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"I've done everything I can think of to get clients," a desperate self-employed professional writes. "I printed a brochure, I have a web site, and I've placed ads. But no one is hiring me. What am I doing wrong?" This unhappy entrepreneur has made a common mistake. He seems to believe that investing money in placing ads and creating marketing materials will somehow produce clients without the direct involvement of the business owner.

Individuals may follow this incorrect path because they are emulating their much larger counterparts. However, if you are not internationally known, all of the expensive advertising, internet presence, trade show giveaways and fancy sounding corporate branding will not help-you. Indeed, it is much too common for a one or two person small business marketing coach firm to avoid disclosing even simple information like names, addresses, or phone numbers.

Individuals will not spend money with an internet marketing coach they are have no knowledge of. Even if some faceless corporation can help them get clients, they are much more likely to go with someone that offers some personal attention. This seemingly throwback need to know each of your customers individually should be a larger part of your business plan as the cost of your packages increase.

Most professionals find that these five things work best in getting clients: (a) Meeting people at appointments or events; (b) Having a conversation over the phone; (c) Writing emails and personal letters to the client; (d) Keeping up with the client over time; (e) Speaking to large groups at meetings or conferences.

If you want people to become your clients, they need to get to know you, learn to like you, and believe they can trust you. And for that, they really do need to meet you. It's much more challenging to go out and meet strangers, or to call people on the phone and ask for their business. But the reality is that this is what it takes. The same is true for a brochure. Both are just two marketing tools. Just like a pair of pliers, they need a person holding them in order for them to work.

Clients want to know you as a person, not as an anonymous entity. They want to see your face and hear your voice, and to build a relationship with you over time. If you are not committed or confident enough in your company to discuss it in person with potential clients, they will reciprocate your feelings and lack confidence in your business as well.

You'll discover that with practice, it gets easier to meet clients in person, talk to them on the phone, and ask them for their business. It builds up your confidence, and it builds up the confidence your potential customer has in you, as well. If you make serving people your business, you can use your own voice as your best marketing tool. So, try it out, put it to the test, and strike up a conversation with potential clients.

So you're self-employed, but can't seem to get clients? While advertising and other marketing spending is important, marketing oneself in a manner appropriate to a small business is even more important. Many entrepreneurs contract the services of a small business marketing coach. Such a coach is invaluable, as he will know the small business marketing climate intimately. For a busy professional, an internet marketing coach may be the best solution. Regardless of your choice in marketing assistance, marketing itself remains the same: your own voice is your best tool in attracting clientele.