I have a very specific group of people that I want to market my services to. I have lots of experience with this group and feel that my background would benefit their organizations. My question is how do I approach them without breaking the rules of contact? My potential clients (thinking positive ) are all over the country and not just down the road at a social networking event. Can I send unsolicited email with an introduction or snail mail postcard / brochure / introduction letter? Another option would be advertising in industry magazines, but I don't feel that is as direct of a shot as just contacting them individually.

Thanks!

Wendy

Another option is join a forum where these clients might spend some reading time.. I enjoy working with Artists so I go to a couple different forums where artists chat and gather.

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

Is there a buying group your niche prospects would be members of? If so, you could contact the buying group to become a group vendor or provider -- generally this vendor/provider status provides you with a list of members with contact information. You can then use the list to make your "Vendor Service Introduction" with an opt in -- this would not be breaking the rules so long as the buying group provided the info.

I am working with a buying group that part of my niche is a member of to become just this.

Just another option.

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Cindy
www.eoseasy.comThe Chrysalis Plan

Absolutely find the online forums where your niche hangs out. Once you do - PARTICIPATE. Don't just "look for work". Answer questions, ask questions, offer advice, even do an occasional friendly task for free. You will soon find that you are invaluable to the other members of the group - and, even if you don't get work from them directly, they will give you positive word of mouth to others in their field.

- Kate

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Kate LaFrance
HELP Virtual Office Support

It's great that you are so focused on a specific market. Is there a trade association that you could join? Many associations give out contact information for members that implicitly gives permission for members to contact each other.

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Karen Cole, MBA
www.aveonservices.com

Wendy, thanks for asking this question. I was wondering and considering doing the same thing but was unsure if it was against the rules or not, especially when I see many people posting their email addresses on flyers, post cards, business cards, and other advertisements. I was afraid it would be considered spam.

I like Kate's idea about joining online forums and being a contributing member. You'll likely learn even more about your group in the process.

Best regards,

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Prins Cowin, CPS/CAP, Virtual Business Manager
www.KingBusinessManagement.com

LinkedIn worked for me, I wanted to focus on the pet-related industry but I was worried I was narrowing my niche too much. I just found my first client in the pet industry by answering a question in one of the dog groups I belong to on LinkedIn. I did not promote my services at all, just commented when I felt I could answer someone's question.

Good Luck

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Susan Vickers
Social Media Marketing

Hi there
I agree with Shelly - find the forums
and then again I agree with Kate - participate
Customers need to know your expertise... anyone can click a link and hope for a good service or product but the forums are a good way to build relationships softly and not seemingly "cold call" every niche customer. Often if you post relevant and helpful information they'll look at your profile and think "wow - she knows her stuff" and consider doing business with you in future.

Fantastic that you've identified your niche customer though - that's a great start already!

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Virtually yours,
www.nzvas.com

that is a good idea! I am leaning towards the food service event planning logistics area as my niche. I have also thought about medical transcription but find the cost for my AA in medical coding and billing is too much for my budget