Blogs, podcasts, social media, newsletters, free advice, seminars, luncheons. lunch-&-learns or even offers of a free one-on-one ‘pick my brain’ session are some of the ways to get either digital or real face-time with business prospects. The key common denominator is, no risk on their part. Another key is to identify the ‘best prospects’ to offer samples of your expertise to and this can require a little detective work.

Does your area have a ‘business’ publication (online or off)? Does the local paper (online or off) have a business section? Has a good local business prospect recently hired or promoted someone to be a new; marketing director, human resources manager, director of technology or whatever position might best apply to your business? If so, this is a prime target. Send a congratulatory card/note – both snail mail and e-mail. Offer lunch or to come by for a free consultation. Every day, access whatever publications, social media venues and websites apply to the businesses in your community and look for special opportunities to offer samples of your expertise. In retail, they say ‘location’ is everything. When it comes to generating relationships with new business clients, ‘timing’ is everything.