✂️ How to connect with new clients

The process I use to meet people and get work

Author

Jesse Koepke
February 18, 2023

Freelance editing has a lot of perks. Often you work from home, you can make more than a staff job, you set your hours, etc.

But it all comes with a big question: how do you find new clients??

I first learned how to reach out to people from Joey Koremann’s The Freelance Manifesto. This book was the first time I had ever heard someone describe how to get work as a freelancer. (Note: this is an affiliate link and I'll get a small kickback.)

While the book was written for motion designers, the system works great for video editors. Here's what it looks like.

Anatomy of a cold outreach

Recently I found a studio near where I live. I perused their work and felt my skills and experience could be a good fit.

Using LinkedIn, I looked for someone who was responsible for hiring an editor, like a producer, post manager, etc. In my case a director/DP seemed like the best fit.

Using hunter.io, I found his email address (this is an ethical practice, because his email is publicly available) and sent him this email:

Let’s break this down:

  • Subject line: His name and my location will catch his attention and he knows why I’m writing.

  • The opening paragraph is all about them. I’m praising their work and showing I took time to do my research. I’m also pointing out what kind of projects I would be good for.

  • I give a short description of my skills, give a personal connection of living close by, and present myself humbly and collaboratively (”I’ve had the privilege….”)

  • I link to my work but in a low-pressure way. He shouldn’t feel guilty if he doesn’t look at my work.

  • Lastly I sign off, again focused all on them.

Notice that I never ask for work. This first email needs to be about them and giving to the relationship, not taking.

So how was the response?

He responded! That’s a big win. He also connected me with a better contact at the studio. Bigger win! Now I know exactly who to talk to. He also seems open to my work, which is a good first step.

Here’s how I replied:

My goal here is to be thankful and make a good first impression on the new contact. I end with a note that's all about them, and show they can inconvenience me any time.

If the email chain stopped here, this would be a big win. I’ve made two contacts at a great studio who are “always looking” for editors to work with.

Thankfully, they went a little further.

The link to my portfolio did it’s job! Seeing my work has built trust, which is key for someone to hire you. They also gave a timeline, which will now be my timeline for when I follow up.

Follow-up is the key

It would be awesome if work started rolling in, but my work has only just started.

Every new contact is planting a seed. It is very, very, very rare to do cold outreach like this and find someone needing a freelance editor right that instant.

If I continue to be helpful, encouraging, and present, eventually there will be a project they need help on. By staying in touch I can be top of mind with them.

Helpful Links

Thanks for reading!

It took me 10 years to learn how to make new contacts and find work. I hope this system helps you.

If you make a new contact, I'd love to hear about it!

Keep cutting,

– Jesse Koepke

New here? Welcome! When you're ready, here are a few ways you can grow your editing career: