Ask HN: How do you market a small consultancy business?

[Terry_B]

Hey guys

I've started doing consulting with a buddy of mine, doing enterprise software and web development like a lot of the good people on HN.

So far all work has come from our existing network and random introductions and encounters with people.

For a such a small consultancy business do people have much luck with marketing of different types?

Can there be more method to the madness? Something more systematic?

Or is it pretty much always just about the serendipity and happenstance with people you meet at events and through existing friends and customers?

Thanks!

T

[frommers]

I have found that they key is networking with and creating some key alliances. The most important people to create relationships with is your lawyer and accountant. Everyone uses these two professions and if you able to cultivate the right relationship with them they will push a lot of business your way. Also when networking target those who you think will need a service like yours, for example web designers, marketing agencies, etc.