Putting together a short talk on growing businesses and giving that talk to groups of business owners (say at a Chamber of Commerce meeting) gives you a solid “conversation starter” with business owners to write ads or brochures for them etc…

Just got the book today (The Wealthy Freelancer)…and I’ll be reviewing it on my blog.

Great inputs that help us get more work. In fact, I imagined myself as the panic stricken patient who went for check up . I really liked the way you dissected the problem.
The other day, I went to refill my cartridge. I had so much time to wait. I just started asking the shop owner some questions on how things are happening and he was so pleased to explain his business and problems. At last he gave me so many suggestions how to find work.
Likewise, if we talk to everyone to make friendship, probably, we may find some solutions.
Thanks for the wonderful article. I’m your permanent patient till the pain is eased :0)!
Thank you so much for the blog!
Solomon

Upcoming vacations can also present an opportunity to fill idle time. A couple of years ago, I took two weeks off in July. Rather than wait until early July to let my clients know, I contacted them all in early May. I gave them plenty of notice and encouraged them to look at their project queues to see if I could get started on something.

This resulted in three projects that kept me very busy until I left for my vacation, which was great because work was a bit light at the time. I avoided the stress of dealing with new project requests coming in a few days before leaving town. And my clients benefited by getting the work on time.

To make this work, try not to sound like your begging for work (as you suggested). And don’t sound like you’re on some sort of fishing expedition. Position your request in a way that benefits the client. You’re not asking for a favor. You’re bringing an opportunity to the table — an opportunity for the client to get ahead on some work that will need to be completed anyway.

Also, use a soft approach. Don’t come across as pushy. Keep it low key. In fact, spend some time practicing your delivery. Record what you’re going to say, and make sure that it sounds sincere and well-intentioned.

Just as important, make sure to explain the reason for your sudden availability. As long as they’re true, reasons such as the ones mentioned earlier (upcoming vacation, a current project put on hold, etc.) are effective and keep you from sounding like you’re begging for work.

Hope this helps!

–Duncan

Thanks!