Where Can You Find Your Next Client? The Answer Is Right Under Your Nose By Krista Jones

I got a case of the "jitters" a couple of weeks ago. With only a few days of work in the queue, I had no idea where my next job was coming from. But then I started to notice what was right in front of me – and I instantly knew which companies to contact.

The next time you feel nervous about finding work, pay closer attention to the letters you get for business opportunities, fundraising, and health supplements. Spend some time meandering through websites for companies that are in your area of interest. Even check out billboards as you drive down the highway.

And while you're at it, take a look at the promotions you see at your travel agency, beauty salon, and auto-repair shop. Any non-franchise company will do.

Ask yourself if you could improve any of the business communications you come across:

• Do any of them highlight features instead of benefits?
• Is the language inappropriate for the intended audience?
• Is the copy written to impress rather than to inform?
• Are websites or billboards cluttered with too many features or words? (In his book, "Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This," Luke Sullivan suggests that a billboard should have no more than seven words.)

This simple exercise will do two things. First, it will boost your confidence as you discover that many businesses – from large companies down to "Mom-and-Pop" shops – don't have a grasp of the basic fundamentals of selling. And, second, it will give you plenty of good leads for your next assignment.