How about just a short post from you throwing an idea out there for discussion and then readers can just run with it in the comment section that day.

For example, when work is running low or I haven't heard from a particular client in a while I often send out a short email saying that I'm just checking in to see if I can take anything off of their desks for them. I wonder if other freelancers do this and, if so, what do they say in those emails and does it work for them?