How to Get Clients Without Being "Cringe"
You don't need to be a smooth talker. You just need to be helpful.
Let’s be honest: The scariest part of starting a side hustle isn’t doing the work. It’s finding the work.
The idea of “Sales” makes most people feel sick. We imagine we have to become that person—the one sliding into DMs with aggressive pitches, using fake enthusiasm, and annoying strangers.
If that’s what you think sales is, you are right to be scared. That approach is terrible. It gets you blocked, ignored, and hated.
But there is a better way. I call it the Permission-First Strategy.
The Problem with Cold DMs Most people send messages like this:
“Hey! I see you have a business. I can do your marketing for £500/month. Do you want to buy?”
This is asking for marriage on the first date. It’s presumptuous and annoying.
The Solution: The “Soft Opener” Instead of asking for money, ask for permission to provide value. You aren’t selling; you are helping.
I have included this exact strategy inside the “Outreach Scripts” page of the Q1 Income OS (launching Jan 1st), but here is one you can steal right now.
The Script:
“Hey [Name],
I was browsing your website and noticed [Specific Problem, e.g., a broken link / slow loading image].
I actually built a quick fix for this while I was looking at it. It’s ready to go—happy to send it over for free if you think it would be useful?
Best, [Your Name]”
Why this works:
It’s Personal: You proved you actually looked at their business.
It’s Helpful: You aren’t asking for money; you are offering a fix.
It’s Low Pressure: “Happy to send it over” creates zero friction.
When they say “Yes, please,” they have opened the door. You are no longer a stranger; you are a helper. That is how you start a £500 relationship.
The Launch Update I know that “knowing what to say” is the biggest blocker for new freelancers.
That is why Page 05 of the System is dedicated entirely to Scripts. I have pre-written the templates for the “Soft Opener”, the “Value Follow-Up”, and how to handle objections, so you never have to stare at a blank screen wondering what to type.
The full system drops on January 1st.
Join the Waitlist by subscribing below (free free)