I'm really sorry, this has probably been asked ten times over, but can you please tell me how you got your first client, and what was the most successful marketing tactic for you.

I've got my first client through a freelance website, but it's my only one. I've sent emails out to local businesses but haven't had any success. I've left business cards here there and everywhere.

With two little kiddies and a part time job I haven't got the time to go to networking events, so I'm struggling to find new ways of getting clients.

How did you do it?

My first two clients came from referrals. All my other clients found me online, either from my website or a directory I am listed in.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Hi Kelly,

I am in a similar situation to you as well, my son is only 4 months old and I don't have anyone to babysit him so going to networking events is hard. Many people have had a lot of success with them though I do think it is a quick way to get your name out there.

Perhaps you could solicit some business thru the phone by calling businesses that may need your service in the area. I would be careful about sending out emails unsolicited as it can be considered spam.

First thing you have to do is figure out what your target market is and then market to them.

I found some success with some forums that I belong to in specific niches and making connections online. Think about your target market and where they might hang out online at forums and such and then join and answer some questions. Have a signature with your website address in it and what you do but do not try to sell your services on every post that you make as this will be considered spam and can get you banned from the forum. Be helpful and courteous and people will come to you and you can get some exposure for your website.

You can also see if these forums have a place for advertising and offer a discount for members only. You could also try to post to and respond to ads on craigslist and other classified sites.

Getting the first couple of clients is hard, you have to put yourself out there but with hard work and persistence you will get there just dont give up.

Kim :-)

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Originally Posted by kimbeckers

Hi Kelly, I am in a similar situation to you as well, my son is only 4 months old and I don't have anyone to babysit him so going to networking events is hard. Many people have had a lot of success with them though I do think it is a quick way to get your name out there. Perhaps you could solicit some business thru the phone by calling businesses that may need your service in the area. I would be careful about sending out emails unsolicited as it can be considered spam. First thing you have to do is figure out what your target market is and then market to them. I found some success with some forums that I belong to in specific niches and making connections online. Think about your target market and where they might hang out online at forums and such and then join and answer some questions. Have a signature with your website address in it and what you do but do not try to sell your services on every post that you make as this will be considered spam and can get you banned from the forum. Be helpful and courteous and people will come to you and you can get some exposure for your website. You can also see if these forums have a place for advertising and offer a discount for members only. You could also try to post to and respond to ads on craigslist and other classified sites. Getting the first couple of clients is hard, you have to put yourself out there but with hard work and persistence you will get there just dont give up. Kim :-)

Couldn't have said it better myself Great advice Kim.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

My very first client came through networking on this forum. Other clients have come through freelance sites. I have a 4-month-old child also, so I understand how tough it can be to network in person. Don't underestimate the power of networking online, though...I've met quite a few potential clients through online forums.

Good luck!

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Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

My first client came from an RFP I responded to listed on the IVAA (International Virtual Assistant Assoc) website. I have 3 children and work full-time so I know it can be hard; but I do attend at least 2 local networking group meeting every week. They are early bird events, then I also attend at least one evening networking event as member of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners).

So I would say seek out networking opportunities that can fit into your schedule, even ONLINE events. And as everyone else as already mentioned, Marketing - Marketing - And More Marketing!

It will come!

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Monique Terrell, CEO
Sparkle Professional Office Services, LLC
www.sparkleofficeservices.com

Thank you for all of your responses! I guess it's letting them come to you, so i need to get my name "out there" as much as possible.......

My aim is to finish my p/t job in January, so hopefully secure clients to compensate for the loss of salary.

fingers crossed!

Does anyone out there know if there are any networking events that meet in the evenings for us that are just starting up and do have to work full time. I know in my area they have a networking group but they only meet in the mornings and that doesn't work for me. I also saw someone mention on this thread about online events. What are those and where can I locate them?

Thanks

Karrie

Thanks Karrie! I was going to ask the same thing.

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Kels

www.kellycairns.co.uk

Great minds Kelly

Thanks

Karrie