Originally Posted by
wobblyoldgeezer
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
Good advice, which I'm already pursuing. As someone mentioned, marketing is always mostly a question of timing. When I'm busy, it's hard to find time to prospect, but when I don't market, I can get "unbusy" in a hurry!
I've got a few ideas I'm going to pursue in the next few weeks. I just have to talk my VP of Marketing into 'em.