Bill,
One of the things I've always done with new clients is to send them a thank you card after I perform the first time. The card is custom made using Print Shop and printed on photo quality, matte paper. I use the same program to custom print my logo on the outside of the envelope as well.
Additionally, at the end of each season, I send each of my existing clients a custom Christmas card, which is also created using Print Shop. Little things such as these really go a long way.
When I was looking for additional work, I printed up special occasion cards and mailed them out to prospective clients. For example, I have one that on the front page is says in bold, balloon print "30 Good Reasons To Have A Party!" For the background there were balloons, streamers, etc.. that provided a great presentation. On the inside of the card was a list of the upcoming holidays and respective dates, all of which are also listed on my calanders. Of course, there is my name and phone number in bold, red print at the bottom of the card for them to call. This card alone generated two dozen jobs the first time I used it.
The cost of the card is about .25 cents to create, it fits into a 6 X 6 envelope and costs .42 cents to mail. The envelopes can be purcased relatively cheap at places such as Cosco's and BJ's. When the don't have them available, I buy them at Staples.
Until recently I sent mailers out on a quarterly basis, but I now have reduced this to twice a year, plus the calanders and Christmas cards.
Cheers,
Gary
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Travlin' Easy