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Hungry vs desperate

Anything related to matters of the mind

LittleWolfie

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What is the difference? Between being hungry for work and desperate for it?

How can you avoid seeming to ne desperate, when you really need the work?
 
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Roli

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Obviously a lot depends on your situation, however I'll try and be as generic as possible. So in no particular order:

1. Don't be readily available - If somebody says; "..can we meet on Monday at 8 a.m.?" and you have the entire week free. Tell them no, instead give them three or four times alternative times you can do that week, whilst looking in your 'diary'.

2. Unless absolutely necessary, or you have made such a promise, do not open and/or reply to emails immediately, leave it a day, or whatever time is appropriate for you and your business.

3. In a situation whereby you have been approached for work do not accept the business immediately, make it seem as if you need to assess them or whatever excuse you come up with to take it away and confirm with them later/tomorrow.

4. Don't be afraid of no!! - This should have probably been number 1, but I've just thought about it so it's no. 4. - Ask questions that lead to a no. People are subconsciously more relaxed with you if you allow them to say no early on in a negotiation. If you skirt around certain issues because you are "yes" seeking, you will come across as desperate.

5. Give them ways out- Nobody likes to feel trapped, even if they come to you for the work, use language like "If this is right for you we can go ahead..." and "This might not be a great fit for you..." Just two examples off the top of my head, however you want to tailor these and make them more specific to your industry.

6. Give away free advice - One of the most lucrative jobs I ever got as a freelance video producer was because I gave the potential client a ton of free advice on an Upwork-type website. I wrote about 5 paragraphs detailing exactly how he should shoot his project, regardless of whether he chose me or not. It stood out and made everyone look desperate as they all talked about how amazing they were.

7. Concentrate on them - This kind of rolls on from the last point, in that if you focus on your client, and their needs, rather than how amazing you are and how wonderful the job you're going to do for them will be, you will come across as attentive and client-focused. Take time to find out about their needs, their past, everything that brought them to the point they're at.

Find out about their customers, what those clients are worth to them and how your work will help them get more/keep existing clients and so on. The more you talk about them, the more it will seem like you're hungry to do a good job for them, rather than desperate to win the contract.

8. Don't be prepared to give them the world - Obviously offer them a great service, however make sure your offer isn't too good. If something is an extra which needs to be charged for, then charge for it. Remember that everyone knows if something seems too good to be true, then it almost, most definitely always is.

Okay there you go, if you want more industry specific advice hit me up in DM. Otherwise good luck, and remember, once the money starts rolling in you'll automatically seem less desperate.
 

RazorCut

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6. Give away free advice - One of the most lucrative jobs I ever got as a freelance video producer was because I gave the potential client a ton of free advice on an Upwork-type website. I wrote about 5 paragraphs detailing exactly how he should shoot his project, regardless of whether he chose me or not. It stood out and made everyone look desperate as they all talked about how amazing they were.

This is particularly great advice. It creates authority, gives insight as to your abilities and basically makes you stand out from the crowd as it gives the impression that they need you more than you need them. I often use this technique and end the dialogue with wishing them all the best for their project whomever they choose.

I would also add watch your pricing. Both you and the client have to feel you have benefited from the transaction but that doesn't mean to say you should work for pennies. Your price says a lot about your authority. Go in cheap and your credibility is undermined.

I had a client recently who, when she seen my quote, asked if I could reduce my price. If it had been a large job with many facets I could have said "sure, if budget is of concern which areas do you want to cut back on?". That usually ends that part of the conversation.

However there was no areas to cut back on as it was a standalone product. I just pointed out that if the price was a problem there where several other companies well suited to her project locally and I could send her a few recommendations if she liked.

She declined and asked how soon I could start.

Under promise and over deliver
When the project was completed (last week) the customer was delighted and said the work far exceeded her expectations. That is because I didn't big it up to her in my quote and subsequent conversations but added a couple of wow factors into the design that didn't cost me much in time nor money. Now I have a raving fan who will come back to me again and recommend me to friends (I had already completed two projects for her husband).

So be fair in your price but sprinkle some fairy dust into the mix to make them feel special. I read this week about a web developer who charged $2500 for a very basic Wix landing page. Those comments came from the new developer who couldn't believe the poor quality work or the price charged when the client approached them to take over the contract. There is fair and there is rip off. The rip off merchants don't last long.
 
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Fox

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What is the difference? Between being hungry for work and desperate for it?

How can you avoid seeming to ne desperate, when you really need the work?

I would say the intention is the big difference here.

A hungry person badly wants to help and get started.

A desperate person is starting to get to a point where they might be tempted/willing to take shortcuts or take unethical action.

Being hungry is fine and we all go through that stage. Being desperate is not. It is like the person drowning who takes down others with them in the panic.

If you are feeling desperate then try focus on yourself and the basics first. Get a short term job, get a roof over your head and your life essentials in order. Get some base savings and work on core mindset and habits that are proven to help.

DONT get into advanced action if you are in a desperate state of mind. This would be things like starting a new business or trying to land a big project. it will be hard to help others if you are in acute need of help yourself.

You might not even see it but when you are in a desperate state of mind you will be at a high risk of making some big mistakes. Just relax and cover those life basics above first, then after you recover start to get back on track for the bigger goals you have.

The biggest tell is are you focused on how to provide value in exchange for income (hungry) or are you focused on saying and doing anything to help yourself (desperate).
 

LittleWolfie

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I would say the intention is the big difference here.

A hungry person badly wants to help and get started.

A desperate person is starting to get to a point where they might be tempted/willing to take shortcuts or take unethical action.

Being hungry is fine and we all go through that stage. Being desperate is not. It is like the person drowning who takes down others with them in the panic.

If you are feeling desperate then try focus on yourself and the basics first. Get a short term job, get a roof over your head and your life essentials in order. Get some base savings and work on core mindset and habits that are proven to help.

DONT get into advanced action if you are in a desperate state of mind. This would be things like starting a new business or trying to land a big project. it will be hard to help others if you are in acute need of help yourself.

You might not even see it but when you are in a desperate state of mind you will be at a high risk of making some big mistakes. Just relax and cover those life basics above first, then after you recover start to get back on track for the bigger goals you have.

The biggest tell is are you focused on how to provide value in exchange for income (hungry) or are you focused on saying and doing anything to help yourself (desperate).
Anyone who can get a short term job will avoid desperation for that short term.

This is particularly great advice. It creates authority, gives insight as to your abilities and basically makes you stand out from the crowd as it gives the impression that they need you more than you need them. I often use this technique and end the dialogue with wishing them all the best for their project whomever they choose.

I would also add watch your pricing. Both you and the client have to feel you have benefited from the transaction but that doesn't mean to say you should work for pennies. Your price says a lot about your authority. Go in cheap and your credibility is undermined.

I had a client recently who, when she seen my quote, asked if I could reduce my price. If it had been a large job with many facets I could have said "sure, if budget is of concern which areas do you want to cut back on?". That usually ends that part of the conversation.

However there was no areas to cut back on as it was a standalone product. I just pointed out that if the price was a problem there where several other companies well suited to her project locally and I could send her a few recommendations if she liked.

She declined and asked how soon I could start.

Under promise and over deliver
When the project was completed (last week) the customer was delighted and said the work far exceeded her expectations. That is because I didn't big it up to her in my quote and subsequent conversations but added a couple of wow factors into the design that didn't cost me much in time nor money. Now I have a raving fan who will come back to me again and recommend me to friends (I had already completed two projects for her husband).

So be fair in your price but sprinkle some fairy dust into the mix to make them feel special. I read this week about a web developer who charged $2500 for a very basic Wix landing page. Those comments came from the new developer who couldn't believe the poor quality work or the price charged when the client approached them to take over the contract. There is fair and there is rip off. The rip off merchants don't last long.
Of course their could have been 500 hours of client meetings to find out they just wanted a wix page.

That is $5 an hour.

I'm confused with price says a lot about authority and providing work for free. Doesn't the free part say that you lack the authority? Or are you saying the lower the price, the more authority?
 

Dan_Cardone

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Anyone who can get a short term job will avoid desperation for that short term.


Of course their could have been 500 hours of client meetings to find out they just wanted a wix page.

That is $5 an hour.

I'm confused with price says a lot about authority and providing work for free. Doesn't the free part say that you lack the authority? Or are you saying the lower the price, the more authority?
"You get what you pay for."

Thats a common belief of most people. People associate higher prices with higher quality.

In fact, high prices can be used as a "positioning" device that also helps establish authority.
 
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LittleWolfie

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"You get what you pay for."

Thats a common belief of most people. People associate higher prices with higher quality.

In fact, high prices can be used as a "positioning" device that also helps establish authority.
So how does that square with the 'work for free' mantra. I think I am missing something.
 

Entre Eyes

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Obviously a lot depends on your situation, however I'll try and be as generic as possible. So in no particular order:
6. Give away free advice - One of the most lucrative jobs I ever got as a freelance video producer was because I gave the potential client a ton of free advice on an Upwork-type website. I wrote about 5 paragraphs detailing exactly how he should shoot his project, regardless of whether he chose me or not. It stood out and made everyone look desperate as they all talked about how amazing they were.
Wow hat off and tip left that whole list was the shiznit!
I love #6 it made me alot of money.

Years ago they give me the stiff arm...just looking....then I begin saying what I would do under similar circumstances and hit them with things they may not have considered only a INSIDERS would, even give them questions to ask the next place they visit, then tell them my name and walk away and let the other guys pressure them away.
Even if it was my day off those prospects would wait until I got back and make a deal.
 

Ismail941

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You haven't posted any context, so I am telling in general answers:

Hungry for Work: You Work and Get Paid
Desperate For Work: You are Needy and Want to get Paid

Just be an Attractive Person without Needy = It's absolutely doable

Seriously it depends on nuance & situation. Not all people's situations are the same equal.
 
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LittleWolfie

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Obviously a lot depends on your situation, however I'll try and be as generic as possible. So in no particular order:


Okay there you go, if you want more industry specific advice hit me up in DM. Otherwise good luck, and remember, once the money starts rolling in you'll automatically seem less desperate.

That is a really useful list. Thanks.

You haven't posted any context, so I am telling in general answers:

Hungry for Work: You Work and Get Paid
Desperate For Work: You are Needy and Want to get Paid

Just be an Attractive Person without Needy = It's absolutely doable

Seriously it depends on nuance & situation. Not all people's situations are the same equal.


Awesome I wanted a general list. See how much time that saved us both? Time is Money after all.



Wait so hungry is just looking for work. You have to be good looking though?
 

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