You know this better than me for sure

But an ex- freelance management development consultant to a current management consultant, for what it's worth..

When you're busy delivering, you don't have time for marketing, which is why life feels like (felt like to me) a series of boom or bust crises.

Suggestion - look at last year's diary, separate the clients you really enjoyed working with and who really gained from your interventions (and from whom you earned) from the time wasters. 1 Hour research.

For all the A category clients, end of year message about your appreciation, what you did for them and how much you hope to continue the relationship. Standard letter, inserting specifics, mailmerge. 3 hours.

For new potential clients, send out a statement of capability and documented results from clients who'd approve. Via trade associations, Chambers of Commerce and purchased mailing lists. 5 hours.

Then ride, and wait for the apples to drop. Gotta plough and manure, which is hard while you're harvesting - this time is your business development time.

Sorry if this is all obvious - well intentioned. All the best