A couple of clients had run-ins with time vampires over the past month.
So, these deadly creatures are on my mind.
First, what’s a time vampire?
It’s anyone who steals your time.
Let me share an obvious example that only occurred because I was dumb enough to allow it.
In fact, you could even say I encouraged this behavior.
I often send a quick reply when someone sends me a concise email with a specific question.
I don’t want to read anyone’s life history…unless they’re a current client. So, keep it short.
But years back I would reply in detail and carried on some lengthy conversations back and forth with prospects or subscribers.
Those were inevitably a waste of time. And it costs me hundreds (perhaps thousands) of wasted hours from people who never even became clients. Learn from my mistake!
Here are a few warning signs to help you watch out for time vampires…
#1: Longwinded
They seem to take forever to get to the point.
When you contact someone cold, be concise.
What question are you asking? Or what are you proposing?
It’s even worse if you speak to them on the phone or meet them in person.
I don’t do coffee.
I don’t meet with people just to chat. I speak to and even meet clients in person at times. Or I’ll speak to someone where we’re discussing a potential joint venture.
But I don’t allow anyone to ‘pick my brain.’ Even that phrase sounds disgusting.
Have an agenda. Get to the point. Solve problems together.
#2: Send critique of website.
You might get a detailed critique of your website, email, or offer from someone you don’t know.
Feel free to ignore it.
Professionals don’t send uninvited critiques.
Sure, someone might mention a typo you have in passing. Nothing wrong with that. But I’m talking about going into detail, because they’re trying to get you to do something for them (trying to misuse reciprocity).
#3: Someone asks about your guarantee.
If someone asks you about your guarantee in advance, then it’s likely they’re already planning on refunding before the purchase.
Let them know the product probably isn’t a good fit for them.
You’ll save time and processing fees.
#4: Time Consuming Joint Ventures
I love joint ventures. But always start small!
For example, one of you might interview the other for a podcast.
Or if you both have good lead magnets that fit your audiences, you might suggest a onetime email promotion for each other’s opt-in page.
DON’T partner with someone to create a product as your first joint venture with each other. Don’t go into business together. Don’t spend the next 4 hours writing content for them.
Start small and grow into bigger deals with them over time. If someone suggest a big joint venture out of the gate, RUN!
#5: Desperate Emotional Appeal
Cue the sob story.
Yes, people go through hard times.
Be generous with money such as giving to charity, but be protective with your time. You can earn more money, but you won’t ever get back time.
It again comes back to relationship.
When someone you don’t know asks you to discount something, or help them for free, or whatever else…I’ve never seen it work out well.
They place little value on what they receive for free…and for some reason it often generates some weird sense of entitlement where they expect even more.
Those are just a few of the warning signs to look out for.
It’s especially important to watch out for these if you’re offering any type of service such as coaching.
Avoid unappreciative, overdemanding customers and clients.
Here’s my proven formula to help you develop a consistent flow of high value clients…
