Real talk - you probably noticed I didn't upload last week.
Wasn't because I was lazy or ran out of content. I was dealing with the most frustrating client situation I've had in months, and it taught me a lesson I should've learned years ago.
One of my cold callers booked a meeting with a boiler installation company doing decent numbers. Owner seemed keen, we got on a call, and he asked for a "small trial" to see if I could help with his social media presence.
Against my better judgment, I said yes.
Big mistake.
Spent the entire week setting up his social media profiles, installing tracking pixels, editing his existing videos, and creating new content. Proper professional setup - the works.
Then came time to film his new videos.
This man was absolutely shitting himself on camera. Avoiding eye contact, racing through the script like he wanted to disappear, zero confidence whatsoever. Who's gonna buy boiler installations from someone who looks terrified of his own service?
I gave him straight feedback: "You need to be CONFIDENT. Say it like you mean it. Look directly at the camera. Slow down."
His response? Got defensive, said my approach was "too aggressive," and that he "knew his customers better than I did."
Then ghosted me completely.
Week of work. Zero payment. Zero results for either of us.
The Lesson That Changes Everything
I will never, EVER work on a free trial again. Not for anyone, not for any reason.
Here's why this matters for you: Results require commitment from both sides. And commitment starts with them sending you money.
When someone pays, they're invested in the outcome. They listen to feedback. They show up ready to do the work.
When it's "free," they treat it like it's worth exactly that - nothing.
The psychology is simple: People don't value what they don't pay for.
From now on, it's payment upfront or we don't even start the conversation. No exceptions, no "small trials," no "let's see how it goes."
Level up or get left behind - and that includes paying for the privilege.
Hit reply if you've had similar experiences with free trial disasters. Learning this lesson the hard way so you don't have to.
P.S. - This is exactly why my skilled cold caller placement with a natural English accent doing 1k dials/day requires payment upfront. Investment creates commitment. Commitment creates results. Reply ‘Cold Caller’ if interested