Page 6 of The Funnel to You

Getting the inquiry on my site was like a huge “green light” when it came through. And the fact that she liked my initial proposal, I feel like doing an end zone celebration dance – and I don’t play sports, or dance for that matter. Okay, I have about twenty-four hours to finish looking through her content and make an intriguing plan. Good thing I’m already really familiar with her content and her voice (the way she talks and engages on social media) so I can really streamline this to her. And my sister is going to freak out when I tell her who I get to connect with.

Ashley is nineteen, five years younger than me, and although we don’t live together anymore, we talk all the time. And she’s always sending me makeup videos to show the latest trends or how things can combine to create a totally different look than what the artist started with. I may be a tech and business nerd, but it does fascinate me still. Have you seen what some of these makeup artists can do? And it makes Ashley happy. I’ve been watching the content that Sasha puts out for the past year regularly. And I’ve even gone out of my way to check out her social media channels in that time period. She draws you in during each video, each post, each email and it feels like she is talking to each viewer individually.

I feel like I already know Sasha. Her obsession with a good pen, never having enough lipsticks in her purse, and always down for a good walk on the local trails. Which, apparently, are some of the same ones I frequent.

I figured out a while ago that we live fairly close to each other and I shop in the same stores and walk the same trails. Not that I would ever have the courage to go up and talk to her if I saw her in person. She is definitely what my sister calls “model status.” And I am the epitome of nerd, geek, and unsociable. You know, the guy in high school that was always off on his own reading or working on his laptop? That was me.

I’m average height at just a couple inches shy of six feet, I have dark brown hair and brown eyes and am built like a football player. I started breaking the geeky persona fully a couple years ago when I got my first tattoo. I’m now working with a half sleeve and really like how it’s coming together. For Ashley’s nineteenth birthday we actually went together. I got a few more roses to the end of my sleeve and she got some script work started. We’ll see if that tradition sticks around for her birthdays in future years. At least it fits with my overall build and Ashley says I “pull it off well”.

I’m pretty solid and am not afraid to work with my hands when needed, but prefer a computer problem to solve. Or grow social media accounts now apparently. I started working with some friends a few years ago and realized I was really good at this. Then referrals started coming in. And it’s just grown from there. My business is at the point now where I can choose which clients to work with. I don’t have to take on every job that comes my way and that lets me work on those projects that I really love. And maybe I can start looking to add in someone to help me with some tasks soon if this growth keeps up.

But this is one client I want to work with. I want to see her succeed. And however I can help her do that, I’m going to.

The next morning, I get up and finish the business proposal for Sasha before I go for a walk. I know she is working right now (thank you IG stories), so I go on the path by my house. I take this path for inspiration, clarity, and just knowing I am in the same space as her helps me focus on what I want to accomplish today.

I have about nine hours until our call and I am more nervous than I usually am for these calls. I usually approach business plan pitches and meetings with a sense of authority – I’m good at what I do. I get results and I know it works for my clients if they have good content. If they turn down my proposal, it’s okay. The clients I should work with will come to me.

I don’t pressure.

I don’t push.

I don’t beg.

I don’t manipulate.

And I really don’t want to start with Sasha. But, I really want this job.

I end up walking down the street until I get to my parent’s house – only a little over two miles away from my own home. I didn’t call ahead so I’m not sure if Ashley is home, but I’d love to see her if she is. She’s off for summer break from college. She is studying business at CSU and will be pursuing her esthetics license after graduation. So, I know working with Sasha is going to be something I’ll be able to talk to her about.

I use my key and let myself in.

“Anyone home?” I holler as I walk in, take off my shoes, and head to the kitchen. There’s a fresh bouquet of flowers on the island in the kitchen next to a new wooden cutting board my mom got at the farmers market last week. The space is bright and airy, even with the lights all being off. I love how much natural night is in this space. I get a glass of water from the sink and then grab a seat on one of the bar stools at the island.

Ashley comes into the kitchen to refill her coffee mug. She already has her favorite travel mug in hand so she can drink her coffee in her bedroom upstairs without worrying about it cooling down too fast. Her dark blonde hair is pulled back in a headband that tells me she was in the middle of a skincare video most likely.

“Why are you awake and out of the house this early in the morning? It’s summertime and you work for yourself – sleep in while you can.” She whines at me. She likes to sleep in and take it easy when she isn’t in classes. I don’t blame her, but if I don’t get started with my morning at a decent time, the day just feels off.

“You are never going to guess who I have a business proposal call with tonight.” I reply as I finish my water and place the glass in the sink next to a few spoons and mugs left over from my parent’s breakfast probably. I add a bit of sarcasm into my voice hoping to intrigue her enough to join in on the conversation.

My sister just stares at me. Clearly not in the mood to play twenty questions. Once she gets fully started with her day, she is a very outgoing person who can talk to anyone. She has never met a stranger and loves making everyone feel comfortable around her. She loves word puzzles and brain teasers too, like twenty questions. I guess we haven’t had enough coffee yet to necessitate that.

“I’ll give you a hint – ‘Always keep your purse full of happy pens and pretty lipstick.’” I prompt her, trying to act indifferent as I finish the line, making it a point to pull out my phone and start scrolling to try to minimize how excited I am about this.

She stares at me for a moment and then I look up to see her eyes register what I just said. She screams and starts jumping up and down.

“Shut up!! You do not! Sasha? Seriously?? How is this happening? What is the plan? What does she need? Can I help? Can I meet her?” And then more screaming.

I laugh as she continues bouncing up and down in front of me – thankfully, she places the coffee mug down on the counter before reaching out to grab my arm. That would have been quite the mess to clean up in my parent’s kitchen. And one I would probably end up taking care of.

“I do. Yes, it’s Sasha. I’m totally serious. I have a pretty good website and she asked for a consult. I spent several hours last night and then some time this morning working on her proposal and I don’t think you can meet her yet. It might be weird to start off my proposal by asking for a favor.” I replied – hoping I answered all of her questions.

“I cannot believe this. Sasha is one of my favorite influencers! I would love the chance to collaborate with her as I continue growing my own channels. She’s got amazing content, but I know she doesn’t have a ton of time to devote to her content while she works full time. What are you planning to talk to her about tonight?”

“Yes, I know. Hence why I think she is reaching out – she wants this to be bigger too. And I really hope I can help her get there.” I give her a smile. Part of me hopes that in partnering with Sasha my business will grow too. This will branch out into a new category for my business. And it will help Ashley out as she continues to grow into her own brand too. And selfishly, having some time to get to know Sasha without a screen between us is quite enticing too.

“I have a plan worked up for our conversation tonight, but wanted to see if you had any other things to share that might be helpful. You have been following her for a while and I want to make sure I help her where she most needs it right now.”

“Okay, so you already know that makeup is something she first started playing with as something to do for herself when she got out on her own. She started working at Home Depot in college and enjoyed working at the store but kept getting passed over for promotions – honestly, probably because she’s a girl. She didn’t have the best home situation from what I can gather from her content. But she focuses on a lot of ‘ready to go’ looks.”

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