I spent 10 years building a digital agency so I've got some experience with client acquisition.

The short answer is - client work leads to more work. One way to start the pipeline going is to pick up small jobs from any number of project sites and to build from there. Chances are if I have a small project I'm working on, there's more work to be had. Most big engagements start with a small project.

If you give me some ideas of what you've tried in the past perhaps I can refine the approach a bit. Happy to help.