an entrepreneur operating on a thin budget.
And he wants to make sure that he will get his money's worth.
But If we form a partnership, he might throw quite a few projects my way.
See? I am getting busy.

I got a bit long-winded too.... Well, I am a writer. I like to write.
Angie

That is for other people to judge - not you, Angie.

Marcia Yudkin

I mean, I am a more sarcastic, outrageous, creative and sophisticated version of Mr. Subtle (aka "Mr. Unsettled") And, yes. A more educated one.

PS: You're wrong on two counts, dude.
1. I never had any wet dreams. Only horny ones.
2. And I am not an MBA. I am MA (Master of Arts).
Okay, okay. Relax, gramps. I am just kidding. It's Friday night. Take it easy. And put that gun down, for crying out loud.

Angie

This is the official outrageous claim thread---

Hey guys, you know I'm better looking than Russel Crow? All the girls think so.