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How do you get new consulting clients ?

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by jrlawrence 2 views

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After getting dropped in a merger last year after many years in IT, I started a consulting company doing networking, upgrades, repairs, etc. It has grown slowly, but I would like to find many more clients. I have tried direct mail, newspaper ads and cold calls. On all of these, the hit rate is awful (maybe 2%). I would like to know how you built up your base when you started.

Thanks...

4 replies

by road-dog

Call them and join. They will refer you when they are called for service recommendations.

They typically have meetings and events that are created to schmooze and network.

by james r linn

If you have happy customers, then you can asks them for some of the companies they deal with who might be interested. You can get some interesting synergies that way.

You can also find consultants to make informal alliances with. If you are a networking person, find a software developer who is an independant, and ask them if they need to partner with someone on larger complex jobs. That one worked well for me.

James

by lordinfidel

I'm a full-time admin who does "consulting" on the side.

You will find that if you are really good, work will basically fall into your lap, literally.

Your clients are your best advertising. If you are chummy with them, let them know that youare willing to take on more work. Word of mouth is very powerful.

Direct mail does not work anymore. Because everyone and their brother is a computer tech.

Always keep your ears open for people having issues. There have been times that I would let them know what I do and offer my advice for free.

Sometimes it results in work further down the line. Sometimes it does not.

And most of all, be honest with your clients. Just like any other business. If your clients trust you they will refer you.

by Member 24785643

Another good standby is to do public speaking whenever the opportunity comes up - highschools, colleges, universities, through the paper - host a brief ASK THE TECH (see if the paper will buy into sponsoring something like this), go to business presentations available to the public and be there!!! I also agree with using your existing client list first. Can you offer additional services to your existing clients? Most times we miss what is close and go chasing the unknown! Good luck.

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