Some people write in such a friendly way on their blog, encouraging you to contact them anytime. And when you do, you may be pleasantly surprised.
This happened to me recently.
While surfing the internet, I found a blog that had some helpful, general tips on WordPress. Anyone who wanted more specific advice could hire the blogger. But their fees weren’t stated on the blog. Readers were warmly invited to ask the blogger for a quote.
Don’t be shy, the blogger urged. Quotes are free. Contact me.
I thought the blogger seemed like someone I could work with so I decided to ask for a quote.
First, I sent an email. A couple of days later, I had not received a reply. The blogger had posted their phone number on the blog so I took this to mean they were open to being contacted by phone.
So I called them. Here’s the conversation that followed:
Me: Hello. Is that (insert real name of blogger here).
Blogger: Speaking.
Me: This is Chichi. I emailed you a couple of days ago. I like your blog and I’m interested in hiring you to help me with WordPress.
Blogger (sounding irritated): I have so much work right now. I’m not taking on any more clients.
Me: Can you recommend anyone that might be able to help me?
Blogger: No.
Me: OK, thanks.
End. Of. Conversation.
I was disappointed by the way the self-styled WordPress expert had dealt with my inquiry. Was this the same person that had invited, even urged, people to contact them on their blog?
I felt like I’d been led on. One thing was for sure. I would not be contacting the WordPress guru ever again. Not for love or money. And I would not be visiting their blog again.
OK, I understand that she had more work than she could comfortably handle. And maybe that’s a good thing. But I don’t understand why a self-professed geek did not update her blog to say she was currently not accepting new clients.
And she didn’t have to sound so irritated on the phone. After all, she had asked readers to contact her if they wanted to know more about the WordPress services she was offering.
I think it is possible to turn away prospective clients without alienating them. Doing this leaves the door open for possible interaction in the future. What do you think?
