Client List Build: Zach Ancell

I had the pleasure of working with sports and CGI photographer Zach Ancell in Portland, OR to create two separate client list builds of 50 contacts each. Zach initially came to me intending to gain new clients for high-end commercial brands. He was also looking to branch out to more conceptual work.

I love creating composites and have learned CGI to be able to offer this aspect to my clients.

In the past, he researched clients on his own through LinkedIn and found it hard to keep up with the ever-changing job titles of potential clients. Having our Wonderful Machine database at hand, I started searching for local brands he could reach out to and hopefully do an in-person or virtual meeting. We also expanded our search to San Francisco and Seattle. I like to have photographers connect with these clients on LinkedIn as well. It’s a great social networking tool, professional, and a place to showcase new work besides through emailers. 

Zach had two new clients message him back on LinkedIn. 

I start a list build by filtering by the type of company — in this case, it was brand and advertising. Then I search by location and get a clearer view of the companies in that area. Next is to select specialties. For Zach, it was sports, fitness, and CGI. He had some top brands in mind so I started there and gathered the best prospect to add to the list. This will be either a creative director, producer, art buyer, or marketing manager. The fun part for me is to match the clients to Zach’s style and research their work before including them on the list. 

Here’s what Zach had to say:

Jen was so amazing to work with! She took the time to learn my business and what I was looking for in potential clients. I’m so thankful that we had the opportunity to work together and I know that the list she created will help me continue to grow my business!

Zach was so happy with the results he reached out to have me build a 2nd list for him. It doesn’t hurt to have more than one contact for larger brands and agencies so we decided to add a few as well as gather more local clients for him to market to. 

Need help putting together the perfect list of clients to contact? Send us an email!