1. Have an Introductory Form: To avoid being a scum, you can create a simple google form that allows someone fills in their basic personal info and explains what they really what and also state their budget. With this whenever someone new message or contacts you for work, you can just send them the link to access the form, so they can fill it. So when you get the response, you can now be relaxed, have the knowledge of them, thereby making it much easier to continue the conversation. Another interesting thing about this method is that it makes you look more professional and serious to the client. Imagine, the feeling or thoughts you would have when you contact someone for work and he/she sends you directly to a form. You feel me right? So let’s move on.
2. Autoresponse: Another method to beat this fear is using an autoresponder. You can set up an autoresponder in your Facebook page or WhatsApp so that when someone messages you through these channels, the autoresponders help you start the conversation. You can also set up an email autoresponder like MailPanda, so that whenever anyone sends a mail to you the autoresponder helps you easily start the conversation.
There are many other channels of responding to new clients but I believe these channels are the best and most effective. So, get up, create your form, set up your autoresponder, and let the new clients start rolling in. See you soon!