I have tried to model my marketing efforts about this simple phrase.

Be a “Problem Solver.”

How can you help a client solve a problem? Is there a referral source that could use your help?

Make yourself valuable to others irrespective of whether you get paid or not.

Will everyone thank you? No!

Will everyone send you a client? No! Become a client? No!

But some will remember. Some will become clients. It will create opportunities to work with others. To get to know them better.

And along the way, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you helped someone else with whatever was troubling them.