For us, the door opened with open source. We maintain a few semi-popular Python packages for machine learning, which brings in enough leads to keep a team of d

For us, the door opened with open source. We maintain a few semi-popular Python packages for machine learning, which brings in enough leads to keep a team of data scientists booked for months in advance. (Funnily enough, the actual work is mostly unrelated to the open source itself.) We've been gradually increasing the project size and value, now working with companies like Amazon, Autodesk or Hearst. Helped: - hot domain (machine learning) - positioning as problem solvers (rather than tech X vs tech Y), solving in context - sales (me) being able to speak both the technical and business language Waste of time (as far as leadgen): - conference sponsorships, online ads (newsletter banners, PPC), professional marketing agencies - any sort of academic partnerships or consortium projects - fancy website, social media