I have within the past 2 months started my own consulting company and I am having a hard time getting prospects. I have a lot of people that have been talking about my business word of mouth but is there a different channel that I need to consider to get my name out there. I specialize in sales and small business consulting. I don't want to spend a lot of money on marketing through ads if I don't have to. If anyone has any other ideas let me know.

Nert, there are a couple of services that you can access that will help you obtain leads. There is a cost to it though. I can put you in contact with them if you want, but as anyone in business will tell you the most difficult part is getting qualified leads. scase20@juno.com

Hi
this is not only a difficult task for many trainers and consultanst - but the buying cycle of many companys and organizations is a lot longer than people think or expect.

It is not unusual for the time from first meeting to start of a contract to exceed 12 months. The more you get your name out there the more prospects you will get and as a result if you have a USP the more conversions you will get.

To raise your profile write articles for forums and journals. Make sure that the footer has a link to your web page.

Go to local groups and network. do not sell - but just let people know you exist. Offer free solutions when they ask a question - then when they have a business need your name is more in the frame.

USP - your Unique Selling Point. What is it that you do better than anyone else? please do not say that you offer "all kinds of consulting or soft skills training" - you will be the same as every other under valued person on the market. Find a niche - then major on that. People will still ask your for the other things but people remember people for the difference they bring!

This is a slow long journey. kkep the momentum up, keep getting your name out there.

This is a game of persistance.

her in the UK the average career of a freelance is 3 years. This is because many focus on one or two first clients and forget the long term. Focus on long terms results - but do what it takes to keep the cash flow rolling.

Have you registered with any established companys that use freelance people as associates? The day rates are lowers but as I said helps keep the cash flow and helps you to build your name and reputation

all the best
Mike

Have you contributed to the http://www.developthedeveloper.com survey yet?

Yes please get me into contact with whomever you know. Thank you so much

Nert

Before even considering becoming a consultant you need a market niche. "Sales and small business consulting" really doesn't tell you much. What type of sales? What industries? What type of small businesses?, etc. And you will need a proven track record in that market niche - something to give you credibility in what it is you plan to sell clients. If you know who your target audience is and can show results, the rest is a lot easier - clients will come to you. Most companies will not even consider a consultant without that track record. Writing articles is a good idea. Also, you should present at the major national and international conferences in your niche area and audience. While you are waiting to get a real customer, you might volunteer to work on a worthwhile project to get some experience and start building a track record. Good luck.