Why Your Pitch Failed
Kelvin Meeks
Consulting Architect/CTO - Leadership in Enterprise Architecture and Software Engineering Innovation (US Army Veteran)
Someone (claiming 8 years experience) contacted me this evening, trying to pitch their services as an independent developer.
In hopes this may help others improve their "batting average" - this is the reply I sent:
As an act of benevolence, I am going to give you some straight-talk feedback on your approach.
1) Your profile has zero recommendations written by former colleagues or clients.
2) Your profile does not include a link to a web site that demonstrates your proficiency, skills, projects, experience.
3) Your profile does not include a link to your resume - nor did you include such a link in your initial message to me.
4) You do not mention your rate - so you burden the receiver with additional work to determine that essential detail.
5) Your profile shows zero posts by you. No links to articles or blog posts - which raises a very serious question about your level of active engagement in staying abreast of new things - or lessons that you have learned.
6) Your profile does not include a link to your github profile/repositories. Where you should have a copious amount of material to demonstrate your expertise.
7) Your profile reflects ZERO endorsements for the (VERY meager) three skills you list. This is a serious red flag - and will raise serious questions about your competence, experience, and expertise.
In short - you have made no effort to prepare yourself to pitch your services.
This straight-talk is offered in the hope that you will take it to heart, reflect on it, and use it to better your chances for connecting with potential clients in the future.