Reviving old connections
Just like tending to a garden, reconnecting with old contacts can lead to new growth. This week, we’re offering tips to help you revive dormant relationships.
At IMMA, we see ourselves as a community garden where each member cultivates their unique plot, growing diverse fruits and vegetables. What grows well for Camille in New York might be different from what Manon is planting in Luxembourg, reflecting our varied approaches.
But some of our practices unite us, particularly in nurturing our seedlings. This week, I want to share some tips on how to reconnect with cold leads. It’s part of a more extensive outreach checklist, a crucial element of our broader outreach strategy. While this is just one aspect it’s an important one for nurturing relationships as a solopreneur.
During the last Impactful Connections event, we explored themes around regeneration, such as patience in problem-solving, learning from the past to reach a better future, and recognizing that innovation doesn’t always mean creating something new.
With that in mind, let’s walk through some effective strategies for rekindling valuable connections that may have gone dormant.
Please add other suggestions and share your experiences in the comments.
Step 1: Identify Cold Leads
Make a list of all potential clients and ex-clients that you interacted with over the past years.
Step 2: Try these four actionable tips to nurture old client relationships and spark new opportunities.
Template for previous opportunities that went cold
"Hi [Name], you crossed my mind today. How did that project we discussed turn out? I’d love to catch up when you have a moment."
"Hi [Name], I remembered our conversation about [project/topic] the other day. How did it go? Would love to hear more about it."
The 9-Word Email
"Hi [Name], Are you still interested in [service/product]?"
Propose a new idea
"Hi [Name], I was thinking about our last conversation on [topic], and an idea struck me. Have you ever considered [your idea]? I believe it could [benefit/improvement]. Would you be open to discussing this further?"
Resurface old needs
"Hi [Name], I was wondering if you’ve had a chance to think more about the [project/service] we discussed? I believe there’s great potential for [specific benefit]."
By reaching out in this way, you’re not just following up on old leads; you’re reigniting relationships built on mutual passion and shared goals.
So take a moment, make that list, and start those conversations. You never know which old seed will bloom into your next big project.
What if finding the right impact-driven project or talent didn’t have to be so hard?
Last week, we launched a survey, and we’re grateful to the 25 independents who have already responded. Now, we're looking for more feedback from impact-driven organizations. Whether you're already working with independents or looking to hire for the first time, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
The survey only takes 5 minutes, and for every response, we’ll donate €2 to Hero Circle, which funds grassroots mobilizers leading systemic change. 🌍
👉 If you're an organization, take the survey here.
The survey closes on October 10th, and we’ll update you on the donations after that.
Interesting opportunities for you
We save our members hours by handpicking the best freelance opportunities from 150+ job boards. Here’s a selection of 10.
🧑💻 Climate Conversations Trainer - Larger Us
💰£350 per day
🤝Contract
🗓️October 6, 2024
🧑💻 Applications for Northwest Neighborhoods Parks and Recreation Fund
- Oregon Community Foundation
🤝RFP/Tender
🗓️November 1, 2024
🧑💻 RFP for arts and culture programming - William Penn Foundation
💰$600,000
🤝RFP/Tender
🗓️October 25, 2024
🧑💻 Request for Proposals: Facilitation Partner – Luminate Group
💰$50,000.
🗓️September 30, 2024
🧑💻 Consultancy – Financing Just Energy Transition and JETPs in Asia - Global Witness
💰£10,000
🤝Contract
🧑💻 Programme Coordinator - Democracy Next
🗓️October 6, 2024
🧑💻 Communications and Media Consultant - Green Peace
📍Remote
🤝Contract
🧑💻 Consultant - Fundraising and Donor Engagement Advisor - WaterAid
📍UK
🤝Contract
🧑💻 Co-head regenerative futures fund - Foundation Scotland
💰£51,090 per annum
🤝Fixed Term
October 7, 2024
🧑💻REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: Logistics Coordination Conservation - X Labs Inc
🤝RFP/Tender
Found something interesting for a friend. Share the newsletter with them.
Behind the scenes at IMMA
A huge thank you to Emily, Joshua, and Nenad for sharing your experiences on bringing regenerative practices into your consulting work. If you missed it, don’t worry— here’s the link to the recording (Passcode: w6@VpZ?U). Our next Impactful Connections will focus on Emerging Futures. More details here.
I've been chatting with Seed participants and hearing how it’s helped them sign clients faster, become more proactive, and step out of their comfort zones. I’m now prototyping two new versions to better meet participants' needs. Curious? I’ll share more at Explore Seed.
We’re also hosting an intimate brunch in Milano on October 12th—spots are limited, so sign up here.
Lastly, I’m excited to join the Good Ripple community for a free, one-hour workshop on ‘How to build your solo business in impact’ — Check it out here.
I admire the work of Carlos Terol and am happy to be collaborating with him on this!