Tap Into Your Clients’ Network
Find out who your clients use for other services that could make a good strategic alliance with you. For example, since I do website design, I ask my clients who they use for computer repair. Computer repair people find that their clients ask who can build websites. They could refer those people to me.
When I get the name of their computer repair person, I call that person. I do not ask for business. This would appear presumptuous or imply that I am desperate for business. Anyone appearing too hungry raises the question as to why they don’t have more business.
Instead, I call to find out two things: More information about what the business is and when and how I can refer clients to them. If they are interested in networking with me, they will ask about my services as well.
Unless the person can open big doors for you, don’t waste your time with a contact who isn’t responsive to your offer. Spend your time looking for others who are eager to network.