Start with businesses or former employers who already know you and your abilities. Contact them directly and tell them what you do. Develop a simple brochure that explains your business, background, references, rates, etc. and that also demonstrates the quality of your work. Ask your first contacts for other leads on who to talk to. In my experience, face to face meetings are more effective than mail campaigns.

Once you've contacted people you know, identify the major businesses and contact the administration, marketing, or human resources departments. If you want to target students as potential customers, post your brochure on bulletin boards on campuses. You may also want to target small businesses. You could visit small industrial parks, post your flyers where courses on starting a business are taught, or go to Chamber of Commerce and other business association meetings. Advertising in a local newspaper may also be worthwhile, but try all the personal connections first.

Once you have a customer, do excellent work. Be accurate, reliable, cost effective, and responsive to the customer's needs. Satisfied customers are your best source of new business. Ask them for leads, and follow up. Be sure to thank them if any of the referrals lead to new customers.

More FAQ Topics:

• How do I make the transition from a full-time job to self-employment?
• Where do I find info on the tax advantages of a home-based business?
• How do I balance work and family?
• What's the best way to handle interruptions?
• Should I see clients in my home office?
• Do I need a Web page?
• How do I market my company?
• How to avoid/deal with business partner conflicts?
• Where and how can I get financial assistance for my business?
• How do I manage my time better -- I need a vacation!!
• What kind of home-based business should I start?

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