How to source new business links.

[Issi]

Hi all,

I'm just looking for a few tips or any experiences on trying to find new sources of work.

I've recently set myself up as a freelance Building Surveyor and I've signed up to a couple of companies who will send me work in my local area. It seems to be going fine but it's a bit quiet at the moment.
I’ve joined LinkedIn, which has got me a couple of links but nothing definite so far.

I've ordered a set of business cards from Vistaprint, and when they arrive, I’m thinking of contacting local estate agents, property management companies, solicitors etc with a view of meeting them so that I can talk through what I can do and leave my business cards etc.
I’m also thinking of advertising in local free papers, Tesco bulletin boards, that kind of thing. I’m only been doing this for a couple of months, so my budget for advertising is not very big at the moment.
I’m wondering if any of you chaps have set up on your own, and how you found work.
Any tips or advice gratefully received.

[omniflow]

You could try networking. I'm not saying it will work, and it might not be your cup of tea, but it's probably worth a go.

There are basically 2 types, exclusive and non-exclusive.

BNI is probably the best known of the exclusive type, they only allow one person from each profession into their "club" and the members are compelled to pass leads on to each other.

4 Networking is probably the best known on the non-exclusive type.

As I say, it's worth a go to see if it might work for you. Be careful - there a LOADS of not very nice people out there.

[rog007]

Networking is a key staple for drumming up new business. If you want to make it as efficient as it can be then spend some time researching networking tips as this will help you.

[Issi]

Thanks for the tips, really appreciate it.