In the world of freelancing, there are a lot of things that can set you apart from the competition. You could be the most talented writer, the most experienced graphic designer, or the best web developer in your city. But if you’re not careful, all of that talent and experience will go to waste—because apathy is an aphrodisiac.

In freelancing, as in dating, desperation is a major turn-off. When you’re constantly angling for new clients and going above and beyond to land every gig that comes your way, it shows—and potential clients can smell it from a mile away. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, focus on being the best at what you do and let that speak for itself. The right clients will come to you.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. So how do you avoid coming across as desperate when you’re trying to land new clients? Read on, my friend. I’m about to tell you.

Do your research

Before reaching out to potential clients, take some time to research their business. Find out what they’re all about, what their target audience is, and what kind of tone they typically use in their marketing materials. This will help you tailor your pitch and come across as more professional and knowledgeable—not someone who’s just firing off random emails in the hopes of landing a gig.

Find a common connection

When you’re reaching out to potential clients, try to find a common connection that you can reference in your email or introductory message. Maybe you went to the same college, have a mutual acquaintance, or share interests outside of work. Whatever it is, this common ground will help establish rapport and make it more likely that the client will respond positively to your pitch.

Don’t be afraid of rejection

Rejection is part of life—and part of freelancing. The sooner you accept that not every client is going to want to work with you, the better off you’ll be. When reaching out to potential clients, keep your messages short and sweet so that if they do reject your offer, it won’t sting quite as badly (or take up too much of their time). And who knows? Maybe they’ll change their mind down the road and reach out to you when they’re ready to start working with a freelancer.

Don’t give up

Even if you’ve been rejected by a particular client multiple times, don’t give up hope completely. If they keep coming back to you with new projects or opportunities, it’s worth considering whether there might be a fit after all. Persistence pays off in freelancing—especially if it’s coupled with high-quality work and responsive customer service.

🍩 Just the Sprinkles

In conclusion, remember that apathy is an aphrodisiac—so focus on being the best at what you do and let that speak for itself. The right clients will come to you if you avoid coming across as desperate by doing your research beforehand, finding common connections, not taking rejections personally, and staying persistent throughout the process. Good luck!