Finding clients?

[Sintwar]

Hi all,

I have been doing graphics for about 15 years now, and have been designing websites for at least 10, so I have plenty of experience with design. Problem is, I have only ever really worked full time gigs, and am now trying to find and build my own clientele.

So, I am hoping to find some information on what would be the best way to hunt down and find people who are looking for the sort of work I do. I have seen sites like Elance, but I am not really interested in bidding for jobs. I would like to find my own clients, and work directly with them, without any sort of middle man.

I just have no idea of where to start. Thanks for any advice.

[greeneye]

I'm kinda in the same boat :p I'm doing a couple freelance stuff on the side and looking for more, but right now it's only by word-of-mouth around town

[Design1203]

I came to this site in search of help from graphic designers. I'm attempting to start my own social network so I will need a designer for that. I also need a logo for the site.
i got tons of responses from the craigslist some even from out of state (the majority).
I got so many responses I decided to find another route so here I am.

I would prefer to work with some one who has a web cam so we can chat live.

PM me if you can do the web cam chat thing via gmail, live, skype, whatever.

[Buda]

Word of mouth is a really good thing. Think of all the ways you can enhance your current relationships with your regular clients.

[greedo]

we get 100% of our clients by following 3 easy steps:

Step 1. Do really good work.
Step 2. Be the kinds of people a client would want to work with, and tell other people about.
Step 3. There is no step 3.

[PrintDriver]

Design1203, if you want to hire someone, post a Classified ad.

[GrumpyKate]

Your best bet is to get your own website up and working. . . then network. If you can join BNI (or even afford to!) that's a business referral group where you will find businesses.

Get business cards printed (professionally) and get them out to businesses via friends & family.

Get a portfolio together and call in on likely businesses or phone them. .

Be prepared for the 'NO thankyou' - it's not easy but they aren't rejecting you personally.

If you are in a job at the moment don't approach your clients directly. That will really p*** your boss of and give him a reason to get rid of you!

Be persistent - it takes between 5 and 7 (or more) 'marketing touches' before someone will buy from you!

[SurfPark]

Here are some articles that might help:

How to Get Web Design Clients, Give Before you Receive (http://www.dailybrilliance.com/how-to-get-web-design-clients-give-before-you-receive/)
6 Killer Tips for More Web Design Clients (http://articles.sitepoint.com/article/tips-more-web-design-clients)

[greedo]

you should also look at Haystack.com