*** The Follow Up Attack ***

Okay, I'm in the same boat. Three clients with a lot of room to grow. I plan on simply showing new potential results I have from the clients I have now! Nothing works better than showing them what you've done!

Congrats on the clients so far.

Fliers and business cards are a great idea. Another good idea is to go into the local businesses, you shop at, and ask if you can leave your card and brochure. You'll notice many small businesses have dozens of business cards and fliers by the register. Even if you don't get a direct sale from the business cards, it's a no pressure way to invite people to ask you what you do.

I got a few sales when I was just starting out because the owner was behind the counter, and I was enthusiastic about what I could do for businesses when they asked what I did.

I'm being horrible and posting distractions from your plan. I apologize.

Congrats again on the great start.

I can give you some pointers if you would like. You can email me at sconlinemarketingatgmaildotcom

If anyone is sending me pm's I can't reply as I don't have 50 posts. That is why I listed my email address.

I would never waste time creating a site before even meeting with a potential client. I have actually got to the point where I don't do any prep before meeting with a client except bring my demo book and a blank contract.

It actually works really well and my closing rate is great.

I never set up a sample site. I tried it once and wasted two much time. The time I put into it, I could have contacted 50-100 more potential clients.

I don't post on here often because I have a business to run that I focus on . While I admire that the OP did put a business plan into action . Unlike a lot of the hype you may read , to get any type of marketing\consulting business truly off the ground it takes hard work, focus, and some business capital. Meeting and being turned down by 2 prospects is NOT a huge deal. On a average day I meet with 5-7 prospects, some say yes some say no. Here are some tips that will hopefully help you grow your business,

1) Referrals -Get referrals from everybody. If you did great work for a client GREAT ask for a few referrals. Have a prospect that is not interested at this time, thats ok ask them for a few names of people they know that may be interested in your services. EVERYONE KNOWS SOMEONE- USE THIS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.

2) Networking - yes old traditional networking at chamber of commerce meetings, meetups, and BNI meetings. BNI meeting have been the best for me so far. I have also ran into a few faith based groups similar to BNI that were not to bad.

3) Social Networking- With the power of social networking it is crazy who the average person can connect with. Connect with local business owners and then provide valuable content for free. BECOME THE TRUSTED ADVISOR

4) Craigslist and other classified postings work as well ( best for lower dollar clients normally) Post your services, as well as read other posting and see if you can help them with your services. Just don't do what some do and start spamming people on CL.

5) Joint Venture- this really depends on the services you are offering. I personally joint venture with 3 printers, 2 sign companies, a accountant, a payroll sales person, and 2 Aflac agents.

6) Buy leads. some will tell you never to buy leads. However I am open to all streams of potential clientele, and it works for me. This should NOT be the main source of potential clients however it all add to your clientle. For me it has let us expand out clientle all over America rather than just one or two local areas.

7) Just like IM , keep a list . Keep a list of prospects you closed and clients you didn't close, as well as anyone else you meet at business meetings. Send them valuable info everyone in awhile . (also is a nice touch to send holiday greetings , shows your human and not just out for their money) Just because someone says their not interested now dos't always mean they will not be interested in the future.

8) Use telemarketers. Some people hate this , but it works. Leads are everywhere , both free and paid. If your funds are tight either check with you local library as most of them offer Reference USA or similar free or lo cost to library card holders or grab your local yellow pages ,and with a few other tools you can make your own list.

9) Offer a workshop. I would recommend gaining alliances with a few other professionals a lawyer, a accountant, a insurance rep, and a President of a smaller bank. (Plan 6-8 weeks out share expenses to market) everyone invites all the small business owners they know and all presenters must offer valuable content that attendees are interested in . Charge to attend. Remember when you are presenting to make a call to action to the attendees.

10) Use Google adwords to advertise your services. If you have not used google adwords before let me know and I will get you a card for $100 credit toward google adwords.

I hope these suggestions help you, as the above ( and a few more tactics )is how I grew my business. One more huge suggestion I can offer you is to learn how to effectively outsource, even if you are not overly bust right now. Life is much happier when you are a business owner rather than simply self-employed. To scale your business you must know how to effectively outsource , otherwise you will drive yourself crazy.

Again I hope this can help you , should you need any help just pm me . Take Care.