1. Your existing network
Make a list of 50 people you know who run a business or work in one. Send a personal message (not a broadcast) explaining what you do in one sentence and asking who they know with the problem you solve.
2. Local, in-person prospecting
Many small businesses buy from people they meet. Visit 10 businesses a week with a short audit of something you noticed (an incomplete map listing, slow replies, unanswered reviews). Leave a one-page summary and follow up two days later.
3. LinkedIn, done well
Optimise your profile for the client you want, then post twice a week about real problems and small results. Comment thoughtfully on posts by potential clients. Send connection requests with a reason, never a pitch.
4. Partnerships
Find professionals who already serve your clients without competing with you: accountants, web designers, printers, trainers. Offer them a referral fee or a reciprocal arrangement.
5. Referrals and case studies
After every successful project, ask for a short testimonial and two introductions. Turn each project into a mini case study with the before, the after and what you did.
Keep score
Track contacts, conversations, proposals and sales in a simple sheet. Aim for 100 contacts, 30 conversations, 15 proposals and 10 clients. Improve the weakest step first.
