Talk to existing customers: They already know you and your business and may need more of your services. Give them a call and find out what they’re working on at the moment and whether you can help.

Start networking and meeting new contacts: Face to face networking is more likely to generate faster returns than online networking. There are plenty of business groups that organise lunches, breakfast meetings and other events. Find local groups and get involved.

Visit key contacts: Contacts who are not clients may be able to introduce clients. They need to know who your ideal prospect is and how they can help. Don’t forget, you may need to return the favour.

Contribute to blogs: Find blogs based on your area of expertise and spend 15 minutes in the morning reading the latest news and adding your comments with a link to your website.

Start a blog: Your own blog can directly drive traffic to your website where you can convert visitors into leads.

Start a newsletter: A newsletter is a great way to promote skills, experience and examples of work to a select audience.

Celebrate: Celebrating a business anniversary or x,000^th customer is a great way to generate news and speak to customers.

PR: Be your own PR consultant. Think about the most recent contract wins, new products and other successes your company has achieved. Prepare a news release and post to your website, blog and online PR websites.

Staff: Talk to your staff and get their ideas. What and who do they know that could help?

Lost sales: Speak to the last three customers who didn’t buy from you. Explore why not and start making changes!