The smoothest way to get started is to transition from employee to contractor, bringing your employer or some loyal clients (if at an agency) with you into your

The smoothest way to get started is to transition from employee to contractor, bringing your employer or some loyal clients (if at an agency) with you into your new independent venture. This provides some even ground to help the bills get paid while you explore the growth techniques that will work best for you. That's what I did. I worked for years in a contracting firm, and -- with their blessing -- took a couple long-term clients out with me. It was easier for me to keep working with them than to force a transition. To gather new clients, I also identified a specialty/niche, created a clear brand for myself, and started marketing it in the places my potential clients would look. It really helps to narrow things down this way in the beginning, so you can have some focus in your pursuit of clients. Over time, growth became more word of mouth and holding to the niche became less important. When new clients are referred to me now, I just assess whether it's work I want and sell them on it.