Finding and keeping new clients

On Sep 11, 3:02 am, "Brand Bogard" <bboga....TakeThisOut@san.rr.com> wrote:
> I have started my own software consulting firm and have been vigorously
> working for my single client for the past 6 months or so. Now I find myself
> in a lull and and looking for a new project. I am haiving a hard time
> finding new clients to take advantage of my software services, mainly
> software development for numerous platforms. My first and only client has
> been great, but I feel the project is basically done and in the can. I've
> tried the usual online sources to attract new customers, like Monster and
> Hot Jobs. I've even gotten hooked into eworkmarkets.com, but there aren't
> any real opportunities for me to take advantage of right now.
>
> How do I go out and attract more clients in such a way as to keep a constant
> stream of projects coming in?

How about get a list of companies who are in the same sector as your
only client. Then put together a nice package outlining the work you
have done. Then mail it out and follow-up.
There is no voodoo magic in marketing... its 99% grunt work. Eric.
 >> Stay informed about: Finding and keeping new clients 

<ehandbury.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:13f2l3dabrjgh74@news.supernews.com...
>
> On Sep 11, 3:02 am, "Brand Bogard" <bboga....DeleteThis@san.rr.com> wrote:
>> I have started my own software consulting firm and have been vigorously
>> working for my single client for the past 6 months or so. Now I find
>> myself
>> in a lull and and looking for a new project. I am haiving a hard time
>> finding new clients to take advantage of my software services, mainly
>> software development for numerous platforms. My first and only client
>> has
>> been great, but I feel the project is basically done and in the can.
>> I've
>> tried the usual online sources to attract new customers, like Monster and
>> Hot Jobs. I've even gotten hooked into eworkmarkets.com, but there
>> aren't
>> any real opportunities for me to take advantage of right now.
>>
>> How do I go out and attract more clients in such a way as to keep a
>> constant
>> stream of projects coming in?
>
> How about get a list of companies who are in the same sector as your
> only client. Then put together a nice package outlining the work you
> have done. Then mail it out and follow-up.
> There is no voodoo magic in marketing... its 99% grunt work. Eric.

Thanks. That makes sense. I guess I am looking for some kind of strategy
help. I have been trying to come up with a second client that can duplicate
the amount of work my first one has, but it's a really small market in San
Diego, CA. I guess I don't really know where to start looking or what
information sources to trust for new leads. Any information this group can
provide in the area would really help.
 >> Stay informed about: Finding and keeping new clients 

On Sep 10, 10:02 am, "Brand Bogard" <bboga....RemoveThis@san.rr.com> wrote:
> I have started my own software consulting firm and have been vigorously
> working for my single client for the past 6 months or so. Now I find myself
> in a lull and and looking for a new project. I am haiving a hard time
> finding new clients to take advantage of my software services, mainly
> software development for numerous platforms. My first and only client has
> been great, but I feel the project is basically done and in the can. I've
> tried the usual online sources to attract new customers, like Monster and
> Hot Jobs. I've even gotten hooked into eworkmarkets.com, but there aren't
> any real opportunities for me to take advantage of right now.
>
> How do I go out and attract more clients in such a way as to keep a constant
> stream of projects coming in?

Have you asked your current client for referrals to others they think
might benefit from your services?
 >> Stay informed about: Finding and keeping new clients 

"DeBorah Beatty" <DeBorah.Beatty DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote in message
news:13f6a8ish5es3fa@news.supernews.com...
>
> On Sep 10, 10:02 am, "Brand Bogard" <bboga... DeleteThis @san.rr.com> wrote:
>> I have started my own software consulting firm and have been vigorously
>> working for my single client for the past 6 months or so. Now I find
>> myself
>> in a lull and and looking for a new project. I am haiving a hard time
>> finding new clients to take advantage of my software services, mainly
>> software development for numerous platforms. My first and only client
>> has
>> been great, but I feel the project is basically done and in the can.
>> I've
>> tried the usual online sources to attract new customers, like Monster and
>> Hot Jobs. I've even gotten hooked into eworkmarkets.com, but there
>> aren't
>> any real opportunities for me to take advantage of right now.
>>
>> How do I go out and attract more clients in such a way as to keep a
>> constant
>> stream of projects coming in?
>
> Have you asked your current client for referrals to others they think
> might benefit from your services?

Not yet, but that might be a good avenue to pursue. I guess I just don't
know how to duplicate the success I've had with my best and first real
client into other business opportunities. I am able and willing to talk to
anyone, but I just don't know where to start and focus my efforts.
 >> Stay informed about: Finding and keeping new clients 

>but I just don't know where to start and focus my efforts.- Hide quoted text -

Hi Brand,

Are there any companies that complement what you do, who may refer
work out to you? Myself, one of my current businesses is website
design and I have found that companies in printing, technology and
advertising love to refer work out to me when I do a SUPERB job and
give them a little something for it (in my case 20% profit sharing). I
have created a new profit center and an incentive for others to refer
work out to me. Can you do something similar? Focus on connecting with
companies who can either give you business or who need your business.
I think that finding prospects like your client is a great idea. Also,
get referrals - another great idea!

If the market is not working out for you, as you seem to have
indicated, go to a new market, or if not, maybe you'll have to settle
for doing just good. I am in the process of doing the same thing -
moving from Naples, FL to Los Angeles area (right up the street from
you, LOL).

What about if you tried to partner with other companies like yours?
Maybe one that offers similar but slightly different services? If you
partner, it could make the both of you look more powerful because
suddenly you will be able to offer a greater array of services. I use
such leverage with a team in India and it works great!!

Seek out the companies you want to work with. Then just call or
connect through someone you know and let them know how much you would
love to have them as a client. Meet with them, be super nice, maybe
buy them something memorable... And ask for one test project - maybe
at a reduced rate even!! Get your foot in the door with the clients
you want...


Hope I could be of help!

Anna Kubit
Konsultar Corporation
>creating dynamic destinies
www.konsultar.com | www.dynamowebsites.com
239-293-6886 (call me with any questions or for a marketing
brainstorming session).
 >> Stay informed about: Finding and keeping new clients 

"Brand Bogard" <bbogard1.RemoveThis@san.rr.com> wrote in message
news:13eau5q18gche1a@news.supernews.com...
>
> I have started my own software consulting firm and have been vigorously
> working for my single client for the past 6 months or so. Now I find
> myself
> in a lull and and looking for a new project.

The best thing I did, really, the thing that made my business, was to start
talking with local competitors. It turned out that while we did compete, in
a sense, we didn't compete directly. We were all "computer consultants", but
one guy did maintanance, another did C programming, another did embedded,
etc.

I had a pizza party one night & invited them all over. I got my marketing
stuff all out, laid it out on the table and started asking for feedback.
(This was in the pre-Internet days.) Things went really well. We all shared
referrals for the next couple years.

On another note, no matter what, you do need to learn how to market and
sell. Check out the guerilla marketing books (for example). See if there are
any night-school classes in your area re. small business marketing, etc.

Mike
 >> Stay informed about: Finding and keeping new clients 

On Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:23:59 -0000, "em" <i DeleteThis @dun.no> wrote in
<13njn3vgcdclufc DeleteThis @news.supernews.com>:
>
>"Brand Bogard" <bbogard1 DeleteThis @san.rr.com> wrote in message
>news:13eau5q18gche1a@news.supernews.com...
>>
>> I have started my own software consulting firm and have been vigorously
>> working for my single client for the past 6 months or so. Now I find
>> myself
>> in a lull and and looking for a new project.
>
>The best thing I did, really, the thing that made my business, was to start
>talking with local competitors. It turned out that while we did compete, in
>a sense, we didn't compete directly. We were all "computer consultants", but
>one guy did maintanance, another did C programming, another did embedded,
>etc.
>
>I had a pizza party one night & invited them all over. I got my marketing
>stuff all out, laid it out on the table and started asking for feedback.
>(This was in the pre-Internet days.) Things went really well. We all shared
>referrals for the next couple years.

I heard this story from Mike years back and followed his example. It
does work. You have to take the initiative to contact everyone you
can find and establish relationships. The pizza party is a great
idea, because everyone can sit around and b.s. about computers and
business in a relaxed environment.

I won't say that it has made my business, but I have gotten
significant business from my relationships with other consultants.
I've also found good subs that helped me complete projects that I
couldn't handle by myself.

You could check the ICCA <http://www.icca.org/> to see if there is a
chapter in your area and start there. You can also ask around at the
local users group and mom and pop computer shops.
--
Charles Calvert | Software Design/Development
Celtic Wolf, Inc. | Project Management
http://www.celticwolf.com/ | Technical Writing
(703) 580-0210 | Research
 >> Stay informed about: Finding and keeping new clients 

"Charles Calvert" <cbciv.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:13ntg1767vjdp66@news.supernews.com...
>
> On Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:23:59 -0000, "em" <i.RemoveThis@dun.no> wrote in
> <13njn3vgcdclufc.RemoveThis@news.supernews.com>:
>>
>>"Brand Bogard" <bbogard1.RemoveThis@san.rr.com> wrote in message
>>news:13eau5q18gche1a@news.supernews.com...
>>>
>>> I have started my own software consulting firm and have been vigorously
>>> working for my single client for the past 6 months or so. Now I find
>>> myself
>>> in a lull and and looking for a new project.
>>
>>The best thing I did, really, the thing that made my business, was to
>>start
>>talking with local competitors. It turned out that while we did compete,
>>in
>>a sense, we didn't compete directly. We were all "computer consultants",
>>but
>>one guy did maintanance, another did C programming, another did embedded,
>>etc.
>>
>>I had a pizza party one night & invited them all over. I got my marketing
>>stuff all out, laid it out on the table and started asking for feedback.
>>(This was in the pre-Internet days.) Things went really well. We all
>>shared
>>referrals for the next couple years.
>
> I heard this story from Mike years back and followed his example. It
> does work. You have to take the initiative to contact everyone you
> can find and establish relationships. The pizza party is a great
> idea, because everyone can sit around and b.s. about computers and
> business in a relaxed environment.
>
> I won't say that it has made my business, but I have gotten
> significant business from my relationships with other consultants.
> I've also found good subs that helped me complete projects that I
> couldn't handle by myself.
>
> You could check the ICCA <http://www.icca.org/> to see if there is a
> chapter in your area and start there. You can also ask around at the
> local users group and mom and pop computer shops.
> --
> Charles Calvert | Software Design/Development
> Celtic Wolf, Inc. | Project Management
> http://www.celticwolf.com/ | Technical Writing
> (703) 580-0210 | Research

Thanks Charles. That sounds like a good idea. I'll try that. I'm sure
books and books can be written about the subjec. I've found that getting a
good sense of my local market has been hard to say the least.
 >> Stay informed about: Finding and keeping new clients