I started by getting a contract with a recruiter and resigning from a full time job. I had done a lot of research to find out different ways of getting clients,

I started by getting a contract with a recruiter and resigning from a full time job. I had done a lot of research to find out different ways of getting clients, such as writing, presenting, networking at user groups. Essentially, doing things for other people to enhance the community around your specialty. These types of things result in referrals. Over time, the people you meet move on to other companies and the source of referrals grows. The important thing to remember is that you're running a business and doing things like finance, marketing, and continuous training to keep up with technology are as important as the time you bill.