Harold, you say you dont have the gift of the gab. But you have greater than this, you have honesty, and are humble enough to ask a personal question like you have, on a public forum. I am finding that when I talk with perspective clients that it is better to be meek and not be a know all. Dont present as though you dont need to listen to the client. Let the client advise you on what they want. Listen to them. Ask lots of questions. Be on the look out for expensive practices that they are doing, and offer to help them by been able to provide a cheaper or more cost effective method for them.
Kenneth has offered a great list, and there isnt much I can add to it, rather just expand by examples. One thing that Kenneth suggests is, manufacture your own products. That means you are not dependant on the customer coming to you, and you dont have to sell your soul in order to get the work. Make sure the product you sell is either unique, cheaper than similar products, or superior in design and quality.
Did you know that you computer can send faxes? Design a fax that desribes what you can do. Go through the yellow pages and find all the companies that you think you could offer services to. Do not send the faxes during busines hours but send them during the night. You dont want to piss off your perspective client by taking over their fax when they might be needing it. This is a great way for you to target your advertising, instead of open slather advertising like in a newspaper.
Did you ever see the movie, "Field of dreams"? The theme was, "if you build it they will come" Well it may happen in some cases, but on the whole it is bullsh1t. You will need to establish a client base the hard way first, service them well, make sure they are happy with your service, ask them if they are happy or displeased with your service, Be prepared to go that extra unpaid mile, and only then, will they come.  |