Are you struggling to find clients, customers or collaborative partners?  This was a problem that I was able to overcome as soon as I discovered two things.  One is the networking site meetup.com and the second is the value of volunteering.

Meetup.com is a website that, after you sign up, (free), and indicate your preferences, will notify you of meetings in your area that are of interest to you.  There are so many different categories for meetings here, it will blow your mind.  You can find any type of business topic or group here as well as hobby type groups that range from scrapbooking to the occult!  Let’s think about this for a minute.  Are you starting a new business and are struggling with your advertising or marketing budget.  Meetup.com is the answer.  You don’t even need to attend meet-ups that pertain to your specific business.  Try joining a meet-up that revolves around a hobby you are interested in.  This way, you will be meeting new people and, during casual conversation,  be able to spread your marketing message.  Just be sure not to come on too strong.  This isn’t a platform for a live infomercial!

Most meet-ups are reasonably priced; I haven’t spent any more than $20 per meeting and this included a wonderful educational presentation and lunch.  You may be able to find some meetings that are free.

I made a great connection at a recent meetup.  I met my collaborative partner here.  We work perfectly together!  He is a web designer and SEO master; I compliment his services with my social media skills.  We go together like milk and cookies and are able to offer our clients full Internet marketing packages with slammin’ results!  My partner brings in the mid to large sized companies from the area and I have my ear to the ground worldwide because of my virtual partnering with VAnetworking and IVAA.

The second secret to spread my message is by joining the local Chamber of Commerce.  I live in a rural area where each nearby community has its own Chamber.  I joined my two nearest ones and am very active in both.  Yes, it takes some time to volunteer, but it doesn’t cost me anything but the registration fee for a whole year!  I have met many friendly, smart local business people, some of whom, I’ve needed their services.  In turn, I have been gaining a few clients from the membership and have received a number of leads from them also.  There really is nothing better than word-0f-mouth marketing – live and in person – it’s just as viral as Twitter, Facebook and blogging!