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"5 Low Cost and Successful Methods For Independent Professionals To Get Clients"

By Paul Bednar

When you jump into the free agent arena, it doesn't It goes without saying that clients are the lifeline of every independent professional. You sure won't be in business long without them! There are many marketing methods used to get clients. Some methods, such as magazine advertising, are quite expensive while others cost very little in comparison and produce better results.

Here are five inexpensive and successful marketing methods to get clients.

1. Networking

Like it or not, getting clients is done through one-on-one personal communication. The strength of your relationships is paramount. You won't get to know anyone or develop any relationships if you hide in your office or behind your computer. Get out there and press the flesh!

Clients want to feel comfortable about the independent professionals they retain and prefer to know them personally or have a trusted person recommend someone.

Go where the decision-makers are that can hire you. Go to the same conferences; join the same associations, read the same magazines and newsletters.

Make a habit of regularly staying in touch with your network. Contact all of your friends and colleagues. Tell them what you are looking for and what you're interested in. Be sure to contact prior employers and bosses too. If you've departed on good terms, this is a great way to get clients.

2. Writing articles

An independent professional that writes articles and gets them published in industry magazines, trade journals, newsletters, etc. becomes positioned as an expert.

Potential clients that like your articles will contact you when they want more information. Some of these contacts will become clients.

Consider writing articles for a variety of publications in your industry such as magazines, journals, print newsletters, ezines, and web sites. You can write articles on a variety of topics such as the new trends, a creative way to solve a common problem, your thoughts on the current state of business, etc. There are numerous possibilities!

Unless you are extremely well known, don't start out submitting articles to the most prestigious magazines and journals. Start small. It is best to target publications where you have the best chance of getting published.

Be sure to include copies of your published articles in your literature to potential clients.

Do not ask to get paid for your article. Having a publication print your article and position you as an expert is the best kind of advertising you can get.

3. Speaking

Giving speeches, lectures, seminars, etc. is another marketing method that positions you as an expert. This concept is similar to writing articles: potential clients that are impressed with your presentation will contact you for additional information. Some will become clients.

Use your knowledge and experience to develop talks on a variety of issues such as upcoming business changes, offer a unique solution to a recurring issue, etc. Be creative!

There are multitudes of speaking opportunities. It is best to concentrate on organizations where you have the best chance to speak. Contact local chapters of your professional organizations. Look for other local, regional, and national conferences too.

Do not request payment for your presentation because the recognition you receive as an expert is better than any advertising you can buy.

4. Subcontracting

Subcontracting opportunities exist when an independent professional has a client and needs some help. This independent professional retains or "subcontracts" you to perform a specific aspect of their client project. Once your particular aspect is complete, your involvement with the project ends.

You get paid by the independent professional that retains you, not by their client. Generally, subcontractors don't get paid as much as if they got the project on their own.

Here are 3 main reasons why subcontractors are used:
A. An independent professional has too much work and needs an extra set of hands.
B. You can perform a particular task more efficiently so it is more economical for the independent professional to have you do the work
C. Your expertise is necessary to complete the project.

5. Your competition

Get to know your competition. They can be an unusual source for clients.

Has anyone ever told you that they were too busy to handle your business and they gave you the name of a competitor that could help you? This is the same concept.

This is not to suggest that you refer all your clients to your competition.

Form reciprocating referral relationships with your competitors. This means you refer potential clients to your competition when you have too much business and vice versa. With these relationships everybody wins!

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Copyright 2002 by Paul Bednar. He writes a free newsletter about
the business aspects of freelancing. Each issue contains an
informative article, answers a common question, and shares a
lesson learned. Visit http://www.free-agent-information.com to
subscribe or email mailto:subscribe@free-agent-information.com.

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Paul Bednar. He writes a free newsletter about the business aspects of freelancing. Each issue contains an informative article, answers a common question, and shares a lesson learned. Visit http://www.free-agent-information.com to subscribe or email mailto:subscribe@free-agent-information.com.