Self-employed- do you follow up enquiries if the potential client goes quiet?

[VivaVictoria]

I'm interested in what others do.

I'm s/e working in a talking therapy type of role. I'm not 'desperate' financially for clients as I'm semi retired.

I often get enquiries where I suggest a call as a starter (this is explained fully on my website and that's why they're getting in touch.)

Sometimes, potential clients don't respond to my email where I suggest a date or time for the call.

I tend to leave it, as I assume they've changed their minds or found someone else.

However, there is always the chance they're snowed under and not got round to replying.

Would you a) chase or b) leave it?

It'll be the phone call.

In more than 20 years of practice I can count on one hand the number of people who have requested to talk on the phone before hand.

And they have all been my age or older 50-70s.

Instead I do a first session cheaper with no commitment, with at least a 90% take up rate after.

People under 35 seem to really not like the phone anymore. (Yes, likely the increase in anxiety since covid etc)

I wouldn’t use a therapist who offered an initial phone call rather than a proper face to face consultation where I could get a proper idea of what they’re like.

Also I imagine some have just contacted multiple people.

I wouldn’t follow up, no, that’s too pushy.

Also I’d consider reposting in mental health. General approaches to self employment aren’t so relevant for therapy.

I go with the rule of three, if no response after the first message then I’d go back with some suggested dates, then if still no response once the dates are past I’d offer some more. After that I’d leave them to it but I often find people are just busy and they do respond to message two or three so it’s usually worth ‘keeping hold of the ball.’

That isn't the case though. My website contact form is 'contact me to set up an initial call.' And I ask them to suggest days and times, which they do when they complete the form.

So they're contacting me with the intention of arranging a call.

I've been in that position too and never followed up.
I found that advertising online brought in enquiries from some serious potential clients who would gladly accept a free phone call or reduced price session or whatever, and others who are just starting to consider therapy but are not ready to take any action yet. And a few who are hoping for a bit of free therapy by email without planning to turn up for a session.
Clients who start off serious were much more likely to come regularly and make good use of the work, so I never followed up enquiries unless they wanted the phone call or to book a proper session.

Thanks @SoNiceToComeHomeTo . I agree with you. The clients who are 'unreliable' at the start tend to remain that way. I've been doing this work for years and years, but every now and then I wonder if a 'timid' or cautious client needs a bit of a gentle reminder or even a word of encouragement, or would feel it pushy.

I only follow up once we’ve had a call/online intro session. Just an email saying thanks for their time and offering to answer any questions that might have come up for them after the call. If I don’t hear back I leave it there. I think a lot of people contact quite a few therapists for intros or reach out and then have second thoughts about therapy.

I’m one where the phone call would put me off. Hate talking on the phone and would rather email and set up a meeting etc. then have to speak on the phone.

I wonder if they are enquiring at a number of places and others are offering a preferred service and so they are opting to go for that option.

A few times when somebody seemed to be asking for a little encouragement I've given it, but it never worked out well unfortunately. It's left me feeling that the desire to do the work needs to be considerably stronger than the (understandable) desire to avoid it, in order for things to go well.

I would read that to mean a Zoom call, not a phone call. I think you’re being less clear than you believe you’re being.

I’d read call as phone call and be fine with that, but I like using the phone.

I’d rather not be chased up by any small business at the initial stage. I have had a couple of quotes for things recently where circumstances have changed and I won’t be following them up (even though they were perfectly reasonable) and would feel awkward if I was chased up.

If they want a video call they can ask for that @cinnamonbunfight

A 'call' means that. A video call would be stated as that.

With something like counselling, it can be a really big (and scary) step to go from thinking you might benefit from it and making initial enquiries, to actually booking an appointment. If it were me in that position, I would probably need to mull it over for quite a long time first, before committing to anything. I think a follow-up would feel quite pushy and would make me less likely to pursue it.

Ok, I hear that’s what you mean. I’m explaining that some people might misread it.

PS when someone tells you that you might be being misunderstood, it’s pretty pointless to just keep reiterating what you mean.