| Perhaps the most daunting aspect of starting a new | | | | a recommendation to a friend. I continue to act as a |
| small service based business is building a client base. | | | | consultant for both clients. |
| On the other hand, there is nothing quite so exciting | | | | Faceboook Business Page: Setting up a specific FB |
| as getting those first few clients. | | | | page for your website can be a good way to |
| When trying to generate new business, it is | | | | communicate with new and existing clients. There are |
| important to cast a wide net as one never knows | | | | many apps that can used to enhance your page. To |
| where potential clients may be lurking. There are | | | | widen the reach of your Facebook page, you have |
| many ways to build a client base, even with limited | | | | the option of promoting your page with ads for |
| resources. I have outlined some below: | | | | which you can set the amount you are willing to pay |
| Word of Mouth: Perhaps, no other form of promotion | | | | per day for a finite period of time. |
| is as powerful as a recommendation from someone | | | | Networking Group: Joining a networking group can be |
| you know. In addition to providing an exceptional | | | | a fun way to meet diverse people, use your business |
| service, one should communicate with people (friends, | | | | cards, share business building stories and generate |
| former colleagues) who are likely to pass on a | | | | some business. Finding groups can be done via a |
| recommendation. | | | | simple Google search using your city name and |
| Website: A website need not be expensive. With a | | | | "networking events". |
| little HTML knowledge, one can use free composers | | | | Community/Alternative/Transit/University Newspaper: |
| like SeaMonkey or download free templates from the | | | | Advertising in various smaller publications, whether it |
| internet which are easily modified. Also, often web | | | | be classifieds or block ads, can be quite inexpensive. |
| hosting plans come with free access to website | | | | The readership should be assessed to determine |
| building tools. Initially, the website does not have to | | | | which publication best reaches your target market. |
| be fancy as long as once can succinctly communicate | | | | Google ad words: Since you only pay per click, this is |
| one's services in an aesthetically pleasing way. Meta | | | | another good way to reach new clients, |
| tags/search terms should be as specific possible to | | | | inexpensively. The more specialized the service and |
| ensure that you have a high ranking in search | | | | the ad, the better chances of success. |
| engines. | | | | Blogging: In addition to extending your knowledge |
| Craigslist/Kijiji: A weekly posting under the | | | | about your business and industry, blogging can be a |
| appropriate category at Craigslist and Kijiji is a simple | | | | good way to reach a wider audience. Additionally, a |
| and free way to bring in new clients. The ads should | | | | well written blog will add credibility to you and by |
| catchy and compelling, and ideally link to your | | | | extension, your services. |
| website. Additionally, one should also periodically scan | | | | There are numerous ways to reach clients. |
| the jobs section for contract positions. | | | | Unfortunately, when starting from scratch, these |
| Recruiting Agencies: It costs nothing to sign up with | | | | almost always take time. Ultimately, no matter how |
| recruiting agencies for temporary or part time | | | | good the service, one needs patience, a healthy |
| positions. My first non word of mouth client came | | | | savings account and frugality to get through the initial |
| from a recruiting agency who was looking for | | | | months and understand that it often takes years to |
| someone to help train a new employee. This led to a | | | | build a thriving business. |
| twice a week stint for about 6 months, followed by | | | | |