I think that is greta idea, very much like Digg.

Jeff

It can be a big time sucker. I think for someone like you that is extremely busy. It may not be for you. You might have to find a ghost Twitter. Haha

Cal

Here is mine twitter.com/mayhemstudios

When I first joined Twitter. I didn't really think much about it. As I followed more people, I built up my network and it's fun.

You get what you put into it. Without even trying that hard. As a result, I contributed to an article, got interviewed for another article and had potential client contact me.

Plus, quick feedback on questions and great inspiration. Twitter is a good marketing tool but may not be for everyone.

Cal

Christian

Great article! When I first joined Twitter. I didn't really think much about it. As I followed more people, I built up my network and it's fun.

You get what you put into it. Without even trying that hard. As a result, I contributed to an article, got interviewed for another article and had potential client contact me.

Plus, quick feedback on questions and great inspiration. Twitter is a good marketing tool but may not be for everyone.

• Cal

Many companies are using blogs as their main website to easily update and post new content. If you know html and css. You can make a blog look like a traditional website plus an option for comments, etc.

Guru and all the other bidding sites pretty much blows now. Filled with low ballers and spec work.

Here are few tips I use finding potential clients.

Press Releases/E-Newsletter - Have some exciting news or completed a successful project? That's a good reason to send out a press release or e-newsletter. Send e-newsletters to current and potential clients. Send press releases to media outlets (on-line, local and industry related papers/magazines). A few free on-line resources to post your press releases.

PR Log

PR Leap

Free Press Release

Start a Blog - Write articles. Makes you an expert in your field. Potential clients will see that you know your stuff and trust to hire you. It's all about building trust and relations.

Industry Competitions - Enter your works in industry competitions.

Join Networking Social Events - It lets people know who you are and what you do.

Friends & Family - Let friends and family know what you do. This is one of the best resources for potential clients. Referrals from friends and family has a good word of mouth factor.

Ask For Referrals - Ask friends, family, clients: current/previous, printers, paper sales reps, pre-press houses for referrals.

Volunteer - Volunteer in your community and non-profits. More about networking and building trust.

Local Papers - The local news papers, business section. Often print the names and addresses of those applying for a business licenses.

Keep Your Eyes Open - Look for new construction or businesses moving into the area. Get their information. A good chance they may need creative services.

Find a Niche Market - Specialize in an area of expertise that other companies may not be filling the need for.

Chamber of Commerce - Chamber of Commerce may have a list of their members info for free on-line. Joining the Chamber of Commerce is another option for networking and potential clients.

Business Cards - Bring business cards with you everywhere you go. Strike up a conversation with people when you are out. You never who you may run into.

On-Line Directories - Get listed on free and paid on-line directories.

On-Line Networking Site - Get listed on on-line networking sites.

On-Line Forums - Post on forums, industry related markets you are targeting.

Signatures - Have a signature of your contact information on all correspondence, emails stationery and forum posts, etc.

Marketing Websites/Blogs - Check out other marketing sites/blogs, Inside the Marketing Mind and The Marketing Mix for ideas and tips.

It really depends on the chapter you join. Some people get a lot business from the chamber members, while other chapters are useless and waste of money.

I also blog and send out monthly eNewsletters. It's a good way to promote yourself without sounding like you're a salesman. I try to blog at least once a week about design, marketing, business and promotion. My newsletter consist of my completed projects, awards and a mini-article/tips. It keeps you on peoples minds, even though you may not hear from them right away.

Writing articles/tips on a blog will bring a lot of traffic to your site. At first, I was only blogging once a month and received about 5000 hits to my site. Since I started writing more often. I've been receiving about 18,000 unique hits.

• Cal