Dear Ellen,
About six months ago, I was laid off from the tech job I have had for the past 15 years.
I’ve been job-hunting, but not with much luck. My heart is just not in it.
As you can imagine, being unemployed has given me a lot of free time — and I have been using the extra time to do something I’ve always loved: fixing up cars.
I am so much happier working with my hands in the garage instead of sitting in front of a screen all day long.
I would love to find out a way to make my “side passion” into a business.
I have been doing small repair and restoration projects for people in my local community — mostly family and friends — but I know that I’m going to need a steadier stream of clients if this is going to become a viable business.
Do you have any “marketing” ideas that won’t make me feel sick to my stomach?
Please don’t tell me to go to “meet-ups” or “conferences.” Been there. Done that. Are there any other ways to expand my circle and move my dream forward? Please help.
Would Rather Be A Grease Monkey Than A Geek
Dear Grease Monkey,
Transitioning into a totally new career is not easy. It requires patience, dedication and a willingness to put yourself out there.
But you have the biggest advantage on your side:
You have genuine passion.
You asked for “marketing” ideas that aren’t sleazy or boring. I am completely happy to help. In fact, I’ve got one that I’m almost certain you will love…
What if I told you that you could build relationships with hundreds of potential clients… just by sending out three emails a day?
Not pushy, salesy emails.
Gratitude emails.
It’s totally true.
I first learned about the “three emails a day” technique at a workshop led by a personal hero of mine, Lynne Twist.
Lynne is a woman who knows a thing or two about turning big dreams into realities. She’s a philanthropist and fundraising genius who’s raised millions for non-profits like The Hunger Project, The Pachamama Alliance and many others.
During one of her seminars, which I attended, she said:
“If you want to feel energized about your work, open new doors and bring more money into your life, it all begins with just three emails a day.”
Here’s how it works:
Step 1. Every morning, write down three people that you’d like to say “hello” to.
They might be family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, teachers, mentors, writers, speakers, local TV personalities, CEOs, celebrities — anybody that you’d like to connect (or re-connect) with, that day.
Step 2. Craft a short email — think: three to five sentences — to each person on your “hello” list.
You don’t have to “pitch” yourself, “sell” yourself, or make any big demands. In fact, it’s better if you don’t! Instead, just offer a few words of praise, a heartfelt “thank you,” a helpful resource, a piece of inspiration, or an idea that might tickle their brain.
You could even make a generous offer or proposition.
If you’re writing to your favorite author, for example, you could say, “I’d love to give your car a tune-up before you head out on your next book tour. No charge. You’ve inspired me so much. It’s a gift!”
Whatever you choose to write, remember: you’re not aggressively “pushing” or “selling.” Your only job is to say “hello,” introduce yourself, briefly mention where you live and what you do… and then pump a little gratitude into their world.
Step 3. Hit “send.”
… and that’s it!
No need to “circle back” or “follow up” — unless you feel inspired to.
Just keep pumping out three doses of gratitude — to three different people — every day.
If you write three gratitude emails a day — every day for one month — that’s nearly 100 emails.
You’re practically guaranteed to make a few new connections.
The kinds of connections that lead to coffee dates, dinner party invitations, media interviews, new (or renewed) friendships, life-changing invitations, and yes… new clients!
Try this technique for one month, or maybe two… and see where it leads you.
I am betting it will lead to some very surprising connections.
“There is only one success — to be able to spend your life in your own way.” Christopher Morley
You will find a way… to spend your life in your own way.
I believe in you.
Find great work. Do great work. Unlock every door in your way.
Image: Willie Franklin