1. Place a call. Which of your past clients have been totally happy with your work over the past couple of years? Think of one you haven't been in touch with recently. Call to see how he or she is doing. When your fans are reminded of your good work, new projects and referrals often ensue.
2. Send an email. Who has referred you the best client over the last year? Send an email to express your continuing thanks. Showing your appreciation to referral sources frequently results in more referrals.
3. Make a date. Think of a prospect or referral source you have always wanted to know better. Contact that person and make a date to have coffee or chat by phone. Informal conversations deepen relationships and build trust.
4. Expand your network. Log on to your social media channel of choice, and choose a colleague you think of as well-connected. View that friend's connections. Send connection requests, or follow, every one of those people you recognize. More people in your network means more potential prospects.
5. Review your image. Browse through your website or social media profile with a critical eye. View each section as if you were someone visiting for the first time. Note any areas you think could improve and schedule time to make some changes. First impressions make a difference to surfing prospects.
6. Examine your contacts. Scan your contact database seeking anyone who might be a prospect that you haven't made contact with in the last 30 days. Reach out to that person with a personal call or note. People who already know you are more likely to become clients than new, cold contacts.
7. Send an article. What's the last article you read that might be helpful to some of your prospects? Email them with a link to it or mail them a copy. When prospects perceive you as a helpful resource, you gain their confidence.
8. Follow up a meeting. What was the last meeting you attended where you collected business cards? Did you follow up with those people? Find the stack of cards and send one or two a nice-to-meet-you note. Repeated contact helps people to remember you.
9. Touch your network. Visit your favorite social network and peruse recent posts by the prospects and referral sources you're connected to. Post some likes and replies about what they're saying. Relationships build when communication is two-way.
10. Find a referral partner. Think of occupations who naturally come in contact with your ideal clients. Then consider who you already know in any of those occupations. Send a quick note to suggest you talk about becoming referral sources for each other.
Marketing projects don't have to consume your whole day. You can chip away at them a bit at a time, whenever you have a few moments. Keep this list handy on your smartphone or by your computer. The next time you've got ten minutes to kill, use it to find clients instead.
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