11. Submit proposals to speak at industry group conferences.
If you don't have a lot of experience speaking, see if you can get on a panel, instead of giving a solo speech. Be sure to promote your participation in the panel before the event, and link to any videos or other after-event promo the conference planner has posted.
12. Refer business to other businesses in your networks.
Giving referrals is as important a networking tool as getting them. People recommend people they like….and business people usually like other business people who send them business.
13. Be active on social media.
Tweet, mention and link to blog posts and social networking posts made by other individuals if what they've written something of interest to your audience. Besides providing good material for your followers, it's a good way to win social media friends, expand your network, and get your name and specialty known.
14. Build an email list and send informative mailings to it on a regular basis.
Your mailing list should be made up of people who have asked to be on it. (Having a newsletter signup box on your web page is one good way to get people to "ask" to be on your mailing list.)
15. Join and participate in local business groups and try one or two leads groups as well.
The best source of business for many small service businesses is referrals.
16. Stick with groups that attract the types of people you want as customers.
Even when people don't really know you, you become a more trusted resource just by showing up.
17. Keep in touch with potential customers and existing customers with a postcard mailing.
The person who doesn't have time to talk to you today, may need your services (or know someone else who does) a month or 6 months from now.
18. Ask for referrals.
Besides asking existing clients if they know anyone else who can use your services, consider what other professionals you know who could refer business to you – and vice versa. If you're an electrician, talk to local builders and remodeling contractors, plumbers, and people who lay tile. If you are a graphic designer talk to web designers and ad agencies, about referring work.