Internet Marketing &
Business Promotion
10 Ways to Find New Clients
From: eWork.com
Finding
new clients can be a challenging task, even for a seasoned
eWorker. For someone just starting out, it can be downright
daunting. But never fear! If you're good at what you
do, with a little resourcefulness and a lot of persistence,
you'll soon be booked. Here are some tips to get you
started:
1. Poll your Network
It is often said that it's not what you know, it's who
you know. A talented, resourceful independent professional
can easily disprove this rule—but you should take full
advantage of the connections you already have. Think
you don't have any good contacts? Think again. Your
parents' neighbor's son just started a new company.
Your old boss at your last 9-to-5 job needs help with
a new project. Your college roommate is working for
a start-up with a big budget. Some opportunities may
be too close or too obvious to see, but friends, relatives,
and former coworkers are a great resource when it comes
to finding work.
2. Reconnect with your Alma Mater
Your college or university alumni association can be
a valuable resource for finding new clients. Many alumni
associations have large databases containing a wealth
of useful information and contacts. Also, keep an eye
on your alumni news to find out who is working where,
and get back in e-mail contact with your old school
chums.
3. Leverage your Hobbies
Look for ways to combine your work with your other interests.
For example, if you are an avid skier, perhaps a ski
resort, tour company, or retailer you frequent could
use your services. The fact that you already "speak
their language" will make you a top candidate when
projects come up in your area of expertise. And don't
be afraid to contact people and pitch them your ideas.
You might even get some free lift tickets or equipment
out of the deal.
4. Ask for Referrals
Once you establish a good working relationship with
a client, you shouldn't hesitate to ask them to refer
you to new clients. Chances are, if they like the work
you are doing for them they will be happy to spread
the word (unless, of course, they want to keep you all
to themselves).
5. Take Advantage of your Free eWork Profile
As job boards are to general employment, eWork.com is
to the independent professional—only better. eWork offers
powerful tools for matching your services with prospective
employers—and as an independent, you can list and match
for free. Take the time to create and update your Skills
Profile, and be sure to search for job listings in your
area of expertise at least once a week.
6. Surf
There is a lot to be said for random (and not-so-random)
Web-surfing. You should be able to find plenty of Web
sites devoted to your field of interest, and many will
provide useful tips and even job leads. Also check out
the sites of companies that interest you—these days,
almost every company is looking for talent. Short, targeted
e-mails will often generate positive results.
7. Expand Your Boundaries
While you may be accustomed to having face-to-face contact
with your clients, many companies won't care if you
live next door or in Timbuktu. So consider looking for
work nationally, or even internationally. Modifying
your eWork Profile to include "telecommuting, U.S."
is a good place to start. And again, don't forget to
use your established network—friends, relatives, and
colleagues can be a valuable resource when it comes
to establishing contacts outside your immediate area.
8. Create Your Own Web Site
Having a Web site is a great way to showcase your talent
and experience, and building one in your spare time
will help you learn new skills. If you are a marketing
whiz, you may even be able to attract potential clients
to your site. When you contact potential clients, include
a link to your site. A good Web site will be a welcome
addition to the standard cover-letter-and-resume package,
and will give you an edge over the competition.
9. Polish your Approach
No amount of networking will help if you don't make
the right impression or follow through on your leads
with the utmost professionalism. Have offset-printed
business cards and letterhead at the ready. Homemade
cards just don't cut it, expensive laser printer, or
no. Spend some time on your resume and make sure you
have the necessary clips and references to back it up.
And for creative professions especially, a solid, up-to-date
portfolio is a must. These are your sales tools. Be
sure to keep them polished so you'll be at your best
when opportunity knocks.
10. Be Persistent
Don't give up too easily. If a potential client seems
interested but doesn't have any work at the moment,
ask if you can check back with them later—and do so.
No matter how well qualified you are, there will always
be an element of timing and luck when it comes to finding
new work, so persistence will often pay off. One caveat,
however: if you are being told, loud and clear, "don't
call us, we'll call you," then you should probably
take the hint. Handle the rejection with poise, and
make sure they have your contact information, just in
case.
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