By it's nature, social media operates in an online world. It's easy to forget that users of social media come from an offline world looking for connection. It's the same with local business. While companies are attempting to reach potential customers online through social media, ultimately they want to connect with those same people in a tangible and physical way.
For the independent social media manager, restricting your marketing services to companies through online channels is missing a big opportunity. No matter where you live, your biggest potential for gaining new clients is right down the street and under your nose. The first step has nothing to do with the internet. It has everything to do with driving to that business and walking into their location to present yourself as a social media manager - more importantly, presenting yourself as social media manger who can help that business achieve the local results they desire.
When you are approaching a business outside of your local market to offer services as a social media manager, you are in competition with other consultants. But think of where you live. What are the odds that there is another social media manager within your region that is competing locally for the same client? The chance of this is very remote and this gives you a great advantage.
Another major 'plus' to dealing locally is that you understand the region. You have the ability to become a patron of the very business you are trying to offer social media management to. You can talk 'face to face' with the business owner. You can effectively market their business through social media in a way like no one else can.
The local market for social media consultants is untapped at present. To be frank, it is more difficult to cold call on a client than approach them via email. Dealing locally however, gives you one more major advantage. It results in finding out what clients are even worth approaching.
One simple method to finding new clients locally is the local yellow pages. I am not referring to the online yellow page directory. I am talking about the big yellow book that is dumped on your door step every year. True, this type of advertising is dying a slow death, but companies still pump hundred's of dollars a month into yellow page ads. If you find a local business that is currently spending money on this dated form of advertising, then you have found a potential client with a budget to hire you as a social media manager.
There are plenty of social media managers in search of social media jobs. Competition online is fierce. Locally however - retails stores, restaurants and professional offices - are crying out for your marketing expertise. All you need to do is drop in and say hello.