An overwhelmed business owner writes, "I've done just about all I can to build a new clientele." He goes on to say, "I've created a brochure, built a web site and have ads in place but no one has contacted me. What's wrong?" Unfortunately, this business owner is a victim of a very common mistake. In spending money in marketing materials and printed advertisements, he's overlooked the fact that he should be personally involved, meeting his clients in person or introducing himself over the phone.

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.

To be a completely successful internet marketing coach, it is imperative that you provide a superior, specific image and service. You must relate to the public on a personal level in order to convince them that you are trustworthy. This is the only reliable way to get clients.

The following are five tried and true methods for professionals to attract clients: (a) Face to face meetings at an event or by appointment; (b) Cold-calling prospects; (c) Mailings and emails; (d) Personal follow-up after initial contact; (e) Attending meetings and conferences to speak to groups.

Clients need to get to know you as a person before they will accept your business. They need to learn to like you, and you need to earn their trust. In order to earn that trust, they will more than likely need to meet you in person. It will be much harder to earn a client's business by calling them on the phone, or asking for their business in person before they've had a chance to get to know you. A personal relationship is what it takes. Like a pair of pliers, it takes a person holding them to make them work.

Clients generally want to know your personal details and how you actually are. They look at you or listen to you and to learn about you gradually. If you are not having confidence about talking to people personally, how is it possible that they will be ever eager to employ your services?

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.

Self-employed professionals and small businesses can have a difficult time when they try to get clients. They hide behind company names and marketing literature instead of disclosing their own names. Often this is a result of a small business following the model of a big business. People will not work with an internet marketing coach that they are not familiar with. They would prefer to work with a person rather than a corporate entity. A good small business marketing coach will meet people at events, hold telephone conversations with potential clients and keep in touch with the client.